Senior Experiential Manager (Field Operations) (Travel/Hospitality Client)

THE JOB / Senior Experiential Manager (Field Operations) (Travel/Hospitality Client)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs.

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (2-3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL,  or Atlanta, GA. The Los Angeles and NYC locations are highly preferred. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.”

We are looking for a Senior event manager to support our client’s fast-moving, hosted experiences program. In this role, you will oversee and project manage staffing logistics for a wide variety of events that engage diverse hosts and guests across approximately 10 cities in North and South America. You’ll be responsible for management of the experience staff, working with event producers, staffing vendors, budget management, feedback documents, and upholding a “gold standard” experience for all participants. From high-profile talent and athletes to local cultural experts, you’ll play a key role in bringing a diverse range of exciting experiences to life!

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Staffing Lead: Lead local staffing efforts, including training and scheduling event staff to ensure event success.
• Event Support: Act as primary liaison to experience producers to determine staffing needs, review Run-of-Show and production details.
• Client Communication & Relationship Management: Maintain consistent communication with clients to ensure their objectives and expectations are met.
• Budget & Financial Management: Manage event budgets, ensuring financial processes are handled efficiently and expenses are reconciled promptly.
• Vendor & Partner Relations: Cultivate strong relationships with internal teams, external partners, vendors, and venues for seamless event execution.
• Feedback & Recommendations: Provide detailed feedback and analysis on event effectiveness, offering recommendations for future improvements.
• Logistics & Planning Support: Assist with logistics and planning documents, including agendas, recaps, and other event-related materials.
• Event Improvement Recommendations: Offer insights and recommendations for enhancing future events.
• Real-time Problem Solving: Work closely with local teams to resolve issues in real-time and deliver a “white glove” service to all guests.

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work in Sports”, Octagon is the global sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group.

We take pride in being Playmakers – finding insightful, bold ways to create play in our work, our lives, and in the world. We believe in the power of play to create big ideas and unlock potential for our clients and talent.

We can put ourselves in the shoes of fans because we ARE fans – of sports, entertainment, and culture at large. This expertise allows us to continually evolve the fan experience across sports and entertainment alongside some of the biggest brands and talent in the world.

The world needs play more than ever. Are you a Playmaker?

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Overall Experience: 5+ years (NON-Internship) in event or brand marketing, with a proven track record in managing experiential teams and event sites.
• Project Management Skills: Exceptional ability to juggle multiple projects at once, ensuring timely and high-quality execution.
• Event Management Expertise: Hands-on experience in executing large and small-scale events, including managing staffing agencies and coordinating logistics.
• Client Relationship Management: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Budget Management: Experience with managing event budgets and reconciling expenses.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey ideas and collaborate effectively with clients, vendors, and team members.
• Proactive & Solution-Oriented: A "can-do" attitude with the ability to anticipate challenges and proactively find solutions.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Airtable a plus.
• Spanish fluency and/or experience with events in Mexico and/or South America a plus, but not required.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Low (0-15%)

L4: The base range for this position is $65,000 – 75,000. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background pertinent experience, and qualifications

Octagon’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

• Unlimited PTO policy – we understand you need time for play!
• Competitive medical/dental/vision insurance plans with FSA/HSA and Dependent Care FSA options. Pet Insurance for those who need it too!
• Generous Family and Parental Leave Policy (12 weeks) with eligibility extended to all parents regardless of gender or primary/secondary caregiver status 
• Access to our parent company (IPG) Savings plan (401K program) with company match as well as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Pretax Transportation/Commuter Benefits and Parent Travel Program
• Dedicated Mental Health resources including Headspace membership, Employee Assistance Program (CCA) and more
• Discount portal for everyday goods and services
• Employee Resource Groups and inclusive diversity programming and initiatives
• Personal Development programs 

Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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