Senior Event Manager - Freehand Hospitality

Senior Event Manager

Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. We celebrate diverse culinary styles—from upscale Maritime dining to classic French fare—paired with genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.

A Senior Event Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing events from conception to execution. This role involves planning, leadership, vendor management, and ensuring a seamless experience for clients and attendees. This role requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.

What you will do as Senior Event Manager:

• Manage the execution of all events across the portfolio
• Lead the overall planning and strategy for events, ensuring alignment with client or organizational goals.
• Develop comprehensive event plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate all logistical aspects of the event
• Manage and mentor the events team, providing guidance and ensuring that all team members are aligned with event goals.
• Develop and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both onsite and offsite events to ensure consistency, efficiency, and high-quality execution.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across multiple departments to ensure seamless planning and execution of multiple events happening simultaneously. 
• Delegate responsibilities effectively, ensuring each team member understands their role and delivers tasks on time.
• Foster a collaborative and efficient working environment, ensuring all team members are well-prepared to handle event-related tasks.
• Serve as the main point of contact for key clients and stakeholders throughout the planning process, ensuring their expectations are met and exceeded.
• Hold regular meetings with clients to update them on event progress, discuss any changes, and finalize details.
• Manage relationships with sponsors, partners, and vendors, ensuring that all parties are satisfied with event arrangements and are delivering as promised.
• Develop, manage, and track event budgets, ensuring that costs are controlled and that events stay within budget.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing and value-added services.
• Monitor event expenses and adjust as necessary to ensure financial goals are met.
• Oversee vendor contracts, ensuring all terms are met and services are delivered on schedule.
• Conduct quality checks to ensure that all vendors meet the required standards.
• Work with the marketing team to develop and implement promotional strategies to increase attendance and visibility for the event.
• Oversee the day-of event operations, ensuring all logistical elements run smoothly and that the event is executed as planned.
• Supervise event staff, troubleshoot issues, and address any last-minute changes or problems.
• Ensure the event environment is welcoming, organized, and conducive to a positive experience for attendees.
• Liaise with clients, guests, and stakeholders during the event to ensure that their needs are met.
• Address any issues or problems that arise during the planning process or on the event day, quickly and efficiently.
• Ensure that all events comply with legal, health, safety, and insurance requirements.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gathering feedback from clients, attendees, and event staff.
• Prepare detailed event reports that analyze event success, budget performance, attendee satisfaction, and lessons learned.
• Provide insights for future events and suggest areas for improvement.
• Such other similar and related duties as required from time to time.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in event management, with a strong background in planning and executing large, high-profile events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong budget management and financial oversight skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to remain calm under pressure.
• Proficiency with event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business, or a related field is an asset
• Knowledge of event trends, technology, and innovations.
• Previous experience with TripleSeat considered an asset.

• Ability to work flexible hours as onsite attendance onsite is required for all major events to assist with event execution alongside the in-Restaurant or Catering teams.
  

What’s in it for you? 

• Competitive salary
• Participate in Leadership gratuity pool when onsite executing events
• Comprehensive Extended, Health, and Dental benefits.
• Access to our gym and fitness facilities.
• 50% Dining Discount at Freehand locations
• RRSP Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement

A member of The Armour Group, Freehand Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you would like to join an organization with which you can have a work-life balance, career growth, long term job stability, and an opportunity to positively contribute to the community, this position may be for you!

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected]. While we thank all applicants only those selected for an interview will be contacted.