Event Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview
The Project Manager is responsible for managing project scope for a large-scale event, with possible support from Associate Project Managers. This position will monitor progress and performance against the project plan; identifying, resolving, escalating operational problems, and minimizing delays. This position is responsible for the end-to-end execution of projects from event design and development through closing. The Project Manager will ensure successful and profitable execution of events by following Technical and Production Standards and supporting the implementation of processes and SOP's that drive consistency in event production. This position will partner with Project Management, Sales, and Operations teams in determining event technical requirements and communicating event execution plan with all parties. The Project Manager will report to the Associate Director, Project Management.
Key Job Responsibilities
Event Project Management
• Prepare and communicate technical production & labor schedules, sub-rental requirements, project scope, execution plan and individual responsibilities to team members, vendors and venue partners.
• Determine and secure the resources required to successfully complete each project.
• Maintain focus on client needs by attending client meetings, creating and maintaining organized show documentation and responding to client concerns and questions.
• Monitor project scope throughout the event planning process and adjust as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project.
• Assist sales and operations teams to help determine equipment needs and technical solutions for the project.
• Assist with the creation of technical diagrams when required.
• Review all sales documents to confirm that the equipment and technical positions will meet the client's needs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients at all levels of their organization and provide outstanding customer service while focusing on client retention.
• Provide leadership for Associate Project Managers on multi-PM supported events.
Event Execution
• Act as the project leader and onsite contact for the client throughout the event.
• Manage all phases of event technical execution from load-in through run of show to load-out.
• Assume ownership of inventory management throughout the event.
• Communicate the project plan and client expectations to event team.
• Manage onsite changes, including schedule, equipment or workforce modifications.
• Mentor and communicate with Encore Team Members on event execution and best practices to help improve the local knowledge base and experience in the market.
• Ensure compliance with established Technical Standards and Production Standards.
• Follow up with clients on-site to ensure that their needs are met and the equipment setup is working properly.
Financial Management
• Assist in the creation, analysis, and execution of the project budget, partnering with regional leadership to mitigate external workforce and sub-rental spend.
• Manage event costs to align with budget and ensure all onsite changes are communicated to sales for billing purposes.
• Assist with the completion of post-event client invoice. Work with operations management to ensure the prompt payment of all external vendors
• Ensure compliance with Encore Policies and Procedures to minimize company's exposure to liability claims and property damage, theft and misappropriation.
Administrative & Training
• Complete Encore post-event process, to include the completion of all post-show reporting, confirming all workforce hours are accurately entered and ensuring that outsourced equipment is returned to appropriate provider.
• Participate in the development of Project Management SOP's.
• Conduct review and analysis of proposed events as required.
Job Requirements
• BA/BS Degree or equivalent experience
• 4+ years of technical experience in the Corporate Staging or Broadcast industry. Project Management experience preferred
• 1+ year of Supervisory experience preferred
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong Technical Background
• Strong Client relationship skills
• Familiarity with budgets and cost control
• Operational logistics experience
• Works well under pressure
• Ability to manage multiple complex job functions within a fast-paced environment
• MS Office experience required
• Technical diagram knowledge / experience preferred
• Ability to travel up to 50% may be required
Competencies
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Financial Acumen
• Detail Oriented
• Problem Solving
• Drives Quality Results
• Communicates Effectively
• Plans and Aligns
• Hospitality
• Builds Effective Teams
• Decision Quality
• Responsiveness
• Manages Complexity
Physical Requirements
Team members must be able to meet the physical demands outlined below to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sitting: 2-3 hours per day
• Standing: 2-3 hours per day
• Walking: 2-3 hours per day
• Stooping: 0-1 hours per day
• Crawling: 0-1 hours per day
• Kneeling: 0-1 hours per day
• Bending: 0-1 hours per day
• Reaching (above your head): 0-1 hours per day
• Climbing: 0 hours per day
• Grasping: 0 hours per day
Lifting Requirements
• Lifting 0 - 15 lbs*: Frequently
• Lifting 16 - 50 lbs*: Occasionally
• Lifting 51 - 100 lbs: Never
• Lifting Over 100 lbs: Never
Carrying Requirements
• Carrying 0 - 15 lbs*: Frequently
• Carrying 16 - 50 lbs*: Occasionally
• Carrying 51 - 100 lbs: Never
• Carrying Over 100 lbs: Never
Auditory/Visual Requirements
• Close Vision: Continuously
• Distance Vision: Continuously
• Color Vision: Continuously
• Peripheral Vision: Continuously
• Depth Perception: Continuously
• Hearing: Continuously
Pushing/Pulling Requirements
• Pushing/Pulling 0 - 15 lbs*: Frequently
• Pushing/Pulling 16 - 50 lbs*: Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling 51 - 100 lbs*: Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling Over 100 lbs: Never
Note: The physical requirements marked with an asterisk () indicate activities performed without assistance.*
Team members must be able to meet the physical demands above in order to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
Event Venue
Work is performed in a hotel/event venue environment with moderate exposure to outdoor temperatures and to dirt, sand and/or dust. The working conditions will vary between moderately quiet to noisy volumes. Team members will use high-end audio-visual equipment and electrical components and will be exposed to heights via lifts and ladders. Team members may be asked to work in multiple locations. Working times may include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based on an individual venue or a representation of venues in that city or area.
Office
Work is performed in an office environment. Working times may include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based in an office environment and when traveling, on an individual venue or a representation of venues in that city or area.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.