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Senior Event Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Event Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... 3 to 4 years of event management or catering experience, preferably in a full-service hotel • Prior senior or leadership experience strongly preferred • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality ...

This role serves as a trusted advisor to clients and a senior resource within the Event Management team, ensuring exceptional event execution while strengthening operational consistency across the ...

New

T**he world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 450+ iconic venues ... The Senior Event Manager (SEM) will be responsible for overseeing and directing the day-to-day ...

LACC Senior Event Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

POSITION: Senior Event Manager DEPARTMENT: Event Services REPORTS TO: Vice President of Event ... T he world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 450+ iconic venues ...

POSITION: Senior Event Manager DEPARTMENT: Event Services REPORTS TO: Vice President of Event ... T he world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 450+ iconic venues ...

Senior Event Producer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

As the SEP, this role leads a team of onsite event producers and directly reports to the Catering Operations Manager. The Senior Event Producer is expected to demonstrate exceptional problem-solving ...

As the SEP, this role leads a team of onsite event producers and directly reports to the Catering Operations Manager. The Senior Event Producer is expected to demonstrate exceptional problem-solving ...

As the SEP, this role leads a team of onsite event producers and directly reports to the Catering Operations Manager. The Senior Event Producer is expected to demonstrate exceptional problem-solving ...

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Senior Event Management information

What is a senior event manager?

A Senior Event Manager is a professional responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing large-scale events such as conferences, corporate meetings, exhibitions, and social gatherings. They lead event teams, coordinate with vendors and stakeholders, manage budgets, and ensure that events run smoothly from conception to completion. Senior Event Managers often handle multiple projects simultaneously, troubleshoot issues on-site, and deliver exceptional experiences that meet client objectives and expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior event manager?

To thrive as a Senior Event Manager, you need expertise in event planning, budgeting, vendor management, and often a relevant degree or significant industry experience. Familiarity with event management software (like Cvent or Eventbrite), project management tools, and health and safety regulations is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams and resolve issues swiftly. These capabilities are crucial to ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and the achievement of organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by senior event managers, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Senior Event Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing tight budgets, and adapting to last-minute changes. To address these, it's essential to maintain clear communication channels, develop strong contingency plans, and leverage project management tools for organization. Building a reliable vendor network and fostering teamwork within the event staff also help ensure smooth execution, even when unexpected issues arise.

What is the difference between Senior Event Management vs Event Coordinator?

AspectSenior Event ManagementEvent Coordinator
CredentialsExperience in event planning, project management, and often certifications like CMP or CSEPEntry to mid-level experience, often with a relevant degree or certification
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple events, manages teams, and handles high-level planningAssists in event setup, coordination, and execution under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by event planning agencies, corporations, and venues for senior rolesCommonly used in event planning companies, nonprofits, and corporate events

Senior Event Management roles involve strategic planning, team leadership, and overseeing large or complex events, while Event Coordinators focus on executing event details and supporting the planning process. The senior role requires more experience and leadership responsibilities, whereas coordinators handle day-to-day tasks under supervision.

What is the highest position in senior event management?

The highest position in senior event management is typically the Director of Events or Vice President of Events, responsible for overseeing the entire event department and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of event planning tools and industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Management jobs in California?

The most popular types of Event Management jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Event Management jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Event Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Event Management job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Senior Event Manager

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$78K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Senior Event Manager is an experienced hospitality professional responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of 24 Carrots' most complex, high-profile, and operationally sophisticated events. This role serves as a trusted advisor to clients and a senior resource within the Event Management team, ensuring exceptional event execution while strengthening operational consistency across the department.
In addition to managing an advanced portfolio of events, the Senior Event Manager mentors team members, shares best practices, improves planning processes, and partners cross-functionally to deliver seamless hospitality experiences that reflect the 24 Carrots brand and our core values of Collaboration, Trustworthiness, Dedication, and Service Excellence.
If this sounds like you, read on!
Skills & Qualifications:
  • 5-7 years of progressive experience in catering, hospitality, sales, luxury event planning, event production, or related customer service roles
  • Advanced project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously
  • Proven experience planning, coordinating, and executing complex, high-profile, large-scale, or operationally sophisticated events
  • Ability to manage events involving multiple venues, extensive logistics, VIP or executive-level clients, and unique operational requirements
  • Exceptional hospitality and client relationship management skills with the ability to build long-term relationships
  • Confident communicator who can lead planning conversations, manage expectations, and resolve complex or sensitive concerns professionally
  • Experienced in leading tastings, detailing meetings, venue walkthroughs, site visits, and planning sessions
  • Strong operational and business judgment with the ability to balance client vision, operational execution, profitability, safety, and company standards
  • Ability to anticipate operational risks and challenges and proactively implement practical solutions
  • Advanced understanding of event logistics, staffing, rentals, layouts, timelines, vendor coordination, production requirements, and BEOs
  • Ability to lead onsite event execution and make timely, informed decisions in high-pressure environments
  • Strong leadership through influence, with the ability to coach, mentor, and positively support Event Managers and Event Specialists
  • Collaborative approach to working across Event Management, Culinary, Service, Warehouse, Venue Operations, Design, and Sales
  • Ability to reinforce department standards, share best practices, and contribute to process, workflow, SOP, and planning-tool improvements
  • Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, accountability, and follow-through
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM platforms, and catering/event management software
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred
  • Current California Food Handler Card required
  • Reliable transportation and clean driving record required
  • Ability to regularly work off site, evenings, weekends, and holidays, with flexibility for extended hours as business needs require

Compensation | Base + Commission
$78,000 - $80,000
Benefits & Perks:
We are proud to be a 100% employee-owned company! Join our team and enjoy the benefits of a team that is invested in each other, where we measure success not only through the growth of our business, but the cultivation and growth of our people. Other benefits also include group health benefits, competitive pay, paid vacation and sick time, holiday pay, 401k retirement plan.
Let's Grow Together!
Ready to Join Us?
If you are ready to take your career to the next level and join a team of creative, energetic, passionate and dedicated people, apply today!
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.