Manager, Fair & Festival Operations

Full-time; Permanent

Date Posted: March 25, 2024

Who we are… 

The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 114-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams:  the 15-day annual summer Fair and winter Fair which average more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events.  In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance.  The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences. 

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community. 

The Manager of Fair and Festival Operations is responsible for leading cross-functional teams in the creation and execution of our large-scale, internally produced events including the annual Summer and Winter Fairs as well as our Lottery Program.  They will drive business development while demonstrating effective project planning and processes to manage milestones, timelines, budgets, and priorities while working directly with complex matrixed teams and external partners. 

Candidates must have demonstrated business development experience as well as exceptional interpersonal, project management, communication and leadership skills.  Due to the operational nature of our events and programs, the candidate must be comfortable with a fluctuating schedule and a work environment that changes from very hands-on to one of strategic planning and leadership.  Our ideal candidate will have 4-6 years of progressive management growth within the area of revenue-focused operations and event management within the hospitality industry.  

 Why join our Team? 

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment 
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more 
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

What will you do this year?
In your role as the Manager, Fair and Festival Operations, your primary accountabilities will be to:

• Be accountable for delivering 2-3 large-scale self-produced events in a cross-functional organization including the annual Summer and Winter Fairs
• Create and implement innovative ideas, and strategies that ensure an outstanding experience for guests. Collaborates with the Marketing, Sales, and Operations departments (ie-Food & Beverage, Public Safety, Tech Services and Lotteries) to ensure ideas and strategies are successful.
• In partnership with the Director of Fair and Festival Operations, build, own and maintain processes to improve efficiencies, standards and operations across the organization
• Assign and monitor resources to ensure project efficiency and maximize deliverables
• Prepare and present updates for relevant management channels, ensuring effective collaborative project planning is achieved. Report project outcomes and/or risk to appropriate stakeholders and escalate issues, as necessary, according to project work plans.
• Evaluate and mitigate risk by anticipating various scenarios throughout the course of a project and build actionable plans accordingly

The Manager of Fair and Festival Operations will be functionally responsible for the operations of the Lottery and Exhibit space departments with oversight of the following key areas: 

• Develop strategic revenue growth plans with a forward-looking focus on trends and opportunities for multiyear business development for each department
• Develop operating budgets and business plans as well as hold accountability for monitoring the departments’ sales targets, financial position, and control of expenses, within approved budget and allocated spending authority.
• Establish and maintain processes for managing the scope of department operations, setting quality and performance standards, and assessing risks
• Develop and actively manage positive relationships with external vendors, suppliers, contractors, and other PNE stakeholders
• Procure internal and external resources to ensure projects adhere to scope, schedule, and budget.
• For the lotteries department specifically, manage the Prize Home build, and sales operations as well as represent the PNE with the B.C. Gaming Commission and Public Gaming Branch concerning licensing and operation of all gaming-based activities at the PNE.
• For the Exhibit Space department specifically, oversee the Fair food and market vendor strategies, maintaining revenue-focused results, defining selection criteria, ensure high-quality vendor relations are maintained.

What else?

• Diploma, Certificate or degree in Event Management, Business Administration or a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education & experience
• Must have 5 years of experience of Managing dynamic teams.
• 3-5 years of experience in the live events industry is preferred.
• Must have previous experience with business development and building strategic growth plans with demonstrated success in revenue-generating program development
• Must be able to work an event-based work schedule which includes weekends, late nights, extended hours, and extended workweeks.
• Proven ability to work in matrixed or cross-functional organizations building strong relationships with the general public, industry partners, and business stakeholders to deliver events and services
• Knowledge of the planning, production, and management of major events within the entertainment industry
• Knowledge of CAD and/or Ungerboeck/Momentus system is considered an asset.
• Ability to create planning documents and tools to efficiently execute events
• Must possess good decision-making skills with the ability to react well to high-pressure situations and tight timelines
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check

 Who are you?

• Detail-oriented
• Results focused
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Strong organizational skills
• Eager self-starter
• Motivated by fast-paced environments
• Skilled at problem-solving
• Effective communicator
• Committed to striving for excellence
• Time Management Expert

 Where and when to APPLY?

Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled.  

Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume/cover letter before Sunday, April 28. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Additional Information

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $70,000 - $85,000 per annum.  The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures.  As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements. 

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@pne.ca.