Event Operations Lead

From October 2024, SXSW, the world’s most iconic future-focused conference and festival of events will have a 2nd annual event in Sydney, focusing on the creative industries in the Asia-Pacific region.

If you love working in a fast-paced environment with a slice of fun, you’re adaptable, a team player, engaged and caring about the creative community we serve, then come and join us!

SXSW Sydney is looking for an enthusiastic Event Operations Lead to join the team, on a contract basis.

About SXSW Sydney:

SXSW Sydney will be an essential destination for global creatives. Featuring more than 1,000 conference sessions, talent showcases, screenings, trade and public exhibitions, a variety of networking opportunities and multiple parties, SXSW Sydney will amplify the brand’s vision that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

About Your Role:

The Event Operations Lead is a key role within the SXSW Sydney team, responsible for overseeing the operational delivery of the Tech & Innovation Expo, Conference, Music Festival, Screen Festival, Games Festival, and Client Events.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Event Operations Lead will manage 5 Operations Managers and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of all event elements. This position requires exceptional organisational skills, strong leadership abilities, and a keen eye for detail.

The Event Operations Lead will collaborate across the SXSW Sydney team with a shared vision to deliver the world’s best festival of discovery for the creative industries.

About the SXSW Team:

We’re an open minded, collaborative, talented bunch with a common purpose: to help creative people achieve their goals.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage a team of Operations Managers responsible for delivering the major pillar events of SXSW Sydney, aligned with critical path, procurement, and budget targets.
• Manage all Development Applications and Event Permits required across the whole event, including a complex DA for the Darling Harbour and Goods Line precinct including multiple commercial partners and Landowners/Stakeholders including Place Management NSW, City of Sydney and Darling Harbour Live.
• Chair the SXSW Sydney City Coordination Committee to engage and consult with key SXSW Sydney operational stakeholders, including NSW Police, City of Sydney, Place Management NSW, Liquor & Gaming, Destination NSW and key landowners.
• Responsible for delivering operational costs to budget, in conjunction with the General Manager, ensuring best practise in procurement, cost forecasts, spend tracking, and identifying cost savings.
• Responsible for tracking of operations critical path to ensure all operational tasks are carried out on a timely basis according and within deadlines.
• Be responsible for Event Operations WHS, produce and manage event management plans, associated risk assessments, procedures, permits and event resourcing.
• Work with operations team colleagues to achieve best practice in terms of operational planning and management.

About You:

• Demonstrated professional track record of operational experience in the B2B and / or B2C events industry and an established track record of successfully delivering world class festivals, conferences and/or experiences.
• Direct experience of outdoor event planning requiring complex event development applications including multiple government landowners/stakeholders.
• Strong time management and organisational skills; can work to tight deadlines, able to prioritise and manage several different tasks at the same time
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, to meet deadlines consistently and operate within budgetary targets
• Strong communication, commercial negotiation, and supplier relationships
• Strong leaderships skills and ability to manage a high performing team in a fast moving environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to represent SXSW to suppliers and stakeholders
• Self-starter, trustworthy, energetic, collaborative, good industry reputation

SXSW Sydney offers hybrid working options, team lead cultural forums, mentor programs, ticket access to TEG produced events and many more benefits.

SXSW Sydney is an Equal opportunity employer committed to embracing a diverse and inclusive work environment for all.

Please note that you must permanent and unrestricted rights to work in Australia to apply for this role.

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