Position Overview :
The Senior Producer, Experiential Programs is responsible for managing programs and leading a team of Exhibit Programs Producers.
This is in conjunction with other Sparks offices and services groups / divisions to develop and execute industry-leading experiential marketing programs globally.
This position is onsite and eligible for a hybrid schedule.
Responsible for maintaining and evolving best practice processes and established tools and systems to ensure efficient workflow across teams / accounts to support our business from proposal development through debrief and financial reconciliation of completed programs.
Includes developing, assembling, and managing teams to successfully secure, execute, retain and grow Sparks and company business.
Responsible for leveraging strategic, creative and operational resources (internal & external) and identifying solutions and leveraging technologies that will set our brand and program delivery apart from our competitors.
Responsibilities :
- Manages client exhibit portfolios that include small to large programs.
- Responsible for driving and managing The Exhibit Programs team, budgets, processes, and workflow.
- Demonstrate extensive experience in sourcing and managing all aspects of operations across the live and digital exhibit / tradeshow floor spectrum from strategy & creative development through execution and debrief, including tradeshow floor / exhibit and sponsorship management (space planning, sourcing, hotel and venue management, registration, transportation, F&B, VIP programs, ancillaries / off-sites, security, etc.
and program activations.
- Employ fundamental knowledge in the integration of other production deliverables within the exhibit / expo and sponsorship setting including but not limited to exhibit design and production, message & content production, web & interactive, AV, live performance and entertainment.
- Oversee Exhibit Programs staff and teams that manage exhibit portfolios from beginning to end of each engagement’s life cycle.
- Mentor and coach team members in an effort to provide development and growth opportunities.
- Resolve team conflicts as necessary.
- Oversee multimillion-dollar client relationship(s) with responsibility for delivery of events, budget and profit management, staffing, client satisfaction, prioritization of all deliverables, and ensuring the quality of work meets agency standards and client objectives.
- Develop an engagement strategy and work with the Exhibit Programs team and other discipline leads to execute it, involving people at the optimal levels for project success and overall account utilization (goals, deliverables, schedule, budget, resources).
- Oversee management of program production and budget profitability by adhering to statements of work and MSAs, making sure work is delivered on budget and reconciled based on agreed upon terms.
- Participate in strategic development of new business.
- Lead the training / mentoring of Exhibit Programs staff on Sparks divisions methodology and operational / production management skills.
- Advocate digital and social engagements to further brand presence and reinforce personal expertise.
- Manage to and participate in the development and execution of the overarching strategic direction of the division. Ensure operational leadership and adherence to the strategic plan.
- Travel to a variety of programs to meet with teams and see the work being delivered.
- Participate in RFP responses and proposals and client interactions for key accounts.
- Improve efficiency and optimize workflow, production and operations by using our internal resources and partner company resources.
- Develop and implement programs across functional groups and multiple agencies including leading team meetings, keeping and tracking timelines, and performing general project management.
- Source and manage both North American and international vendors and divisional partners.
- Analyze current program implementation and operations and makes recommendations for improvement in order to ensure client satisfaction and internal efficiencies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
- Bachelor’s degree from four-year accredited college or university.
- Minimum 15 years’ experience in the experiential marketing and events industry specializing in operations, creative and strategy, multi-dimensional design and program development and execution for Fortune 500 clients.
- Experience with various projects types, including live and digital events, brand, and strategic consulting.
- Must have experiential agency experience.
- Must have the ability to translate the creative concept into a real life experiential marketing events and to define solutions that will generate measurable results for the client.
- Must have strong presentation, verbal and written skills.
- Must have the ability to think quickly under pressure, as well as motivate and engage the team to produce the best possible results.
- Proven experience managing million-dollar accounts successfully.
- Excellent problem solving and challenge resolution skills.
- Diplomacy & tact in challenging situations and in dealing with many personality types and working styles.
- Must have an agile and creative mind and refined aesthetic sensibilities.
- Proven leadership, team building, and customer service skills.
- Excellent negotiation skills (especially contract negotiations) with both clients and vendor partners.
- Proven computer skills in MS Office and Google Drive.
- Ability to operate within a fast-paced environment.
- Travel up to 30% is required.
- Work hours are typically Monday through Friday. Extended business hours and weekends will be required.