SENIOR EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAM MANAGER

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Senior Experiential Program Manager
Team: Live Events
Manager: Sr. Director of Production
Office Location: Wixom, MI

Who We Are

Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc., founded in 1985, is the only woman-owned business of its kind, bringing together multiple industry-leading teams under one roof. Our mission is simple: unlock the potential of spaces. That potential might mean helping organizations communicate more clearly, operate more efficiently, or even monetize their environments in new ways. From large-scale events and brand activations to workplace environments and permanent installations, we transform spaces into places that connect, inspire, and perform.

At Bluewater, you’ll find planners, makers, and innovators working side by side—blending creativity, technology, and strategy to deliver experiences that matter. Rooted in our EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Collaboration— and Fun!), we’re driven by a shared purpose: to make people smile.

Role Summary

The Senior Experiential Program Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of experiential marketing programs, trade shows, exhibits, and live events. This role serves as a trusted client advisor and operational leader, managing complex programs from concept through execution while maximizing asset utilization, controlling costs, and improving profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Program Leadership

• Support and advise clients on event strategy, program execution, and business objectives.
• Manage day-to-day client deliverables while building strong relationships with clients, vendors, labor partners, and internal teams.
• Translate client goals into actionable event and exhibit solutions.

Asset & Exhibit Management

• Maintain oversight of client-owned exhibit properties, inventory, and branded assets.
• Develop strategies to maximize asset utilization, reuse, refurbishment, and cross-program deployment.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while improving program ROI.

Project & Production Management

• Develop and manage budgets, timelines, schedules, and critical paths.
• Coordinate creative, fabrication, production, logistics, and field operations teams.
• Source and manage vendors, review estimates, and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Understand exhibit fabrication methods, materials, and build-versus-buy decisions.

Event Operations

• Manage trade show, convention center, and live event operations, including labor, logistics, shipping, installation and dismantle, exhibitor services, and onsite execution.
• Possess working knowledge of major show contractors, convention center services, labor regulations, and union environments.
• Support outdoor events, mobile tours, and temporary event infrastructure as required.

Labor, Staffing & Financial Management

• Plan and optimize labor schedules, staffing models, and onsite resources.
• Manage staffing agencies, brand ambassadors, speakers, VIPs, and event personnel.
• Drive profitability through asset reuse, logistics optimization, labor efficiency, and strategic sourcing decisions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in experiential marketing, trade shows, event production, exhibits, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of exhibit structures, asset management, event operations, and production processes.
• Experience managing annual event programs ranging from $100K to $5M+.
• Proven success managing budgets, vendors, logistics, and multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with exhibit houses, agencies, trade show production, mobile tours, outdoor events, or automotive programs.
• CTSM, PMP, or related certifications.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is resourceful, highly organized, financially minded, and operationally focused. They think like an owner, proactively solve problems, anticipate risks, remain calm under pressure, and continuously seek smarter, more profitable ways to deliver exceptional event experiences.

Why Join Us

• Be part of an innovative, growth-focused culture that prioritizes continuous improvement and partnership between Operations and Sales.
• Direct opportunities to mentor others, shape best practices, and influence the future of Bluewater’s Project Management discipline.
• Play a strategic role in strengthening collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence across the organization.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing support for certifications and leadership development.
• Thrive in a collaborative, People-Centric culture built on our EPIC values: Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration - while Having Fun!
• Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid work policy, with a balance of in-office collaboration and work-from-home days designed to support productivity, teamwork, and work-life balance.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Occasional walking on level surfaces during the workday.
• Occasional reaching above shoulder height or below waist level for filing or storing materials.
• Position may occasionally require lifting up to 25 pounds (files, equipment, or computer materials).
• Proper lifting techniques required.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Leadership reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary to meet business needs. All employment at Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc. is at-will and subject to company policies and procedures.

Apply today to join Bluewater Technologies and help us create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression!

Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc. is a woman-owned business that is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming company culture. We do not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their gender, gender identity, race, disability status, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, religion, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law. We are committed to building a work environment where everyone’s thoughts, ideas, and perspectives matter, while ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly, have access to the same opportunities, and are given the resources they need to succeed in their job, regardless of their background.