Event Drapery Specialist and Department Lead

Event Drapery Specialist and Department Lead Centric Events | Phoenix, AZ (Near SR-51 & Greenway Rd) Job Type: Full-Time Help lead the transformation of event spaces across Arizona through professional draping, design, and hands-on event execution. About the Role Centric Events is expanding, and we are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Event Drapery Specialist & Department Lead to lead the execution and continued growth of our event draping department. This is a hands-on working lead role for someone who knows how to transform an empty ballroom, venue, or event space into a polished environment. You’ll lead drape installations in the field while taking ownership of the organization, readiness, maintenance, and standards of the department behind the scenes. You’ll also oversee the organization, condition, and readiness of our table linen inventory. You won't be expected to execute major installations alone. Our drape projects are team efforts, and you'll work alongside Event Leads, Project Managers, warehouse staff, and appropriately staffed setup crews based on the size and complexity of each project. Your job is to help make sure that team has the plan, equipment, direction, and technical expertise needed to execute successfully. At the same time, this is a working lead position. You'll be expected to remain hands-on alongside your crew—installing pipe and drape, steaming and dressing fabric, solving difficult installations, and jumping in wherever your expertise is needed. We’re looking for someone who understands that the difference between an average drape installation and an exceptional one and that is often found in the details. About Centric Events Centric Events is Arizona’s highest-rated event production company, specializing in corporate events, conferences, live productions, weddings, and event environments where reliability, professionalism, and execution matter. Our mission is to build and equip a team of next-level professionals who flawlessly plan, prep, and execute events that win a client’s business again and again. We are a hands-on production company with high standards, clear expectations, and a long-term mindset. What You’ll Be Responsible For Leading the installation and strike of professional event draping for weddings, corporate events, galas, conferences, and other live events. Building pipe-and-drape systems, backdrops, room treatments, entrances, stage drape, perimeter drape, and custom installations. Properly steaming, dressing, pleating, tying, swagging, and finishing drape according to project specifications. Reviewing project plans, diagrams, measurements, and pull sheets to ensure installations match the intended design. Working alongside assigned setup crews while providing the technical direction necessary for an efficient, polished installation. Identifying and solving installation challenges onsite while maintaining a clean, professional final product. Loading, unloading, prepping, and returning drape equipment as part of the event process. Taking ownership of the overall organization, readiness, and standards of the drape department. Keeping drape, hardware, uprights, crossbars, bases, accessories, and related equipment organized and event-ready. Overseeing the organization, inventory, and condition of Centric's table linens. Ensuring returned linens are properly accounted for, sorted, and routed for cleaning or appropriate storage. Identifying damaged, stained, missing, or worn drape and linen inventory and communicating replacement needs. Coordinating drape cleaning, repairs, replacements, and restocking needs. Helping maintain accurate inventory counts and logical warehouse storage systems for both drape and linens. Preparing and staging equipment for upcoming projects. Helping establish department standards for equipment care, organization, installation methods, and quality control. Identifying opportunities to improve the department's equipment, inventory, workflows, and capabilities as we grow. Leading assigned setup crews during drape installations and strikes rather than being expected to execute large projects independently. Providing clear direction, priorities, and expectations to team members onsite. Training less-experienced team members on proper draping techniques, equipment handling, and installation standards. Helping build greater draping capability across the team so knowledge and execution aren't dependent on one person. Maintaining proactive communication with Project Managers, Event Leads, warehouse staff, and venue points-of-contact. Keeping crews organized and moving efficiently without sacrificing quality or safety. Representing Centric Events with high standards of professionalism and customer service in public and venue environments. This is a working lead position. You'll have a team and resources around you based on the needs of each project, but we expect our leads to work alongside that team, teach the craft, solve problems, and take ownership of the final result. What Success Looks Like Exceptional Presentation: Drapery is clean, properly dressed, evenly installed, and visually polished with details finished to a professional standard. Event-Ready Department: Drape equipment and table linen inventory are organized, maintained, accounted for, and ready for upcoming projects. Strong Crew Execution: The right people are given clear direction and work together efficiently to complete installations and strikes. Crew Development: Team members become increasingly capable and confident executing drape installations through hands-on training and leadership. Problem Solving: Site challenges are identified early and solved without unnecessary chaos or compromising the final product. Client Trust: Clients, venues, and project teams can trust that the drape portion of an event will be executed professionally from start to finish. This role supports both warehouse operations and field execution, including: Daytime warehouse prep, organization, and equipment maintenance Weekday event installations and deliveries Evening and weekend event executions when scheduledEarly-morning installations Occasional late-night strikes / returns Schedules vary depending on event calendar intensity. Because live events depend on teamwork, reliability and punctuality are non-negotiable. Qualifications Required Professional experience installing event draping, pipe and drape, or similar temporary event environments. Ability to confidently lead a drape installation and crew from load-in through completion. Strong understanding of pipe-and-drape systems and professional drape installation techniques. Excellent attention to visual detail and presentation. Comfortable working from ladders and at height. Strong work ethic, physical stamina, and ability to safely lift and move event equipment. Strong leadership and communication skills under fast-paced event conditions. Ability to read measurements, event diagrams, floor plans, and project instructions. Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets company insurance requirements. Helpful Backgrounds (Preferred) Experience with wedding, corporate, hospitality, or large-scale event draping. Experience with specialty drape treatments, swags, backdrops, ceiling treatments, or custom installations. Experience working with table linens or managing linen inventory. Background in event design, decor, floral, linens, staging, or event rental operations. Experience leading setup crews or training other event professionals. Warehouse inventory, equipment maintenance, or department organization experience. Pay Rate: $20.00 – $26.00 / hour (Starting rate based on professional draping experience, specialty installation skills, and demonstrated leadership ability) Growth Path: Opportunity to help shape and grow Centric’s draping capabilities and become a key subject‑matter expert within our event rentals operation Full-Time Benefits (Eligible Positions): Health & Wellness: Medical insurance contributions + 100% company-paid $30,000 life insurance policy Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match Time Off: Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays Perks: Equipment usage benefits for personal projects Why Work at Centric Live events demand a lot, but they shouldn’t cost you your health, family, or sanity. At Centric, we plan ahead, communicate clearly, and build systems that allow our team to deliver excellent events without unnecessary chaos. We’re looking for someone who wants to leave their fingerprints on this department. We don't just need someone who can hang drape—we want someone who takes pride in the craft, enjoys teaching others, sees ways to make the department better, and wants to help us raise the standard of what we can offer our clients. You'll be trusted to lead, but you won't be expected to do it alone. Our goal is to give you the people, equipment, and support needed to execute great work while empowering you to build an increasingly capable team around you. You’ll still work hard here — this is live events — but you’ll be part of a team that takes pride in doing things the right way. #J-18808-Ljbffr Homebase