Sr Project Manager - Events Operations

About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award-winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust-all around the world.

Summary

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for driving all inputs for exhibit and event environments. Project scopes involve all aspects of architectural design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. The Senior Project Manager coordinates and oversees concept design, estimating, purchasing, drafting, fabrication, and installation for some of the company's most diverse and challenging projects. This position supports the Operations team and is eligible to work an on site schedule based out of one of the following locations:

• St. Paul, MN

• Philadelphia, PA

• Fort Wayne, IN

• Grand Prairie, TX

• Detroit, MI

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Interface with customers in person, electronically and via phone regarding the details of their events and exhibit requirements.

• Interface with various internal departments, everything from operations to sales and be able to communicate effectively to all, even if the delivery tool is different for both.

• Must be able to work with multiple internal departments to accomplish goals.

• Must be able to work with outside preferred vendors to accomplish goals.

• Act as part of an internal sales team that consists of an Account Executive and Account Manager.

• Author various types of project management paperwork to complete the job (including estimates, labor projections, show services estimations, shop labor schedules, research 3rd party vendors, show site I&D packets etc.).

• Following each job through proposal, design, contract, production, graphics, service requirements, transportation and invoicing, keeping all departments touching the project advised of updates/status.

• Vendor payment management including submitting invoices for payment.

• Manage cost to revenue ratios to achieve financial goals.

• Input of data into company databases for the purpose of tracking all job detail for proposed and sold jobs.

• Communicate schedule conflicts with appropriate parties.

• Research and provide detailed information on 3rd party vendors.

• Knowledge of the market for new materials, suppliers and techniques.

• Interface with show site Installation and Dismantle Labor teams.

• Receive and inspect exhibit assets for accuracy and damage.

• Inspect and prep properties prior to shipping.

• Working knowledge of various building materials such as wood, plastics, fabric, electrical, metal, Octanorm, and lighting.

• Creating show site information and I&D packets for teams in the field.

• Some travel required as position may require supervision of assets and customer onsite.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

• Min 5 years managing custom built exhibits and events from idea inception to completion and implementation.

• PMP certification or similar coursework preferred.

• Comprehensive knowledge of planning systems, scheduling techniques, process management, workflow and team coordination / negotiation / conflict management.

• Proficiency in project pricing, purchasing and vendor negotiations.

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

• The ability to work with diverse personalities in sales, design, engineering, production, distribution and construction while managing costs, time requirements and customer expectations.

• The ability to clearly and effectively communicate with clients.

• The ability to read blueprints and a working knowledge of architectural millwork.

• Microsoft Office proficiency.

• Willingness to travel to show sites.

• Experience in estimating construction build items and site services including labor, lighting, rigging, electrical.

What We Offer

The Freeman Company provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Paid Parental Leave

• Life, Accident and Disability

• Retirement with Company Match

• Paid Time Off

• Salary Range of $85-100k based on level of experience

Diversity Commitment

At The Freeman Company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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