Vice President, Event Operations

• Company: Pacific National Exhibition
• Job Type: Full Time
• Job Level: Executive
• Job Type: Full Time
• Job Address: 2901 East Hastings Street, Hastings Park, Vancouver, British Columbia V5K 5J1
• Job Status: Permanent

Who we are…

The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 113-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams:  the 15 day annual summer Fair and winter Fair which average more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events.  In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance.  The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences.

Reporting to the President & CEO, this position oversees and provides strategic leadership to the PNE’s Fair & Festival Operations, Playland, Fright Nights and year round event operations at PNE/Hastings Park 365 days per year in our seven venues on site.  This position also oversees the following key site wide operational activities on site including food & beverage, safety, parking, and guest experience.  The Vice President of Event Operations is a member of the executive leadership team and actively participates in strategic and corporate business planning. 

Candidates must have exceptional interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. We are seeking a leader who can inspire and support teams but will also ensure challenging conversations and course corrections are addressed in a timely manner. Due to the operational nature of this role, the candidate must be comfortable with a fluctuating schedule and a work environment that changes from operational oversight and support to one of high-level strategic planning.  Our ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of progressively senior level experience in operations management within the hospitality, tourism or event industry. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit an application – we’d love to hear from you.

What will you do?

In your role as Vice President – Event Operations, your primary accountabilities will be to:

• Ensure industry best practices are promoted with respect to venue management and event operations at the Pacific Coliseum, Forum, Agrodome, Garden Auditorium, Rollerland, Livestock Building, Playland Amusement Park and soon to the new 10,000 seat Amphitheatre under development with completion 2026.
• In collaboration with the senior leadership team, lead the development of long-range strategic business and operational plans for the Summer and Winter Fair, Playland and Fright Nights.
• Oversee the operational execution of the annual Summer and Winter Fair, providing leadership to various operational activities including but not limited to the PNE’s Lottery program, Agriculture and Exhibits. Is responsible for relationship management of a variety of external stakeholders, including exhibitors and external food vendors.
• Oversee the operational execution of Playland and Fright Nights, providing leadership to various operational activities including but not limited to ride operations, merchandise games and themed attractions.
• Oversee the development of a multifaceted, side-wide food and beverage operation and strategy that includes multiple quick service locations, catering, and liquor service.
• Lead a site wide Guest Experience and Public Safety team and proactively identifies, evaluates, and improves service strategies to ensure guests receive optimal levels of service and safety.
• Acts as Executive Sponsor for key initiatives and corporate priorities. Leads team to ensure accomplishment of strategic directives.
• Effectively work with operational teams to monitor costs, maximize resources, and reduce waste while maintaining optimal service levels.
• Oversee the development of annual operating budgets for each of the operational departments and is accountable for monitoring the departments financial position and control of expenses, within approved budget and allocated spending authority.
• Ensure teams work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders including clients, or prospective clients to plan and cost the overall operation of each event. Strategically assess event wins, and shortcomings to ensure growth and evolution of business offerings.
• Provide necessary direction and evaluation of work projects and provide clear communication to teams resolving issues in a timely manner. Foster an effective and well-motivated team through providing constructive feedback, and course corrections to ensure organizational success.
• Oversee management contract provisions of 4 unions on site in accordance with current collective agreements and work in alignment with VP, People and Culture on collective bargaining strategy.
• Oversee operational plans to mitigate event impacts in the neighborhood.
• Stay abreast of trends and evolution in the events, Fair and amusement park industries. Ensure teams are building successful working relationships with various associations within the events, amusement park, venue management and fair industry (CAFÉ, IAAPA, IAFE, IAVM).
• Perform other related duties as required.

What else?

• A proactive leader with demonstrated excellence in managing operations and strategic planning within the hospitality industry.
• Post-secondary education in a relevant field along with 10+ years of progressively senior experience within the events industry OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience at a senior management level within a similar sized business.
• Strong understanding of business and project management principals. Understands importance of systems, processes and can effectively manage change.
• Knowledge of planning, production, and management of major events within the entertainment industry; preferably the amusement park, fair, exhibition and entertainment businesses. Advanced knowledge of, entertainment, sports, hospitality and food and beverage industries are considered an asset.
• Must have excellent presentation skills, with ability to present to varying audiences from Board of Directors meetings to community townhall meetings.
• Strong management and leadership skills with a high degree of accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to a team approach.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, interpersonal, management and leadership skills.
• Ability to identify and analyse opportunities and develop long range plans and strategies to meet company objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, analyze and interpret financial data.
• Ability to write effectively, organize and maintain work project documentation and prepare reports as required.
• Ability to thrive and excel in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to foster collaborative, effective working relationships with peers, employees, tenants, clients, government officials and other external contacts.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays when required.
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Strategic Thinker
• Effective Leader
• Safety Oriented
• Passion for delivering memorable experiences

Where and when to APPLY?

Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled.

Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume/cover letter before Sunday, April 2. We look forward to hearing from you!

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@pne.ca.

Post Date: March 23, 2023