Project Manager Show Site

The Freeman Company is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry’s largest network of experts, Freeman's insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 99-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.

About the role

The Project Manager – Show Site applies industry knowledge to communicate and harmonize Freeman client's production requirements; improving efficiencies, controlling costs, and providing a seamless flow of information. Works with sales following client contract, during, and after the event to ensure successful delivery of all production requirements. This position supports the Audio Visual and Event Technology team and follows an in-person schedule working full-time in-office and/or show-site based out of McCook, IL.

Responsibilities

• Participates in site surveys as needed to ensure proper planning of events
• Makes initial contacts and arrangements with facilities regarding the upcoming event
• Collaborates with the Project Design Team to communicate customer expectations, define requirements, and optimize design and engineering plans for each event within budget
• Creates and manages event pre-production workflow and communication through project management applications (e.g., Workfront)
• Collaborates with the Event Tech Logistics and Warehouse team on timelines and schedules
• Collaborates with the Digital Services Lead and Streaming Lead (if needed) to ensure transparent, collaborative, and supportive integration with virtual offerings
• Collaborates with National Labor for appropriate staffing of the event
• Creates/reviews Vectorworks designs within company standards to ensure proper execution of the event
• Maintains a clear understanding of union jurisdictions and how they are to be applied
• Supervises onsite operational functions to ensure they are performed in a timely and cost-effective manner
• Conducts daily meetings with on-site staff, documenting changes and updates as required
• Communicates client objectives and operational plans to show-site staff
• Ensures pre-production meetings are scheduled and assists with facilitation
• Assists in the scheduling and coordination of trucking arrangements
• Develops production schedules and facility arrangements for events as required
• Schedules and conducts event debrief meetings
• Conducts post-show meetings with the Customer Solutions Manager to review all purchase orders, labor costs, and equipment usage to ensure proper billing to the customer
• Reviews purchase orders and approves all associated invoices
• Compiles and produces post-show reports
• Manages higher-budget and technically challenging Show Services projects
• Provides a high level of communication, organization, and technical expertise to projects
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of operations/project management in Audio/Visual or Staging
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; High School Diploma or equivalent with relevant work experience required
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
• Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) preferred
• Strong knowledge of the convention, tradeshow, and hotel industry (minimum 5-7 years in operations/project management)
• Ability to apply local venue requirements to event planning
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple deadlines with competing demands
• Strong verbal and written communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to efficiently communicate and collaborate with team members, customers, Growth leads, and Project Designers
• Leadership-minded with an emphasis on ownership and personal accountability
• Strong leadership skills and strategic thinking, with the ability to flourish in a matrix organization
• Project management experience with the ability to manage project team activities
• Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations successfully and timely
• Understanding of business implications of decisions and working knowledge of competition
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively to multiple audiences internally and externally
• Problem-solving skills to deal with concrete variables in situations with limited standardization
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Decision-making ability based on computer-generated reports
• Innovative problem solver with the ability to deal quickly and effectively with issues
• Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams and large programs
• Strong analytical, organizational, collaborative, and critical thinking skills
• Meticulous attention to detail as well as superior organizational and creative thinking skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with Workfront preferred
• Travel 50% to 75%

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Accident, and Disability Insurance
• Retirement with Company Match
• Paid Time Off

Pay

Salary range of $80,000–95,000 based upon experience. Eligible for an annual bonus of up to 5% of the base salary.