Director, Retail Event Planning & Operations – Fanatics Events

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event Planning Responsibilities:

• Manage/participate in all aspects of event planning, including site visits, developing financial models, managing working budgets, generating CAD layouts, defining operational plans, generating graphics plans, developing production schedules and staffing plans, and working with internal and external teams to secure selling infrastructure including fixtures, POS, wall structures, tents, etc.
• Facilitate and participate in meetings with our event partners, buyers/merchandising, marketing/creative as well as internal and external HR business partners.
• Serve as a main operational point of contact for both our internal (Fanatics Events team, etc.) and external partners and other entities as necessary to plan and execute these special events and deliver a stellar experience from conception through post-event review.
• Work with internal recruiting partners to ensure Fanatics is receiving enthusiastic and hardworking event staff
• Establish protocols and procedures.  Train and supervise event staff.
• Ensure Fanatics is compliant with event standards (security/law, fire, medical, etc.) 
• Work directly with our warehouse(s) to ensure efficient and accurate delivery of merchandise and selling infrastructure to events.

Event Execution Responsibilities:

• Manage on-site preparations, production, and event breakdown; and ensure consistent, high-level service throughout all phases.
• Meet strict deadlines and stay within expense budgets, while meeting or exceeding budgeted sales and profits for overall event.
• Assign duties for traveling Fanatics events department employees.
• Work hand and hand with the retail event operations team to ensure efficient and successful show day retail operations.
• Troubleshoot any logistical issues that arise on event day.
• Build client and internal relationships that enable future growth.
• Build relationships with vendors, venues, and other industry contacts while crafting and implementing the creative and logistical aspects of the event.
• Remain current (or ahead of the curve) with trends in event planning, design, and production, and proactively identify and solve operational challenges

Post Event Responsibilities:

• Work with the business management team to prepare and present executive and detail-level reports for both clients and internal use to summarize event performance, identify areas of success as well as areas for opportunity.
• Work with event retail operations, buying and planning, finance and accounting teams to analyze profit/loss statements for each event and work with management team on potential recommendations for improvements/changes.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• 8+ years of previous consumer-facing event management/hospitality/retail experience and proven success.
• Service-oriented style with professional presentations skills and a demonstrated ability to effectively interact with people.
• Experience in building and maintaining positive business relationships
• High-energy with an entrepreneurial spirit, effective in providing motivational leadership and exceptional customer service.
• Clear concise written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, including multi-tasking, time management, and attention to detail
• Ability to handle pressure and make good decisions quickly.
• Be proficient in Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with CAD programs such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit a big plus.
• Understanding of various retail executions, technologies and KPI's
• Ability to analyze data, and develop strategies to address opportunities
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and technical skills (Excel, Access, Zoom, PowerPoint, Adobe, Outlook)
• Travel (including overnight stays) will be required from time to time as needed to support events (10-20% travel)