Manager, Event Operations & Fair Planning

Job Description

Manager, Event Operations & Fair PlanningFull-Time; PermanentDate Posted: February 27, 2026

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 116-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 which averages 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.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.

The Manager, Event Operations & Fair Planning leads the planning and delivery of events across our site, from concerts and festivals to community programs and the annual Fair. This role oversees logistics across multiple venues, makes real‑time operational decisions, and ensures smooth, high‑quality execution. You will guide a dedicated team, collaborate with partners across the organization, and play a key role in Fair operations. If you thrive in fast‑paced environments and are passionate about creating exceptional event experiences, this role is for you!

Why join our Team?

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

What will you do this year?

In your role as a Manager, Event Operations & Fair Planning, your primary accountabilities will be to:

Operational Leadership & Event Integration

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of diverse events, including concerts, community festivals, film productions, and the annual Fair.
• Serve as the primary integration point for campus-wide operations, overseeing logistics, floor planning, site conversions, and infrastructure rentals.
• Provide cross‑functional leadership between Event Operations and Fair Operations, ensuring coordinated planning and smooth execution during all live events, including the large-scale summer Fair.
• Coordinate closely with building tenants and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless service standards, facility readiness, and unified oversight of operational performance during live events.

Team Management & Safety Culture

• Manage and mentor a team of Event Managers by setting goals, supporting professional development, and designing effective staffing models.
• Foster a collaborative work environment that champions risk management and safety consciousness across all event areas.
• Ensure all operations comply with regulatory standards and lead incident response and resolution efforts across all event areas to maintain a safe and professional environment.

Financial Oversight & Strategic Improvement

• Oversee event and exhibition budgets, ensuring revenue targets are met and expenses for labor, suppliers, and equipment are optimized for efficiency.
• Lead the sourcing and budgeting for new attractions, while managing vendor contracts and audits.
• Drive continuous improvement by conducting post-event evaluations, staying current on industry trends, and implementing best practices to optimize future operations and stakeholder relations.

What else?

• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in operational leadership, portfolio management, or overseeing complex, multi stream event environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of events across multiple business units, ensuring alignment, resource coordination, and enterprise level planning.
• Strong background in event operations, including logistics, vendor/exhibitor management, floor planning, and budget oversight.
• Diploma in event management or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading teams in high volume, fast paced operational settings, with the ability to mentor, motivate, and prioritize workload effectively.
• Excellent communication, relationship building, and cross functional collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities, with the capacity to coordinate operations across diverse departments and venues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new systems quickly; experience with Momentus/Ungerboeck is an asset.
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Organized
• Methodical
• Proactive
• Skillful communicator
• Critical thinker
• Committed to striving for excellence

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, March 15th. We look forward to hearing from you!

Additional Information

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $80,000 - $90,000 per annum.  The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures.  As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements. 

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.