Sr Project Manager - Events Operations

Philadelphia, PA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $85,000.00 - $100,000.00

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Life insurance

accident insurance

Disability insurance

retirement plan with company match

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency that specializes in designing and executing award-winning experiences that create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, Sparks blends strategic insight with execution excellence to deliver memorable brand activations, corporate events, trade show exhibits, and immersive experiences. Their innovative and creative approach makes them a trusted partner for organizations seeking to deepen relationships with customers, inspire actions, and build long-lasting trust on a global scale. The company’s focus on flawless execution and creative solutions has earned them a prestigious reputation in the experiential marketing space, making Sparks a leader in their industry.

The Senior Project Manager at Sparks plays a critical role within the organization by leading and managing all aspects of exhibit and event environments. Their responsibilities span architectural design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of custom-built exhibits and events. This position requires coordination and oversight of various departments including concept design, estimating, purchasing, drafting, fabrication, and installation, ensuring that complex projects are delivered successfully from inception to completion. The Senior Project Manager will work closely with the Operations team and support cross-functional collaboration with sales, design, production, and other internal teams to meet project goals and customer expectations.

This role is based onsite in one of several key locations including St. Paul, MN; Philadelphia, PA; Fort Wayne, IN; Grand Prairie, TX; and Detroit, MI. Sparks offers a dynamic work environment where professionals are empowered to bring their expertise into play and contribute significantly to the success of high-profile projects. The position is full-time with a salary range of $85,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience. It also offers exciting opportunities for travel to show sites to supervise assets and maintain strong customer relationships in the field.

The ideal candidate will be deeply knowledgeable in project management, including workflow, scheduling, and cost management, and have strong communication skills to interact effectively with clients, vendors, and internal teams. They will be responsible for authoring all project documentation such as estimates, labor projections, and vendor research, as well as managing vendor payments and ensuring a seamless project lifecycle from contract through invoicing. They will also utilize their expertise in materials such as wood, plastics, metal, lighting, and architectural millwork to ensure the highest quality standards are met. Overall, this role offers a chance to be instrumental in driving the creation of world-class experiential marketing solutions that make lasting impacts for global brands.

Job Requirements

bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
minimum 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
ability to work with diverse personalities in sales, design, engineering, production, distribution and construction while managing costs, time requirements and customer expectations
ability to clearly and effectively communicate with clients
ability to read blueprints and 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

Job Qualifications

bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
minimum 5 years managing custom built exhibits and events from conception to completion
PMP certification or similar coursework preferred
comprehensive knowledge of planning systems and scheduling techniques
proficiency in project pricing, purchasing and vendor negotiations
strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
ability to work with diverse personalities across departments while managing costs, time and customer expectations
ability to communicate clearly and effectively with clients
ability to read blueprints and knowledge of architectural millwork
proficiency in Microsoft Office
willingness to travel to show sites
experience in estimating construction build items and site services including labor, lighting, rigging, electrical

Job Duties

interface with customers in person, electronically and via phone regarding event and exhibit requirements
interface with internal departments including operations and sales to communicate project details
collaborate with multiple internal departments to achieve project goals
work with outside preferred vendors to fulfill project objectives
act as part of an internal sales team with Account Executive and Account Manager
author various project management documents including estimates, labor projections, and vendor research
manage projects from proposal through design, contract, production, graphics, service, transportation and invoicing
submit vendor invoices for payment
manage cost to revenue ratios to meet financial goals
input data into company databases for job tracking
communicate scheduling conflicts to relevant parties
research and provide information on third-party vendors
stay informed about new materials, supplies and market techniques
coordinate with installation and dismantle labor teams at show sites
receive and inspect exhibit assets for accuracy and damage
inspect and prep properties prior to shipping
maintain working knowledge of building materials such as wood, plastics, fabric, electrical, metal, Octanorm and lighting
create show site information and installation and dismantle packets for field teams
travel as needed to supervise assets and customers onsite