Event Manager Limerick Christmas Experience
Role Overview
The Event Manager will be responsible for the overall pre event and day to day management and smooth operation of the Christmas experience at St. John’s Castle, Limerick.
Working closely with the venue, Limerick City Council, the wider management team and all operational staff, the Event Manager will oversee the experience from build and opening through to daily operations and get out with support from the producer. The role will combine event operations, staff management, customer experience, logistics, health and safety and problem-solving, ensuring the experience operates safely, efficiently and to a consistently high standard.
As this is a new Christmas experience within St. John’s Castle, the Event Manager will play a key role in establishing and maintaining the operational systems required to deliver a successful visitor experience.
Key Responsibilities
Overall Event Management
- Take overall responsibility for the day to day operation of the Christmas experience.
- Act as the main operational point of contact for the on-site team.
- Work closely with the venue team and relevant external partners.
- Ensure all areas of the experience are operating smoothly, efficiently and to the required standard.
- Coordinate the various elements of the experience, including visitor areas, Santa/grotto operations, entertainment, photo opportunities, retail/add-ons and other activities.
- Monitor the overall customer journey and identify and resolve operational issues as they arise.
- Ensure agreed systems, procedures and operational plans are being followed consistently.
- Make decisions and respond quickly to unexpected issues during live operation.
Staff Management
- Assist in recruitment of staff
- Oversee the day to day management of all event staff and performers.
- Ensure staff are appropriately briefed before each shift.
- Ensure staff are in the correct locations and have the information and resources they need.
- Manage staff rotas, attendance, breaks and movement where required.
- Support area managers, supervisors and team leaders in managing their teams.
- Deal with staff issues, performance concerns and operational problems as they arise.
- Maintain a positive, professional and supportive working environment.
- Ensure staff understand and maintain the required standards of customer service and presentation.
Customer Experience
- Maintain a consistently high-quality customer experience throughout the event.
- Monitor guest flow, queues and customer movement around the site.
- Ensure customers are given clear and accurate information.
- Respond professionally to customer queries, complaints and issues.
- Support staff in managing difficult or unusual customer situations.
- Monitor accessibility and additional customer needs.
- Ensure the experience remains welcoming, festive, safe and well organised.
Logistics & Operations
- Coordinate the movement of staff, performers, equipment, stock and other operational requirements.
- Monitor the operation of all areas and identify potential issues before they affect customers.
- Coordinate deliveries, stock movements and operational requirements with the relevant teams.
- Ensure back of house and staff areas remain organised and functional.
- Liaise with technical, production, security, cleaning and other suppliers as required.
- Monitor opening and closing procedures each day.
- Ensure all areas are properly prepared before opening and securely closed at the end of each day.
Health, Safety & Security
- Support the implementation of all health and safety procedures.
- Ensure staff are aware of emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements.
- Work with venue and security teams to manage crowd safety and customer flow.
- Report and respond appropriately to accidents, incidents and hazards.
- Ensure operational issues affecting safety are dealt with immediately.
- Maintain accurate records of relevant incidents and operational issues.
- Escalate serious incidents to the appropriate senior management or venue representative.
Venue & Stakeholder Management
- Maintain a strong working relationship with St. John’s Castle, Limerick City Council and other relevant stakeholders.
- Act as an operational representative for the event on site.
- Liaise with venue staff regarding access, facilities, security, cleaning, maintenance and building requirements.
- Ensure the event operates within all venue and heritage restrictions.
- Communicate any issues, changes or requirements to the appropriate stakeholders.
- Attend operational meetings and contribute to planning and problem-solving.
Build, Opening & Get-Out
- Assist with the operational planning and coordination of the build.
- Ensure the site is prepared and ready for opening.
- Coordinate final operational checks before the first public opening.
- Monitor the de-rig and get-out process at the end of the event.
- Ensure the venue is returned in the agreed condition.
Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous experience in event management, theatre and/or event production, visitor attractions, hospitality, theatre or a similar operational environment.
- Strong staff management and leadership skills.
- Excellent organisational and logistical abilities.
- The ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- The ability to manage multiple areas and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- A proactive approach to identifying and solving problems.
- Confidence communicating with venue management, contractors, staff and customers.
- An understanding of health and safety within a public-facing event environment.
- Flexibility to respond to changing operational requirements.
Previous experience managing a Christmas event, visitor attraction or large-scale public-facing production or experience would be advantageous.
Working Pattern
The role will include some work during the build and recruitment period, operating season and get-out period. During the live event, the Event Manager will be required to work full-time hours and may be required to work evenings, weekends and peak Christmas dates.
The role will be hands-on and highly operational, with the Event Manager expected to be present on site during the majority of public operating hours.
Reporting & Working Relationships
The Event Manager will work closely with:
- Limerick City Council
- St. John’s Castle / venue management
- Event producers and senior management
- Area managers and supervisors
- Performers and event staff
- Security personnel
- Technical and production teams
- Cleaning and facilities teams
- External contractors and suppliers
Key Objective
The overall objective of the Event Manager is to ensure that the Christmas experience operates safely, smoothly, efficiently and to a consistently high standard, while providing an excellent experience for both visitors and staff.
Pay: €25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
