Event Design & Project Manager – Festivals and Public Events

Join Theme Productions and take the lead on some of New Zealand's most exciting festivals and public events, from initial concept through to final pack-out.

This is an opportunity to manage our established festival portfolio, build relationships with new clients and promoters, and contribute to the continued growth of our events and activations work.

Alongside festivals, the role spans conferences, corporate events and brand activations, with the support of a talented team, two warehouses packed with event assets and a fully equipped workshop to bring creative ideas to life.

About us

Theme Productions has been designing and delivering memorable events in Ōtautahi Christchurch and beyond for over 20 years.

From major festivals and conferences to gala dinners, brand activations and weddings, we bring creativity, expertise and a little wow factor to events across New Zealand.

We're passionate about what we create and proud of the team that makes it all happen.

The role

Take the lead on the design, planning and delivery of established festivals and public events, including Electric Avenue, Rolling Meadows, Hidden Lakes and Addington Races.

A key part of the role is maintaining strong relationships with existing clients, while identifying and developing opportunities for new festivals, events and major activations.

Beyond festivals, you'll be involved in designing and delivering conferences, corporate events and brand activations, bringing fresh ideas and practical solutions to a wide range of projects.

This is a hands-on role combining creative design, project management and onsite delivery. One week might involve developing concepts, preparing proposals and managing budgets, while the next could be spent onsite overseeing an event from pack-in to pack-out.

Some evenings and weekends are part of the job, particularly over summer (welcome to the events world!).

What you'll do

· Lead festival and public event theming and scenic design from concept through to pack-out.

· Design and deliver creative solutions for conferences, corporate events and brand activations.

· Develop concepts, mood boards, proposals and client presentations.

· Prepare accurate quotes and manage project budgets.

· Identify new business opportunities and build relationships with potential clients and promoters.

· Act as the key contact for clients, promoters and suppliers.

· Lead onsite crews, ensuring safe, efficient and professional event delivery.

· Identify new products, props and creative ideas to expand our offering.

· Contribute to improving processes across the office, warehouse and onsite operations.

What success looks like in your first year

· Successful delivery of our existing festivals, on time, on budget and building on previous years.

· Securing at least one new festival or major activation.

· Building strong client relationships that lead to repeat business.

Must have

· Experience in event design, production or project management.

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, budgets and deadlines.

· Excellent communication skills and confidence building relationships with clients, suppliers and stakeholders.

· A full NZ driver's licence, with the ability to drive a manual vehicle (or willingness to learn).

· A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to assist with the physical aspects of event delivery.

· Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and outdoors in varying conditions, particularly during the busy summer season.

Nice to have

· Experience in quoting, costing or business development.

· Practical skills in fabrication, carpentry, rigging or event builds.

· Creative design and presentation skills using Adobe, SketchUp, Canva or similar.

· Experience in site planning, logistics, scheduling and health and safety.

· Established relationships with festival promoters, brands or event suppliers.

If you don't tick every box but think you'd be great at this, we'd still love to hear from you. We value attitude, initiative and being a good human just as much as experience.

What you get

· Competitive remuneration, including paid overtime, based on experience.

· A supportive, fun and down-to-earth team.

· Flexibility around event schedules where possible.

· Opportunities to work on some of New Zealand's highest-profile festivals and events.

· Genuine input into creative concepts, design and how we do things.

· Laptop and phone provided.

· Free hire of event gear for your own celebrations.

How to apply

Send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you'd be a great fit to [email protected].

Examples of previous event design or projects you've delivered are encouraged.