Sr. AV Project Manager (Production)

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Company: SPARKS MARKETING LLC

Location: Schaumburg, IL 60193

Description:

Company Overview:

Sparks is a live + digital brand experience agency. We specialize in creating connection--real human connection--onsite, online or anywhere. Through a mix of sound strategy, breakthrough creative and flawless execution, we create memorable trade show exhibits, live and virtual events, brand activations, retail stores, corporate environments and other immersive experiences that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust--and we do it all over the world.

We operate an open and inclusive culture where all recognize, respect, appreciate and encourage individuality regardless of race, gender, age, religion, culture, ideology, economic status, disability or sexual orientation. We believe that everyone at all levels of our organization is accountable for building this culture and we are challenging ourselves daily to seek and build diversity and equality in any way that we can-and we welcome your ideas to do so.

Position Overview:

In this role, you will be responsible for driving all inputs for exhibit and event environments. Project scopes involve all aspects of architectural design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the successful completion of various projects in terms of quality, accuracy, timeliness, and budget adherence.

This is a critical role coordinating and overseeing concept design, purchasing, fabrication, and installation for some of the company's most diverse and challenging projects. The position is exciting and allows for a wide range of control and the freedom to make critical decisions affecting the outcome of the projects you are responsible for. It's a job that requires a special skill set: impeccable organizational skills, grace under pressure, and the ability to multi-task, among others.

Responsibilities:
  • Interface with customers in person, electronically, and via phone regarding the details of their events and exhibit requirements
  • Interface with various internal departments, from operations to sales, and being able to communicate effectively to all, even if the delivery tool is different for both
  • Must be able to work with multiple internal departments to accomplish goals
  • Must be able to work with outside preferred vendors to accomplish goals
  • The Project Manager will be part of an internal sales team that consists of an Account Executive and Account Manager
  • Author various types of project management paperwork to complete the job. (Includes, shop labor schedules, research 3rd party vendors, show site I&D packets, etc.)
  • Following each job through a proposal, design, contract, production, graphics, service requirements, transportation, and invoicing, keeping all departments touching the project advised of updates/status
  • Vendor payment management including submitting invoices for payment
  • Manage cost to revenue ratios to achieve financial goals
  • Input of data into company databases for the purpose of tracking all job detail for proposed and sold jobs
  • Communicate schedule conflicts with appropriate parties
  • Research and provide detailed information on 3rd party vendors
  • Knowledge of the market for new materials, suppliers, and techniques
  • Interface with show site Installation and Dismantle Labor teams
  • Receive and inspect exhibit assets for accuracy and damage
  • Inspect and prep properties prior to shipping
  • Working knowledge of various building materials such as wood, plastics, fabric, electrical, metal, Octanorm, and lighting
  • Creating show site information and I&D packets for teams in the field
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience managing custom build and rental exhibits from idea inception to completion and implementation
  • Extensive experience in the tradeshow and exhibit industry
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred or equivalent practical experience
  • PMP certification or similar coursework preferred
  • Comprehensive knowledge of planning systems, scheduling techniques, process management, workflow, and team coordination/negotiation/conflict management.

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • The ability to work with diverse personalities in sales, design, engineering, production, distribution, and construction while managing costs, time requirements, and customer expectations
  • The ability to clearly and effectively communicate with clients
  • The ability to read blueprints and a working knowledge of architectural millwork
  • Microsoft Office and Google Suite proficiency

Preferred Skills:
  • Proficient in Google Drive and Microsoft Office
  • Strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a team player
  • Ability to operate within a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Think you've got what it takes to hang with us?

We've built our reputation on creating awesome experiences for our clients, but equally important is the experience we create for our people. Yes, we work hard. But we also make it a point to have fun. And we find our people work that much harder when work doesn't feel so much like, well, work. If you share our mindset, we should chat.

We've always got our eyes peeled for smart, hungry people who think that what we do isn't so much a job as it is a way of life. And while any company can supply stuff like benefits (and, of course we do too!) our greatest benefit comes from the amazing people you'll interact with daily, who will challenge and push you to think harder, be more creative and love what you do.

Sparks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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