Events Manager

About the Role

Retail Global is seeking an experienced, hands-on Events Manager to provide up to 12 months maternity leave coverage for our Head of Events, commencing in January 2027.

The role will be responsible for the planning, coordination and successful delivery of our key events across Australia, including Retail Fest, the All Star Bash awards and our growing portfolio of industry summits and executive events.

We are looking for someone who can step into an established events calendar, take ownership of operational delivery and work collaboratively with our commercial, marketing and editorial teams.

This is a delivery-focused position suited to someone who is highly organised, commercially aware and comfortable managing several major events simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning and Delivery

• Manage end-to-end operational delivery of assigned events.
• Develop and maintain event timelines, production schedules, run sheets and checklists.
• Coordinate venues, catering, AV, production, entertainment and logistics.
• Oversee registrations, attendee experience, ticketing and onsite operations.
• Manage speaker, exhibitor, sponsor and VIP logistics.
• Lead onsite event execution and post-event reviews.

Commercial and Budget Management

• Manage approved event budgets and monitor expenditure.
• Negotiate and manage suppliers and contractors.
• Work with the partnerships team to fulfil contracted sponsorship deliverables.
• Identify opportunities to improve event efficiency and manage costs.
• Escalate financial or operational risks promptly.

Systems and Stakeholder Management

• Manage event operations using Grip, our event technology platform.
• Coordinate with marketing on event communications and registration campaigns.
• Maintain clear documentation, schedules and operational reporting.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure appropriate handover documentation and processes are maintained.

Key Events

All Star Bash | March 2027

Manage operational delivery of the awards event, including production, venue logistics, sponsorship fulfilment, guest experience, seating plans, entertainment and event-day coordination.

Retail Fest | 11-13 May 2027, Gold Coast

Take operational ownership of our flagship retail and ecommerce conference, including exhibition logistics, supplier coordination, registration, hosted meetings, sponsor fulfilment, speaker logistics and onsite delivery.

Retail Media Summit and Other Industry Summits

Coordinate planning and delivery of industry summits, including the Sydney Retail Media Summit in March 2027, and prepare operational plans for subsequent events.

Executive Events and Additional Activations

Support the delivery of executive breakfasts, networking functions and additional events as required across the Retail Global calendar.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• At least five years' experience in event management.
• Experience delivering large-scale conferences, exhibitions or business events.
• Strong project management, budgeting and supplier negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple event timelines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable working independently and making operational decisions.
• Willingness to travel interstate.

Desirable

• Experience with hosted buyer or B2B meeting programs.
• Familiarity with event technology, CRM and registration platforms.
• Experience working with commercial sponsorship teams.
• Exposure to retail, ecommerce, media or technology events.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will take ownership of an established event portfolio, maintain strong supplier and stakeholder relationships, deliver events within agreed budgets and timelines, and ensure continuity of event operations throughout the 10 to 12 month maternity leave period.