Senior Event Manager

Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. We celebrate diverse culinary styles—from upscale Maritime dining to classic French fare—paired with genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.

The Senior Event Manager plays a key leadership role in overseeing the events department and executing a broad spectrum of events across Freehand Hospitality’s dining venues. This position requires a strategic thinker who has a passion for creating luxury experiences for clients. They would possess strong leadership skills, overseeing a department of event’s staff ranging from Banquet captains to sales manages, while also managing the full operational functions of the team.

What you will be doing:

• Leading the overall planning and strategy for events, ensuring alignment with client or organizational goals;
• Managing and mentoring a team of banquet captains, coordinators, and sale managers, ensuring that all team members are aligned with department and event goals;
• Creating comprehensive event plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation;
• Developing and overseeing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both onsite and offsite events to ensure consistency, efficiency, and high-quality execution;
• Delegating responsibilities effectively, ensuring each team member understands their role and delivers tasks on time;
• Fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment, ensuring all team members are well-prepared to handle event-related tasks;
• Managing the relationship and execution of events for high-profile clients, ensuring their expectations are met and exceeded;
• Managing relationships with sponsors, partners, and vendors, ensuring that all parties are satisfied with event arrangements and are delivering as promised;
• Developing and managing budgets;
• Negotiating contracts with vendors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing and value-added services;
• Monitoring event expenses and adjust as necessary to ensure financial goals are met;
• Overseeing vendor contracts, ensuring all terms are met and services are delivered on schedule;
• Conducting quality checks to ensure that all vendors meet the required standards;
• Overseeing the day-of event operations for significant and high end events, ensuring all logistical elements run smoothly and that the event is executed as planned;
• Supervising event staff, troubleshoot issues, and address any last-minute changes or problems;
• Ensuring the event environment is welcoming, organized, and conducive to a positive experience for attendees;
• Addressing any issues or problems that arise during the planning process or on the event day, quickly and efficiently;
• Ensuring that all events comply with legal, health, safety, and insurance requirements;
• Conducting post-event evaluations, gathering feedback from clients, attendees, and event staff;
• Preparing detailed event reports that analyze event success, budget performance, attendee satisfaction, and lessons learned;
• Providing insights for future events and suggest areas for improvement;
• Other similar and related duties as required from time to time.

The person we’re looking for has:

• Proven experience in event management, with a strong background in planning and executing large, high-profile events with a focus on client experience;
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across multiple departments to ensure seamless planning and execution of multiple events happening simultaneously;
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Strong budget management and financial oversight skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, vendors, and internal teams;
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to remain calm under pressure;
• Proficiency with event management software and Microsoft Office Suite;
• Knowledge of event trends, technology, and innovations;
• Previous experience with TripleSeat considered a strong asset;
• Ability to work flexible hours as onsite attendance is required for all major events to assist with event execution alongside the in-restaurant or on-site catering teams.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• Participate in Leadership gratuity pool when onsite executing events
• Comprehensive Extended, Health, and Dental benefits
• Access to our gym and fitness facilities
• 50% Dining Discount at specific Freehand locations
• RRSP Matching

Freehand Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you would like to join an organization with which you can have a work-life balance, career growth, long term job stability, and an opportunity to positively contribute to the community, this position may be for you!

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to recruitment@armourgroup.com. While we thank all applicants only those selected for an interview will be contacted.