10+ years in project management within tradeshow or events
Proven success with large-scale, complex projects
Strong knowledge of project management methodologies
Experience with vendor and logistics management
Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Willingness to travel frequently for onsite management
Responsibilities
Manage projects from client intake to post-event analysis
Develop and maintain detailed project plans and schedules
Ensure project objectives and quality standards are met
Develop and manage project budgets throughout the lifecycle
Serve as the primary contact for project stakeholders
Source and manage third-party vendors and logistics
Lead cross-functional teams and provide mentorship
Identify project risks and develop contingency plans
Review technical drawings and ensure compliance with safety standards
Compile final project costs and analyze performance
Benefits
Onsite work required 5 days a week in Addison, IL
Opportunity to lead high-profile experiential marketing projects
Collaborative work environment focused on excellence
Mentorship opportunities within the project management team
Exposure to a variety of large-scale events and tradeshows
Full Job Description
**Must be able to work onsite 5 days/week at our Addison, IL location*
Are you a seasoned project management professional who thrives in the fast-paced world of tradeshows, exhibitions, and live events? Do you excel at balancing complex timelines, budgets, logistics, and stakeholder expectations while delivering unforgettable experiences?
We're looking for a Senior Project Manager II (Tradeshows & Events) to lead large-scale experiential marketing projects from concept through execution. In this role, you'll be the driving force behind successful event delivery ensuring projects are strategically planned, flawlessly executed, and completed on time and within budget.
What You'll Do
As a Senior Project Manager II (Tradeshows & Events), you'll oversee the full project lifecycle and serve as a critical operational leader for high-profile tradeshow, exhibition, and event programs.
Project Leadership & Execution
Manage projects from client intake and planning through design, production, installation, onsite execution, and post-event analysis.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
Ensure project objectives, scope, timelines, and quality standards are achieved.
Budget & Resource Management
Develop and manage project budgets throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Monitor costs, forecast expenditures, and identify opportunities for efficiencies.
Coordinate internal resources and operational support to ensure successful project execution.
Stakeholder Management
Serve as the primary operational point of contact for project stakeholders.
Communicate project status, risks, timelines, and updates to internal teams and leadership.
Build strong partnerships across Client Services, Account Management, Operations, Production, and Finance.
Vendor & Logistics Oversight
Source, negotiate, and manage third-party vendors, contractors, transportation providers, and show service partners.
Coordinate installation and dismantle (I&D) services and all required event logistics.
Ensure seamless execution from warehouse to show floor.
Team Collaboration & Mentorship
Lead cross-functional project teams to deliver exceptional client experiences.
Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to project management team members.
Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment focused on excellence.
Risk Management & Problem Solving
Identify project risks before they become issues.
Develop contingency plans and implement proactive solutions.
Navigate changing priorities while maintaining project momentum and client confidence.
Technical & Production Oversight
Review technical drawings, production specifications, and exhibit construction details.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, venue requirements, and operational best practices.
Leverage industry expertise to support production decision-making and quality control.
Project Reconciliation & Reporting
Compile final project costs, labor, materials, vendor expenses, and service fees.
Analyze project performance and report budget variances.
Support accurate invoicing and post-project financial reconciliation.
What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
10+ years of project management experience within the tradeshow, exhibition, experiential marketing, events, or related industries.
Proven success managing large-scale, complex projects from inception through completion.
Strong understanding of project management methodologies, scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning.
Experience managing vendors, logistics, and production partners.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and production specifications.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including weekends, for onsite event management.
Technical Skills
Project management software proficiency.
Experience with ERP and business systems, including Microsoft Dynamics or similar platforms.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
Strong reporting, budgeting, and financial tracking capabilities.
About Jack Morton Worldwide
Jack Morton Worldwide is a global brand experience agency. We believe brands need extraordinary ideas that create emotional connections, fuel conversations and deliver business results. For more than 75 years, we have brought brands to life through event marketing, promotional marketing, sponsorship marketing, digital, social and mobile, content marketing and employee engagement. Jack Morton is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE: IPG), one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services organizations. With more than 800 employees in offices around the world, we deliver exceptional results for our clients in 70 countries.
