Events Lead

Events Lead

Reporting to the Marketing Strategy Supervisor, the Events Lead holds full ownership of Tomlinson's events program and is accountable for every aspect of each event, from concept, budgeting and vendor contracting through logistics, on-site execution and post-event evaluation. The role manages a full annual events calendar, ranging from multi-day employee appreciation programs to customer hospitality and community events, and serves as the on-site lead for all events. The Events Lead also supports the broader marketing team in delivering corporate marketing programs and initiatives.

The Events Lead works cross-functionally with leadership across the organization and leads the company's events committee, with support from the marketing team on event logistics as required.

Location: 100 Citigate Drive, Ottawa, ON, with travel to sites across Eastern Ontario

Vacancy Type: Replacement

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event Management

The Events Lead owns the full scope of every event. No aspect of planning, delivery or follow-up is handed off without the Events Lead's direction and oversight.

• Serve as an Event Lead for internal, customer, trade and community events ranging from 10 to more than 500 attendees, from planning and budgeting through execution and evaluation.
• Plan and manage multiple events at the same time, keeping timelines, budgets and deliverables on track across the full events calendar.
• Manage all event vendors, from sourcing and contracting venues, catering, audiovisual, rentals and entertainment to overseeing their delivery, and keep event and program spending within approved budgets.
• Develop run-of-shows, timelines, site plans and day-of checklists for all events.
• Lead events on site as the primary decision maker, overseeing setup, guest experience, vendor coordination and teardown.
• Recruit, schedule and brief event volunteers and staff, assigning roles and managing coverage on event days.
• Lead employee appreciation programs and manage event merchandise.
• Manage invitations, registration, and guest communications.
• Communicate event plans to the senior leadership team ahead of each event, ensuring leadership is aligned on plans and scheduled to attend.
• Report results to the senior leadership team after each event, including survey findings, budget spend, employee attendance, and key metrics, with recommendations for improvement.
• Design event collateral, including invitations, signage, site maps, presentations and merchandise, in alignment with Tomlinson brand standards.
• Lead the events committee, bringing together representatives from across the organization to plan, prioritize, and deliver customer-facing events.

Marketing Support

• Execute and direct corporate marketing programs as required, including recurring annual programs and new company-wide initiatives, from planning and coordination through delivery and evaluation.
• Support the marketing team on marketing programs and events as business priorities require.

Key Relationships

• Marketing Strategy Supervisor: provides direction and approves the events calendar and budgets.
• Division leadership: internal clients supported through event planning and execution.
• Marketing team: provides support on event logistics as required.
• Senior leadership team (SLT): receives pre-event plans and post-event results, and attends events as scheduled.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of three years of experience in event planning and execution, with a proven record of delivering corporate, customer or large-scale events on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated experience managing event budgets, negotiating vendor contracts, and overseeing multiple suppliers.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan and manage multiple events concurrently.
• Proven ability to independently own events end to end, lead on site and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with the ability to produce professional, on-brand materials.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Adaptable and solutions-oriented, with the flexibility to support marketing initiatives beyond events.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel throughout Eastern Ontario.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends during event periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in event management, hospitality, marketing or related field.
• Experience in sponsorship activation or hospitality at sporting or community events.
• Experience managing outdoor or multi-day events.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

The expected range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 annually. Placement within the range is dependent on a variety of factors including qualifications and experience.

TOMLINSON OFFERS:

• Competitive wages
• Bonus programs
• Employer paid health and dental benefits
• Extensive training programs and tuition reimbursement
• Retirement benefits program
• Family-oriented team environment
• Employee discounts and other rewards programs

The Tomlinson Group of Companies encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Please contact Human Resources if you need accommodation at any stage of the application process or want more information on our accommodation policies. We are committed to leveraging the latest technology to enhance our recruitment process. We may use AI tools in the screening and selection of candidates to efficiently and fairly assess all applicants. A Recruiter will review all results generated by AI. If you have any questions, please contact our HR department.