Event Management Specialist

About Spark New Zealand

Spark is New Zealand’s leading telecommunications and digital services company, dedicated to helping the nation thrive in a digital age. Serving millions of Kiwis and countless businesses, Spark delivers mobile, broadband, and various digital services. Operating within a fast-evolving industry, Spark embraces Agile methodologies to foster a transparent, collaborative environment, enabling responsive and effective solutions for customers and communities.

Role Summary

The Live Experience Specialist at Spark takes full ownership of managing a diverse range of complex live events—from sales conferences and award ceremonies to client engagements and internal functions. This role entails handling all aspects from initial briefing, conceptual development, execution, evaluation, through to financial closure, acting as the principal person accountable for each event’s success.

In close partnership with the Live Experience Manager, this position requires autonomy in decision-making, adeptness in managing risks and complexities, vendor management, and a focus on enhancing event delivery standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage entire event lifecycles including concept creation, delivery, post-event evaluation, and financial reconciliation.
• Develop and oversee event plans, timelines, budgets, risk assessments, and success metrics.
• Lead high-profile and complex projects, escalating critical concerns as needed.
• Translate strategic business goals and branding into impactful attendee experiences.
• Define and uphold event ambiance consistent with Spark’s brand identity.
• Oversee on-site event execution, swiftly resolving any issues.
• Communicate progress, potential risks, and post-event learnings to senior leadership.
• Manage allocation of sponsorship tickets and uphold related decisions.
• Offer strategic advice to senior stakeholders on event formats, investment prioritization, and delivery methods.
• Identify and implement enhancements improving business impact, branding, and stakeholder engagement.
• Utilize audience data and market trends to shape event strategies.
• Raise potential risks and opportunities early with actionable recommendations.
• Establish and nurture trusted relationships with senior executives, sponsors, clients, suppliers, and agencies.
• Advise and align with executive sponsors to manage scope, budget, and quality expectations.
• Challenge and refine briefs, priorities, and deliverables to achieve outstanding experiences.
• Hold external partners accountable through negotiation and performance monitoring.
• Manage comprehensive event budgets with accurate forecasting, expenditure control, and reconciliation.
• Act as the subject expert on complex programs and provide coaching to elevate team expertise.
• Lead by example, demonstrating sound judgment and ownership of results.
• Step in for the Live Experience Manager and oversee major workstreams as required.
• Proactively manage risks related to delivery, stakeholder satisfaction, supplier performance, health and safety, and finances.
• Promote continuous improvement rooted in trend analysis, shared insights, and standard practices.
• Deliver live experiences that effectively drive brand presence, stakeholder engagement, and commercial goals.
• Support Spark’s goal to be New Zealand’s most exciting workplace and embody company values when representing the function externally.

Candidate Experience and Skills

• Minimum three years’ experience managing complex corporate events, live experiences, and hosting programs with full responsibility for event delivery.
• Proven track record of personal accountability, including budget management, risk mitigation, and aligning multiple stakeholders.
• Strong expertise in project and program management, able to juggle multiple priorities and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Effectiveness in managing and influencing senior stakeholders with credibility and diplomacy.
• Experience leading and negotiating with agencies, suppliers, and venues to ensure high-quality and cost-effective outcomes.
• Proficient in financial management related to events, encompassing budgeting, forecasting, tracking expenses, and financial reconciliation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills enabling clear presentation of recommendations to senior audiences.
• Capacity to mentor and support colleagues, contributing positively to team skill development.
• Proactive, resilient, collaborative, and ownership-driven approach to work.

Additional Information

Location and Eligibility: This role is based onsite in Auckland, New Zealand. Candidates must hold New Zealand permanent residency, citizenship, or a valid work visa with a minimum of 18 months remaining due to the role’s urgency and nature.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability

Spark is committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves regardless of gender, ethnicity, orientation, age, or ability. Sustainability and digital equity are core tenets, with ongoing efforts to support New Zealand’s economic recovery and fair access to digital services.

Employee Benefits

• Comprehensive wellbeing support including medical insurance, life and income protection, access to wellness coaches, Employee Assistance Programs, and specialist clinical services.
• Hybrid work model allowing generally four office days and one flexible day per week for most teams.
• Generous leave policies including annual leave, purchased leave options, enhanced parental leave, and study leave.
• Monthly Spark credit of $150 for permanent employees to use on Spark’s products.
• Opportunities to participate in Spark’s share purchase scheme periodically.
• Career development opportunities through an internal marketplace linking employees to experiential and on-the-job learning.