We are seeking a seasoned Events Manager to take ownership of events as a strategic engagement channel, not simply to deliver events, but to define their purpose, prioritisation, quality and impact.

This role sits at a senior level within a Marketing, Communications and Engagement function and is responsible for how events are planned, governed, experienced and evaluated across the organisation. You will lead a specialist events team, influence senior stakeholders, and set clear standards for how events support reputation, stakeholder relationships, recruitment, retention and community connection.

This is a role for someone who is comfortable saying yes, no, or not yet, shaping the event landscape with intent rather than volume, and ensuring every event earns its place.

What you’ll be responsible for:

Strategic ownership of the events channel

• Define and lead the organisation’s events portfolio across the annual planning cycle
• Position events as a deliberate engagement channel aligned to strategic priorities and audience needs
• Advise leaders on whether events are the right solution and how they should be designed to succeed
• Influence scope, audiences, formats, timing and resourcing before delivery decisions are confirmed

Leadership, standards and capability

• Lead and develop a team of event professionals, building judgement, confidence and consistency
• Establish clear frameworks, standards and ways of working for event design and delivery
• Ensure clarity of roles, responsibilities and priorities within the team
• Drive continuous improvement through insight, evaluation and shared learning

Experience, reputation and governance

• Set expectations for how the organisation shows up in person across all event types
• Ensure events strengthen reputation, credibility and stakeholder trust
• Oversee delivery quality, health and safety, accessibility, privacy and compliance
• Identify and manage reputational, operational and delivery risks early

Resources, suppliers and budgets

• Own event budgets, supplier relationships and resourcing decisions
• Provide visibility of risks, trade‑offs and capacity constraints to senior leaders
• Ensure value for money, consistent supplier performance and sound documentation

What we’re looking for:

You are a confident, strategic events leader who brings authority, clarity and judgement. You enjoy operating at the intersection of strategy and delivery and are trusted to shape decisions early rather than react late.

You’ll bring:

• 5+ years’ experience in a senior event management or events leadership role
• Experience leading an events function or substantial, complex event portfolio
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage competing priorities
• Strong understanding of event governance, safety, accessibility and experience design
• Excellent communication skills and sound professional judgement
• Strong digital capability with event systems and planning tools

Experience working in values‑led or complex organisations is highly regarded. Capability in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori is an advantage.

Why this role:

This is an opportunity to own the space, to move freely in leadership, strategy and influence. You’ll help define why events matter, how they’re used, and what “good” looks like.

If you’re ready to lead with intent and shape meaningful engagement experiences, we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions please email sarah.harland@madison.co.nz