Events & Engagement Lead

A little about us

Capricorn is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest and most dynamic Member-owned organisations. Since 1974, we’ve provided our Members with financial and business solutions to make running a business easier. Our flagship Trade Account offers instant credit with over 1600 Preferred Suppliers, simplified monthly expenses, and a generous rewards program.

We have a strong foundation in the automotive and machinery aftermarkets. Our vibrant community includes over 31,000 Members across Australia and New Zealand, from national franchises to your local family workshop. Last year, Capricorn facilitated nearly $4bn in sales with our Preferred Suppliers.

At Capricorn, we're about more than just products and services. We work hard to ensure that our Members, Suppliers and People feel like they're part of something bigger: a Community which is connected and supported to make a difference, while having some fun along the way!

A little about the role

As Events & Engagement Lead, you will shape and implement Capricorn’s community engagement strategy across events, awards, community partnerships, sponsorships and activations. A key early deliverable will be establishing a clear strategy that aligns investment and activity with organisational priorities.

This is an overarching leadership role rather than a hands-on event delivery position. Working with the Head of Communications & Engagement, you will set direction, oversee planning and governance, manage budgets, contracts and supplier negotiations, and ensure programs are delivered to a high standard by the events & engagement team. The portfolio includes activations, community sponsorships/partnerships and events including Capricorn’s biannual overseas convention.

Leading three direct reports, you will provide clear priorities, coaching and oversight while building strong relationships with Members, Preferred Suppliers, community organisations, partners and senior internal stakeholders. The role is permanent, with Perth the preferred base, and requires travel.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for a strategic events and engagement leader who can guide a capable delivery team, influence diverse stakeholders and bring commercial discipline to a broad portfolio of initiatives.

What’s essential

• Extensive experience in event management, community engagement, stakeholder engagement, communications, marketing or a related discipline.

• Strong strategic planning and portfolio oversight capability across events, engagement programs, partnerships, sponsorships or community initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contracts, suppliers, venues, negotiations and event risk requirements.

• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across Members, Preferred Suppliers, partners and internal leaders.

• Strong governance, project management and organisational capability, with the ability to oversee multiple priorities, locations and deadlines.

• Commercial awareness and a track record of monitoring outcomes, budget performance, stakeholder feedback and opportunities for improvement.

• The ability and willingness to travel, including for major conventions and overseas programs.

Highly regarded

• People leadership or project leadership experience, including coaching, capability development and setting clear performance expectations.

• Experience delivering medium to large-scale events across multiple locations or jurisdictions.

• Experience working within a membership, community, partnership or network-based organisation.

Qualifications

A tertiary qualification in Event Management, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business or a related discipline is preferred. Relevant industry certifications or demonstrated equivalent experience will be highly regarded.

A little on life at Capricorn

Joining our community is about more than just a job, so here’s what’s in it for you:

• Work flexibility – We’re all unique, and so are the ways in which we work. We have Hybrid (2 days working from home) written into our policy.

• Development Opportunities – your success is ours too. We provide training opportunities and development to give you the tools you need to grow.

• Paid parental leave – during life’s most important times, we support parents’ leave (for both parents) and their transition back to work.

• Get social – our social calendar is full, with a range of different virtual and face-to-face events to keep us connected.

• A place you want to be – from the sweeping city views, coffee on tap and the general buzz of our team, Capricorn is a place you want to be.

• A cherry on top – we’ve got a heap of benefits that our team actually use, including a fantastic reward and recognition program, wellness program, additional leave purchase and so much more!

• Amazing Benefits – Unlock amazing benefits at Capricorn. We offer all staff free gym membership near the office, discounted private health benefits and an inclusive working from home kits to get you started!

Sound like you’d be a good fit?

If you are ready to lead a high-impact portfolio, build meaningful community connections and help shape memorable experiences for Capricorn’s Members and Preferred Suppliers, get in touch today.

For further information, support with your application and details on Capricorn, please visit capricorn.coop/careers