Assistant Manager, Fair & Festival Operations

Job Description

Assistant Manager, Fair and Festival OperationsFull-time; Term Contract (August 1, 2026 – September 31, 2027)Date Posted: July 15, 2026

 

Who we are… 

The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 116-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams:  the 15 day annual summer Fair which averages more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events.  In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance.  The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences. 

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community. 

The Assistant Manager of Fair and Festival Operations is responsible for supporting cross-functional teams in the creation and execution of our large-scale, internally produced events such as the annual Summer Fair as well as live entertainment events such as concerts, sporting events, and trade shows.  They will drive business development while demonstrating effective project planning and processes to manage milestones, timelines, budgets, and priorities while working directly with complex matrixed teams and external partners. 

 

We are looking for a collaborative, self-starter to take on the role within the Event Operations Team at the PNE. They will be responsible for planning and executing a wide range of live events and will be responsible for all event day deliverables. This individual will work closely with many departments within the organization to ensure a seamless event experience for PNE clients and guests.

 

Why join our Team? 

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment 
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more 
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

 

What will you do this year?In your role as the Assistant Manager, Fair and Festival Operations, your primary accountabilities will be to:

 

Fair Planning and Corporate Services:

• Assist with project management of the annual summer Fair, including facilitation of cross functional planning meetings and working group meetings and site layout planning (booking meetings, agendas, minutes, action item follow through etc.).
• Assist with functional resource planning and execution for event rentals such as fence, tents, trailers and golf carts.
• Assist with the Fair credential program, ensuring accurate allocation and distribution of credentials for vendors, suppliers and contractors.
• Assist with planning and facilitating entertainment and programming such as touring exhibits, activations and onsite experiences.
• Monitors local cultural activity looking for opportunities to develop exhibits, participatory programs and new relationships adding to the mix of Fair time activity.

 

Fair Exhibit space department:

 

• Assist with management of the Fair time exhibition space sales and exhibit set-up activities for the 400,000 square feet of Fair time indoor exhibition space, outdoor market spaces and food concessions.
• Assist with the administration and processing of exhibit space applications and contracts.
• Update exhibitor accounts: process exhibitor agreements, track payments, manage contracts and maintain records and reports.
• Assist with all credential requirements (IDs, passes, parking) for vendors
• Liaise with exhibitors regarding space allocations on site, outstanding contracts, payments, and other related documents.
• Assist with concessionaire point of sale operations and act a support resource for external vendor group
• Assist with developing budget requirements and maintains control of the Fair time exhibition space sales portion of the department budget.
• Prepares floor plans of all buildings and outside grounds; recommends changes to layouts.

 

Event Management, Live Entertainment

 

• Act as the venue representative on event days by managing client requests and troubleshooting operational issues
• Plan and execute a wide range of PNE events including but not limited to concerts, festivals, sporting events, community events and tradeshows
• Develop and actively manage positive relationships with production managers, tradeshow producers, concert promoters and other PNE stakeholders
• Coordinate staffing levels, public safety, facility maintenance, load-in, load out and all other event operations
• Ensure adherence to venue policies and procedures with respect to health and safety, alcohol management, customer service, and labour management
• Ensure venues are prepared in accordance to contract requirements and client expectations
• Create production schedules, timelines, event specs using Momentus system other event planning material
• Work closely with the Ticketing Department on the event build, venue configuration and other ticketing matters
• Assist the Sales Department with event billing and settlement procedures

 

What else?

• Must have 4-6 years of experience in the live events industry
• Diploma, Certificate or degree in Event Management, Business Administration or a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education & experience
• Must be able to work an event-based work schedule which includes weekends, late nights, extended hours and extended workweeks.
• Proven record of building strong relationships with the general public, industry partners and internal and external business stakeholders
• Experience working in a similar venue is considered an asset
• Knowledge of Momentus system is considered an asset. Ability to create planning documents and tools to efficiently execute events
• Experience with production and technical personnel is considered an asset
• Must possess good decision-making skills with the ability to react well to high-pressure situations and tight timelines
• Knowledge of the planning, production, and management of major events within the entertainment industry
• Knowledge of CAD and/or Ungerboeck/Momentus system is considered an asset.
• Ability to create planning documents and tools to efficiently execute events
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check

 

Who are you?

• Detail-oriented
• Strong organizational skills
• Eager self-starter
• Motivated by fast-paced environments
• Skilled at problem-solving
• Effective communicator
• Committed to striving for excellence
• Time Management Expert

 

Where and when to APPLY? 

Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled.  

 

Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume/cover letter before Sunday, July 26. We look forward to hearing from you! 

 

Additional Information 

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $63,000 - $68,000 per annum.  The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures.  As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements.  

 

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at [email protected].