Manager, Event Production

Company Overview

Harbourfront Centre is an innovative non-profit cultural organization renowned for offering artistic, educational and recreational programming across a beautiful 10-acre campus at the heart of Toronto’s waterfront. With events and activities for a diverse public that enliven, educate and entertain, we welcome visitors year-round, fostering a sense of community and celebrating Canadian culture and the rich mosaic of cultures from around the world.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Manager, Event Production to lead our Event Production team and to oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of events, ensuring every detail aligns with our clients’ and partners’ expectations and organizational objective. Our ideal ideal candidate will be an experienced event producer with a passion for creativity, innovation, and exceptional team leadership, bringing to the role a blend of strategic thinking, logistical expertise, and hands-on involvement in the production process all within an audience-first mindset.

 

Position Title: Manager, Event Production

Department: Event Management & Audience Experience

Reporting To: Head of Event Management & Audience Experience

Direct Reports: Manager, Technical Production and the Event Production team

Number of Vacancies: 1

Type of Employment: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Compensation: Annual salary of $75,000 – $85,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package

Work Location: On-site at our waterfront campus, with some remote work possible as per our Remote Work Policy and based on organizational need

 

Duties

• Manage the activities of the department’s Event Producers, Event Management Administration Coordinator, and seasonal Assistant Production Coordinators, performing full-cycle management inclusive of hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating performance, addressing performance-related matters and coaching.
• Oversee the end-to-end production process for events, including conferences, corporate meetings, product launches, social events, and more.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define event objectives, timelines, budgets, and key deliverables.
• In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, develop and manage event production budgets, ensuring adherence to financial guidelines while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate logistics for materials, equipment, and staff.
• Conduct regular team meetings to ensure alignment on event goals, timelines, and responsibilities.
• Respond to employee concerns and issues and determine appropriate resolutions.
• Manage staff lieu and vacation time ensuring an equal work balance for the production team.
• Review and update staff manuals, venue packages and departmental documentation.
• Assign/delegate project work to staff as required.

 Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in event production or management, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role,
• Proven experience in managing budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
• Excellent leadership, strong written and oral communication and great interpersonal skills to deal with a wide variety of people with tact, professionalism and a positive attitude.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in event management software such as Artifax, Vizio and Microsoft 365.
• Capacity to be flexible and adaptive to changing client needs and event challenges with composure and with a solution mindset.
• A can-do attitude and audience focused approach to deal with challenging situations with integrity and sincerity.
• Experience in a unionized environment is considered an asset.
• This role is based in Toronto. As such, candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. All international applicants must have a valid employment Visa authorizing their ability to work in Canada on a full-time, ongoing basis.

 Our Values

At Harbourfront Centre, our values—Open, Brave, Rigorous, and Kind—reflect our commitment to inclusivity, imaginative risk-taking, excellence, and respect, ensuring enriching experiences for all.