We're seeking an experienced National Sponsorship & Events Manager to join a leading membership organisation on a 3-month contract, based in Grafton, Auckland (hybrid working available).
This role will lead a small team of two and take ownership of the organisation's flagship events portfolio, with a strong focus on planning and delivering large-scale conferences and forums. You'll also provide strategic oversight of sponsorship partnerships, working closely with senior stakeholders and industry partners to ensure strong commercial outcomes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned events professional with a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) background who thrives in high-profile, stakeholder-rich environments.
Key Focus:
Events Leadership (Primary Focus)
- Lead planning and delivery of major conferences and forums across New Zealand.
- Drive early-stage planning and execution for significant 2027 events, including:
- Annual Conference 2027
- Forum 2027
- Manage end-to-end event delivery, including:
- Venue and supplier management
- Budget oversight
- Delegate experience
- Speaker engagement
- Logistics and operational planning
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful event outcomes.
- Provide leadership and direction to the events team.
Please note: Smaller events and online webinars are expected to sit outside of this role's core remit.
Sponsorship & Commercial Leadership
- Provide strategic oversight of the sponsorship portfolio.
- Lead engagement with key sponsors and industry partners.
- Support sponsorship growth opportunities and renewal strategies.
- Manage and mentor the Sponsorship Manager, who will report directly into this position.
- Ensure commercial value is maximised across sponsorship partnerships.
Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, sponsors, partners, speakers, venues, and suppliers.
- Act as a professional ambassador for the organisation.
- Influence and engage confidently with executive-level stakeholders and key industry partners.
- Maintain exceptional standards of communication and relationship management
About You
You'll be an experienced events professional who can step in quickly and lead with confidence during a key transition period. You'll bring:
- Proven experience delivering large-scale conferences and forums (400+ delegates), including multi-day events
- Ideally a background in a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) environment or similar
- People leadership experience, including managing direct reports
- Strong commercial acumen and experience working with sponsorships
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- The professionalism and credibility to engage with senior executives, sponsors, and key partners
- The ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on event delivery
Travel & Flexibility
- Some domestic travel may be required
- Flexibility to support conference and event delivery, including occasional early starts, evening functions, and travel as needed for major events
What’s on Offer
- Competitive hourly rate
- 3-month contract (potential to go permanent)
- Auckland based - Hybrid: 3 days office / 2 days WFH