SENIOR EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAM MANAGER

Bluewater Technologies Group•Wixom, MI

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Experiential Program Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of experiential marketing programs, trade shows, exhibits, and live events. This role serves as a trusted client advisor and operational leader, managing complex programs from concept through execution while maximizing asset utilization, controlling costs, and improving profitability.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in experiential marketing, trade shows, event production, exhibits, or related industries.
Strong knowledge of exhibit structures, asset management, event operations, and production processes.
Experience managing annual event programs ranging from $100K to $5M+.
Proven success managing budgets, vendors, logistics, and multiple concurrent projects.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with exhibit houses, agencies, trade show production, mobile tours, outdoor events, or automotive programs.
CTSM, PMP, or related certifications.

Responsibilities

Support and advise clients on event strategy, program execution, and business objectives.
Manage day-to-day client deliverables while building strong relationships with clients, vendors, labor partners, and internal teams.
Translate client goals into actionable event and exhibit solutions.
Maintain oversight of client-owned exhibit properties, inventory, and branded assets.
Develop strategies to maximize asset utilization, reuse, refurbishment, and cross-program deployment.
Identify cost-saving opportunities while improving program ROI.
Develop and manage budgets, timelines, schedules, and critical paths.
Coordinate creative, fabrication, production, logistics, and field operations teams.
Source and manage vendors, review estimates, and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
Understand exhibit fabrication methods, materials, and build-versus-buy decisions.
Manage trade show, convention center, and live event operations, including labor, logistics, shipping, installation and dismantle, exhibitor services, and onsite execution.
Possess working knowledge of major show contractors, convention center services, labor regulations, and union environments.
Support outdoor events, mobile tours, and temporary event infrastructure as required.
Plan and optimize labor schedules, staffing models, and onsite resources.
Manage staffing agencies, brand ambassadors, speakers, VIPs, and event personnel.
Drive profitability through asset reuse, logistics optimization, labor efficiency, and strategic sourcing decisions.
Other duties as assigned.