Senior Manager, Events & Production

Churchill Downs Incorporated•Louisville, KY

13d

About The Position

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organized individual with strong leadership skills for a Senior Manager of Events & Production position at Churchill Downs Racetrack. This position reports to the Director of Events and is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of premium race day events, cultivating guest and vendor relationships, and ensuring an exceptional overall experience for Churchill Downs visitors. The Senior Manager of Events & Production is responsible for leading the end-to-end planning and execution of high-impact events and productions. This role drives production strategy and manages vendors, budgets, timelines, and on-site operations to deliver exceptional, on-brand experiences on schedule and within budget. The successful candidate is a forward-thinking leader who excels in dynamic environments and pairs creativity with strong operational discipline. Availability to work long and varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is required.

Requirements

Strong management and delegation skills.
Possess a goal-oriented approach, with the desire and capability to track activities to business metrics and an overall plan. The successful candidate has a demonstrated desire to conceptualize, execute, and report on complex integrated events.
Strong negotiation skills related to contracts and vendor pricing
Excellent strategic and analytical thinking capability
Meticulous attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Diplomatic approach with the ability to advocate for change across diverse environments among peers, managers, executives, and external partners
Superior time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to fluidly transition between managing the work of others and being an individual contributor
Ability to develop effective working relationships with internal and external parties
Exceptional customer relationship management skills
High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive, confidential situations and information
Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, sports management, marketing or other related field required
5+ years’ experience in event management preferably in hospitality or sporting venues.
Demonstrate knowledge in event production, including staging, lighting, audio, video, facility rigging, industry terminology, event-related services and technical requirements for the types of events anticipated at the facility
Knowledge of fire and public safety regulations
Must be able to operate under extreme deadlines and within budgets
Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Calendar

Nice To Haves

CRM Knowledge preferred

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee execution of event production needs related to Marketing promotions, themed events and Premium race days (Twilight Thursdays, Downs After Dark, Post-Position Draw and Family Adventure Days)
Translate creative concepts into detailed production plans, timelines, and run-of-show documents
Source, negotiate, and manage vendor and venue contracts
Identify efficiencies and scalable processes to improve production workflows
Effectively manage event and production orders to ensure timely delivery while staying under budget
Anticipate production challenges and proactively develop contingency plans
Ensure compliance with safety regulations, permits, and insurance requirements
Maintain high standards of quality, brand consistency, and attendee experience
Assist Director of Derby Operations with Derby décor planning and production requirements
Provide direction and oversight to staff members when assisting with production and event elements
Utilize strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate, resolve issues, and maintain professional relationships with all guests, departments and key stakeholders
Serve as a dedicated Event Manager for private events during Derby Week and throughout the year
Other duties as assigned.