Senior Project Manager II (Trade Shows & Events)

Jack Morton Worldwide•Addison, IL

16d•Onsite

About The Position

Jack Morton is seeking a seasoned project management professional to lead large-scale tradeshow, exhibition, and live-event programs from concept through execution. The Senior Project Manager II oversees the full project lifecycle and serves as an operational leader, ensuring projects are strategically planned and delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards. The role is onsite five days per week at the company’s Addison, Illinois location and requires frequent travel, including weekends, for onsite event management. The position manages project plans, schedules, budgets, resources, stakeholders, vendors, logistics, production oversight, risk mitigation, and financial reconciliation. It leads cross-functional teams, provides mentorship to project management colleagues, and supports safe, high-quality event delivery. Jack Morton describes its workplace as collaborative, curious, and bold, with an emphasis on shared ownership, growth, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
10+ years of project management experience in tradeshow, exhibition, experiential marketing, events, or related industries.
Proven success managing large-scale, complex projects from inception through completion.
Strong understanding of project management methodologies, scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning.
Experience managing vendors, logistics, and production partners.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and production specifications.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including weekends, for onsite event management.
Proficiency with project management software.
Experience with ERP and business systems, including Microsoft Dynamics or similar platforms.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
Strong reporting, budgeting, and financial tracking capabilities.
Ability to work onsite five days per week at the Addison, Illinois location.

Responsibilities

Manage projects from client intake and planning through design, production, installation, onsite execution, and post-event analysis.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables; ensure project objectives, scope, timelines, and quality standards are met.
Develop and manage project budgets; monitor costs, forecast expenditures, identify efficiencies, and coordinate internal resources and operational support.
Serve as the primary operational point of contact for project stakeholders and communicate status, risks, timelines, and updates to internal teams and leadership.
Build partnerships across Client Services, Account Management, Operations, Production, and Finance.
Source, negotiate, and manage third-party vendors, contractors, transportation providers, and show service partners.
Coordinate installation and dismantle services and event logistics, supporting execution from warehouse to show floor.
Lead cross-functional project teams and provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to project management team members.
Identify risks, develop contingency plans, and implement proactive solutions while navigating changing priorities.
Review technical drawings, production specifications, and exhibit construction details; ensure compliance with safety standards, venue requirements, and operational best practices.
Compile final project costs, including labor, materials, vendor expenses, and service fees; analyze performance and budget variances; support invoicing and post-project financial reconciliation.