Events Project Lead

Job Description Events Project Lead Dunnes Stores is Ireland's leading retailer positioned at the cutting edge of food, fashion and home retailing. We are known for offering a wide range of high-quality products to our customers. With a strong brand presence and a loyal customer base, we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences that resonate with our customers. We are seeking a creative and organised Events Project Leader to execute impactful events that elevate our brand and drive customer engagement. This role is based in our Head Office in Dublin city centre. The Role : The Event Project Lead will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a wide range of events that align with the brand's image and strategic goals. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong project management skills, creativity, and the ability to deliver exceptional events on time and within budget. The ideal candidate will have experience in retail event management, with a deep understanding of how to create engaging experiences that attract and retain customers. This role will work closely with the Head of Store Brand Experience and Events. Primary Responsibilities Event Planning and Strategy : Develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy that aligns with the Dunnes Stores brand and marketing objectives. Plan, organise, and execute in-store events, pop-up shops, product launches, seasonal promotions, and other brand activations. Work closely with the marketing and merchandising teams to ensure events support overall business goals and product strategies. Project Management : Manage all aspects of event planning, including budgeting, logistics, vendor selection, and coordination. Create detailed event timelines, checklists, and run-of-show documents to ensure smooth execution. Oversee the setup, execution, and teardown of events, ensuring that all elements meet the brand's standards. Creative Development : Collaborate with the creative team to design event concepts, themes, and decor that reflect the brand's identity and appeal to the target audience. Source and coordinate with external vendors, such as caterers, decorators, and audiovisual technicians, to bring event concepts to life. Ensure all creative elements, from invitations to event signage, are on-brand and effectively communicate the event's purpose. Customer Engagement : Design events that create memorable experiences for customers, enhancing brand loyalty and driving traffic to stores and online platforms. Utilise customer data and insights to tailor events to the preferences and behaviours of key customer segments. Develop strategies to promote events through various channels, including social media, email marketing, and partnerships with influencers. Vendor and Partner Management : Build and maintain relationships with external vendors, agencies, and partners to secure the best services and rates. Negotiate contracts and manage vendor agreements to ensure all deliverables are met to the highest standards. Work closely with mall management and local businesses to coordinate events and gain support. Budgeting and Reporting : Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring all costs are accounted for and within allocated limits. Track and report on event performance, including attendance, customer feedback, and ROI. Analyse the success of events and provide recommendations for future improvements - event follow up. Compliance and Risk Management : Ensure all events comply with local regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies. Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to address any issues that may arise before or during events. Qualifications and Experience : Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Event Management, Hospitality, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in event management, preferably within the retail or fashion industry. Proven track record of planning and executing successful events that drive customer engagement and brand awareness. Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously and meet tight deadlines. Excellent organisational skills, with a keen eye for detail and a focus on quality. Creative thinker with a passion for delivering unique and memorable experiences. Strong negotiation and vendor management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules. Dunnes Stores is an Equal Opportunities Employer