Venue Event Lead

The Venue Event Lead ensures the smooth delivery of high‑quality events at the Venue, working as part of the venue team to coordinate all planning and delivery activities

Working closely with clients, suppliers, and internal teams, the role ensures every event and booking is well‑executed, safe, and memorable. It also supports venue growth by maintaining exceptional service standards, strengthening client relationships, and developing new event concepts. This position suits a creative, hands-on organised professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and loves bringing great events to life.

The role supports the organisation by maximising venue use, building strong community and client relationships, and helping create vibrant, safe, and engaging experiences that contribute to Central Otago’s cultural and economic wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the end-to-end planning, logistics and hands on delivery of events, from client enquiry to final pack down.

Act as the main point of contact for clients; provide proposals, quotes and venue tours.

Coordinate event and booking logistics including schedules, floor plans, AV requirements, and staffing.

Lead practical on site delivery to ensure events run smoothly, safely, and to a high professional standard.

Manage suppliers and contractors such as caterers, decorators, entertainment, and technical crews.

Work closely with internal teams across operations, programming, and visitor experience.

Ensure all events meet health and safety, licensing, and compliance requirements.

Support budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting for events.

Develop new events and initiatives that grow venue utilisation and community engagement.

About you:

Proven experience in events from enquiry to delivery

Availability to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required

Ability to deliver event set up, move furniture etc if required

Strong relationship building skills, ideally within community or corporate partnership environments.

Excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in fast paced environments.

Strategic thinker with strong creative and analytical capability.

Experience with venue operations including health and safety planning and implementation

Collaborative, positive, and solutions focused

Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholder groups.

Relevant tertiary qualification in events, arts or hospitality

Benefits:

An active social club

Learning and development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Wellbeing programme

Additional leave

About us:

Here at Central Otago District Council, we are a team with a common goal – to make a meaningful impact on our community and shaping the future of this remarkable region. Joining CODC means more than just finding a new workplace; it’s about becoming a part of a network of forward-thinking individuals who are passionate about creating a positive and enjoyable work environment every day.

As a values-based organisation, we centre our work on our whakataukī: ‘Me manaaki tētahi ki tētahi, me pakihiwitahi te tū – kia haere tahi ai tātou’* - Respect each other, stand shoulder to shoulder – So that we may travel on this journey together.

How to Apply:

Ready to jump in? We’d love to meet you. Send us your resume and a short cover letter telling us why this role feels right for you. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so don’t wait — take the next step today.

To apply please click apply now. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

Applications close: 16/10/2026

Any enquiries about this role please email: [email protected]