Event and Hospitality Manager

Job Summary:

About Waikato Regional Theatre:

Join the team at Waikato Regional Theatre, Hamilton’s landmark venue for arts and entertainment. Opening in 2025, the Theatre will host an exciting programme of world-class performances, from live music and theatre to community and cultural events. As part of the Live Nation Group, we specialise in creating extraordinary experiences that inspire and connect audiences. Be part of our passionate team and help shape the future of live entertainment in the Waikato!

About the role:

We are looking for a proactive and experienced Event and Hospitality Manager to join the team at Waikato Regional Theatre. This senior role sits at the heart of our operations, ensuring seamless delivery of events, high-quality hospitality services, and smooth ticketing processes.

Reporting to the Venue Manager, you’ll oversee all aspects of the event journey – from planning and logistics through to execution and review. You’ll be the key link between promoters, hirers, service partners and our team, ensuring every event meets the highest standard of professionalism and audience experience.

From managing front-of-house operations to leading backstage hospitality and ticketing, this role offers the opportunity to shape how our community and guests experience the Theatre. If you think you have what it takes, apply with a cover letter outlining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

What you’ll be doing:

• Event leadership: Plan, deliver, and evaluate events while maintaining strong relationships with promoters, hirers, and service providers.
• Ticketing oversight: Oversee ticketing operations, ensuring events are built accurately and on-sale processes maximise sales and presentation.
• Hospitality management: Lead all hospitality operations across front and back of house, ensuring high standards in service, food safety, and venue presentation.
• Financial accountability: Contribute to budgeting, inventory management, rostering, and labour planning to meet key performance indicators.
• Client and guest experience: Act as a key point of contact for clients and deliver a welcoming, safe, and seamless experience for patrons.
• Team leadership: Recruit, train, and support casual staff, inspiring excellent service and upholding venue standards.
• Health & Safety leadership: Drive compliance with legislation and theatre safety plans, acting as a leader in risk management and incident response.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience: Strong background in event management, ideally in a live music, theatre, or multi-purpose venue.
• Ticketing knowledge: Solid understanding of ticketing systems and operations across a range of event genres.
• Hospitality expertise: Demonstrated success in food and beverage or hospitality service delivery in high-volume or entertainment environments.
• Stakeholder skills: Confidence in building strong relationships with clients, contractors, and service partners.
• Operational excellence: Strong organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Leadership ability: Experience leading, coaching, and motivating casual and contracted teams.
• Tech proficiency: Skilled in leveraging software and digital tools to support reporting, ticketing, and event logistics.
• Flexibility & resilience: Comfortable working nights, weekends, and public holidays in a fast-paced environment.

The Benefits:

• A vibrant, music-focused workplace fostering creativity and collaboration.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Access to concerts, events, and other entertainment perks.
• A diverse, equitable workplace where every voice matters.
• Comprehensive benefits, from volunteer days to wellness programs and mental health support.

Equal Opportunities:

We are passionate and committed to our people and go beyond the rhetoric of diversity and inclusion. You will be working in an inclusive environment and be encouraged to bring your whole self to work. We will do all that we can to help you successfully balance your work and Homelife. As a growing business, we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with. It’s talent that matters to us and we encourage applications from people irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status or caring responsibilities.

#LNAPAC #LI-TO1

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