Experiential Manager, Driving Programs (Luxury Automotive Client)

THE JOB / Experiential Manager, Driving Programs (Luxury Automotive Client)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs.

***Our headquarters are in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (3 days a week in the office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, or Los Angeles, CA.***

Octagon is looking for an Experiential Manager (EM) to plan and oversee a combination of team management, event programming, and strategic partnerships for nationwide driving programs providing premium vehicle experiences and test drives.

The program team is a highly collaborative group of experts leading a program with a storied history with best-in-class operations. Day to day work will include personnel management, partner management, build oversight, and program team management. The Experiential Manager will also be required to travel to support events and manage staff that is estimated to be 30-40% of their time.

We are looking for someone who is highly collaborative, is a self-starter, and is comfortable reporting to clients directly and leading weekly status calls. This position will report directly into a Group Director but we’ll be looking for a candidate who is able to work independently, yet an excellent team collaborator and is proactive and curious by nature.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Oversee program planning logistics and onsite activation
• Development of a premium, engaging, and exciting consumer experience
• Collaborate with program partners and vendors to ensure teamwork and build coordination on-site
• Oversee onsite creative, exhibit services, and logistics/instructor planning and implementation
• Manage program staff including full-time logistics staff and part-time event staff
• Schedule, train, and lead event product specialist teams
• Development of program guides and training materials for staff and program partners
• Develop key client relationships and responsible for execution upon deliverables
• Support analysis and assessment of all program vendors
• Serve as program lead onsite at select events
• Other related duties as assigned

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work in Sports”, Octagon is the global sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group.

We take pride in being Playmakers – finding insightful, bold ways to create play in our work, our lives, and in the world. We believe in the power of play to create big ideas and unlock potential for our clients and talent.

We can put ourselves in the shoes of fans because we ARE fans – of sports, entertainment, and culture at large. This expertise allows us to continually evolve the fan experience across sports and entertainment alongside some of the biggest brands and talent in the world.

The world needs play more than ever. Are you a Playmaker?

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• A passion for and expertise in sports, entertainment, gaming, music and/or celebrity culture
• 5 years agency/client experience
• Automotive industry and/or mobile tour experience would be a plus
• Ability to manage relationships with multiple internal/external partners (e.g. venues, vendors, suppliers, etc.)
• Strategic partnership curation and management experience
• Effective leadership skills to manage and mentor full-time and limited-term program staff
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage tight deadlines, work under pressure, and manage budgets through reconciliation
• Excellent communication, writing, and client service skills
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to multi-task
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

The base range for this position is $60,000 – 65,000. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background pertinent experience, and qualifications.

Octagon’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

• Unlimited PTO policy – we understand you need time for play!
• Competitive medical/dental/vision insurance plans with FSA/HSA and Dependent Care FSA options. Pet Insurance for those who need it too!
• Generous Family and Parental Leave Policy (12 weeks) with eligibility extended to all parents regardless of gender or primary/secondary caregiver status
• Access to our parent company (IPG) Savings plan (401K program) with company match as well as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Pretax Transportation/Commuter Benefits and Parent Travel Program
• Dedicated Mental Health resources including Headspace membership, Employee Assistance Program (CCA) and more
• Discount portal for everyday goods and services
• Employee Resource Groups and inclusive diversity programming and initiatives
• Personal Development programs

Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.