Senior Vice President Of Event Logistics

This is a Full Time Job

DESCRIPTION:

Job Purpose

The Senior Vice President of Event Logistics will oversee the planning, execution, and operations for all SXSW event logistics. They will serve as a senior business leader responsible for overseeing budgeting, procurement, vendor relations, and contract negotiations. They will ensure these departments operate in alignment to deliver seamless, world-class events.

This role requires balancing high-level strategy with hands-on operational oversight, driving efficiency, innovation, and exceptional attendee and partner experiences. We are looking for a leader who is exceptional at collaboration, both inside and outside the company. It is ideal for a senior event operations leader with a proven track record in large-scale, complex multi-venue events who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Partner with the executive leadership team to develop short- and long-term operational strategies that support SXSW's mission and growth.
• Lead annual planning cycles, ensuring the logistics departments align with corporate goals.
• Collaborate with department heads and the CFO to develop and manage budgets that meet fiscal goals while maintaining quality standards.
• Oversee procurement policies, compliance requirements, and vendor contracting to support cost-effective and high-quality outcomes.

Event Operations Oversight

• Leadership over all logistical operations for SXSW events, from venue contracting to vendor management, housing, staffing, and credentialing.
• Ensure vendor and partner relationships meet performance, quality, and compliance standards while optimizing for cost and service excellence.
• Support negotiations with venues, hotels, and service providers to secure favorable terms and conditions.

Team & Department Leadership

• Support department heads in Event Operations, Registration & Housing, Production, Planning, and Government Affairs.
• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team across the five departments, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Promote operational efficiencies and process improvements year-round.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for logistics issues during the planning, execution, and on-site phases.

On-Site Responsibilities

• Lead on-the-ground logistics operations during SXSW, ensuring smooth execution and rapid problem-solving.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal teams, government officials, and external stakeholders during the event.
• Support experienced event management staff with financial and vendor-related oversight. Ensure contracts and vendor deliverables are executed as agreed during the event.

Direct Reports

Event Logistics Department Heads

Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications include:

• 10 years in large-scale event logistics, with a minimum of five years at the management level.
• Proven experience delivering city-wide or multi-venue events involving 50,000 attendees.
• Demonstrated expertise in vendor management, procurement, and budget ownership at scale.
• Strong production and technical logistics background.
• Proven experience collaborating with government agencies and public safety stakeholders to ensure compliance and successful event execution.
• Ideally, experience with recurring festivals, conferences, or large-scale touring environments.
• Ability to multitask, be agile, and adapt to evolving deadlines and priorities.
• Familiarity with Meeti