Event Manager

The Big Design Group is looking to employ a highly motivated and experienced Senior Event Manager to lead the planning and delivery of The Little Food Market in Melbourne and Sydney. This flagship consumer event showcases the very best in food, drink, and hospitality, bringing together more than 200 producers and attracting tens of thousands of food lovers annually. You'll be working alongside the Event Director, Marketing Manager and wider team to deliver unforgettable experiences that celebrate Australia's vibrant food culture across both cities.

The Big Design Group is a small but mighty team with a proven track record of running BIG events in Melbourne and Sydney. We are the organisers behind The Big Design Market and The Little Food Market, both renowned for their premium curation and large-scale execution. Launched in 2024, The Little Food Market is fast becoming one of Australia's must-visit culinary events — featuring live chef demonstrations, tastings, and a carefully curated lineup of over 200 exhibitors ranging from artisanal producers to household names. Our ethos is centred on creativity, originality and ethical practice, with a strong focus on sustainability and inclusivity.

Position: Senior Event Manager

Minimum experience: 5+ years in planning and delivering major consumer events

Pay: $90K – $110K + Super

Employment basis: Full time (Mon–Fri)

This is an exciting and fast-paced role that requires someone highly organised, confident in managing multiple stakeholders, and passionate about food, drink, and live events.

• Lead production and management of annual event schedules, floorplans, curation and budgets
• Manage office staff, including an Event Coordinator and at times 2–3 additional team members in the lead-up to events, with direct reporting to the Event Director
• Manage contractors and suppliers — obtaining quotes, issuing contracts and overseeing onsite delivery
• Coordinate catering operations and ensure compliance with all food regulations
• Manage event staff: onboarding, rosters, job sheets and briefings
• Oversee weekly WIP meetings and report on milestones
• Research and implement new initiatives across the event (e.g. sustainability, accessibility, sensory-friendly programming)
• Manage compliance requirements including liquor licensing, PLI, risk assessments and health & safety plans
• Oversee content updates for exhibitor and caterer manuals
• Research, implement and manage ticketing, registration and lead retrieval systems
• Oversee signage, staging and any major installations
• Opportunity to recruit and lead an Event Coordinator, building a small team to support delivery of the events

• Passionate about food, drink and live events, with an understanding of the industry
• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to multitask
• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Adaptable, collaborative, and detail-oriented
• A commitment to customer service and delivering outstanding experiences
• Mac/Apple literate, with experience using Microsoft, Google Workspaces, Dropbox
• Eventdraw &Mondayexperience is a plus
• Willingness to work flexible hours during event periods

We're a small, collaborative team passionate about food, design, sustainability, and inclusivity. We work hard but enjoy the rewards that come with creating large-scale community events. Our goal is simple: to deliver events that are the absolute best they can be for everyone involved.

Applications will be accepted via email until midnight 1st October 2025, unless the role is filled prior. Please supply a cover letter and CV to inquiries@thebigdesigngroup.com. Any enquiries regarding the role can be directed to the same address. Please note only candidates whose applications meet the requirements of the role will be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.