Experiential Brand Manager

We don't just scoop ice cream. We create worlds.

SMiZE & DREAM is part fantasy, part stage, part family playground — with SMiZE SURPRiZE-filled tubs and a flagship in Darling Harbour that's as much experience as it is scoop shop.

Now we're looking for an Experiential Brand Manager to turn bold creative ideas into unforgettable activations and collaborations — making SMiZE & DREAM a destination people talk about, share, and return to again and again.

We've launched with buzz. Now we're ready for the next chapter.

The Role

This role lives at the intersection of brand, experience, and hospitality. It's a hybrid of host and builder — part guest-experience leader, part project manager, part brand storyteller.

You'll be the heartbeat of our brand experiences — crafting activations and headline-worthy collaborations that are fresh, immersive, and unforgettable. Whether on-site in Darling Harbour, off-campus in unexpected spaces, or online where our community lives, you'll turn moments into stories: experiences guests feel in person and followers share everywhere.

Think never-been-seen themed nights, first-to-market menu drops, SURPRiZE giveaways, and pop-up collabs — imagined with our creative team and brought to life by you, produced end-to-end and measured for impact so every activation fuels traffic, loyalty, and lasting brand love.

What You'll Do

In-Store Energy & Activations

• Own the weekly activation calendar and keep the vibe fresh.

• Bring concepts to life with costumes, props, décor, and guest engagement.

• Tie every activation to clear goals: foot traffic, sales, repeat visits, sign-ups.

Content & Social Fuel

• Capture those "this-is-so-SMiZE" moments (or brief a creator to do it).

• Feed the social/editorial team with content gold for TikTok, Instagram, and newsletters.

• Coach staff and guests to shine on camera through light performance and storytelling.

Community & Partnerships

• Build relationships with local crews — from DJs and dancers to schools and fitness groups.

• Host small partner activations and brand drops in-store.

• Experiment with co-creation: secret menus, contests, custom cones.

Production & Ops

• Translate bold ideas into executable roadmaps with clear timelines and budgets.

• Source and manage vendors, artists, and collaborators.

• Make sure activations ladder back to business goals — from foot traffic and sales to PR buzz and repeat visits.

• Track outcomes, double down on what works, and refine what doesn't.

What We're Looking For

• Proven chops: 5+ years in experiential marketing, brand activations, or event production — ideally with hospitality, entertainment, or lifestyle brands.

• F&B savvy: Hands-on experience with food & beverage activations.

• Hybrid mindset: Equal parts creative spark and project manager — able to dream big and deliver.

• On the floor: Just as comfortable engaging guests in-store as you are building a run sheet.

• Scrappy luxe: Quick on your feet, able to stretch modest budgets into stylish, first-of-their-kind experiences.

• Original eye: You don't copy trends, you create them.

• Natural leader: A strong communicator who can rally staff, vendors, and partners around a vision.

• Culture lover: Passion for performance, storytelling, and bold, one-of-a-kind ideas.

• People magic: The power to make guests feel seen, excited, and part of something special.

• Fresh energy: Energized by constant innovation — finding ways to make each week feel unmistakably SMiZE.

Bonus Points

• A Sydney-based network of vendors, artists, and collaborators you can tap into fast.

• Experience weaving characters, IP, or storytelling into live experiences.

• Background in immersive theatre, performance, or entertainment environments.

• A knack for working scrappy while making it look luxe.

How to Apply

In addition to your CV:

Include a note about why this role excites you.

Bonus: Share an example of a scrappy activation you've produced before — whether under $500, under $5,000, or simply something clever you pulled off with limited budget.