Events Manager

Compensation: CAD 85,000 - CAD 95,000 - yearlyCompany Description
Indigo is a physical and digital place inspired by and filled with books, ideas, beautifullydesigned lifestyle products, and the creative people who help make it all happen. We believein real books, living life fully and generously, being kind to each other and to the environment,and that stories — big and little — connect us. Indigo is our customer's happy place — for joyfulmoments of discovery and to connect with people who share their passion for reading, theirbelief in ideas, and their commitment to making the world a better and more beautiful place.OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLESOur Mission is to inspire reading and enrich the lives of booklovers. As such, we believe inthe power of people and their stories. We aim to attract top talent, nurture the potential ofour employees, and create space for everyone to thrive. Our Guiding Principles are thefew key ideas that are meant to influence everything we do, every day.We Will Hire, Inspire, Promote and Retain the BestWe Will Be EntrepreneurialWe Will Be Committed to Caring About Each Other, Our Communities, and Our EnvironmentWe Will Be Committed to True and Shared Value CreationWe Will Be Systems Thinking, Data Driven and AI enabledJob Description
The Manager, Events leads the day-to-day execution of Indigo’s events program, translating strategic vision into disciplined operational plans, overseeing events support staff, and delivering events that are on time, on brand, and on budget.This role owns end-to-end event production — from national author signings and high-profile celebrity events to the annual programming calendar. The Manager is the connective tissue between strategy and execution: ensuring the execution team has clear direction and the tools to succeed, while serving as the primary operational contact for authors, publishers, and cross-functional partners.KEY PERFORMANCE METRICSAuthor & Publisher EngagementEvents NPSOn-Time Operational SLAsEvents Revenue & ProfitabilityEmployee EngagementKEY ACCOUNTABILITIESFunctionalTranslate strategic direction into clear execution frameworks, project plans, and delivery timelines across all events — author signings, major events, and national programmingLead the execution and development of all nationally-driven event programming, including cross-functional campaignsOwn internal project planning and execution: manage cross-functional workflows, delivery standards, and operational SLAs across the teamOwn budget tracking and financial coordination for the events portfolio;
contribute to post-event reporting, insights, and retrospectivesAct as the escalation point for operational risks — identifying, mitigating, and surfacing issues to the events leader where required.Lead and chair the Bi-Weekly Events Planning meeting, driving alignment across the events team and cross-functional partners on upcoming events, priorities, and risks.Serve as the primary operational contact for Retail Ops, Loss Prevention, Finance & Accounting, General Managers, Store Events Leaders, Creative, Marketing, and Merchants.Ensure execution standards are consistently upheld across all event types, channels, and touchpoints — from planning documentation through to on-site delivery.Identify process gaps and lead improvements to increase operational efficiency and enhance experience for customers, stores, and partners.Train and support stores on the execution of all author and national programming eventsCommunicationContribute to post-event reporting and retrospectives;
surface insights and recommendations to the events leader to inform future planning and investment decisions.Proactively communicate timelines, risks, and deliverable status to cross-functional execution partners, ensuring no surprises on delivery.Champion the customer and store experience in all planning and decision-making, consistently advocating for clarity, quality, and consistency of execution.PeopleDevelop a high performing & engaged teamProvide feedback and coaching to develop direct reports and menteesShape and influence team culture to reflect Indigo’s values and directionEmpower team members through clear expectations, performance management, and growth opportunitiesAttract, develop, and retain top talentAct as a mentor & role model, helping others understand the broader impact of their workFoster collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams and functionsEnsure team alignment with organizational goals and cultural valuesCulturalModel Indigo’s Guiding Principles and convey a positive, forward-thinking imageEmbrace and influence change, fostering a culture resonant of our guiding principles and in particular emphasizing data driven, systems thinking, and customer centric.Celebrate diversity of thought and encourage open dialogueTake an active role in shaping organizational culture through leadership and exampleSCOPEReports to: Sr Manager, EventsKEY RELATIONSHIPSInternal:Retail OperationsGeneral Managers & Store Events LeadersCreative StudioMarketingMerchantsFinance/AccountingExternal:PublishersVenuesQualifications
Work Experience / Education / Certifications5–7 years of experience in Events, Marketing, Retail, or a related field;
experience managing direct reports preferred.Post-secondary degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline;
equivalent experience considered.Proven track record planning and executing multi-channel, large-scale events from concept through post-event analysis.Experience in retail, media, publishing, or hospitality considered a strong asset.Strong operational leader with the ability to translate strategy into execution and manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously.Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
confident presenting tostakeholders and executives.Skilled relationship builder with authors, publishers, vendors, and internal partners at all levels.Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret event data and surface actionable insights.Creative sensibility for on-brand event concepts and marketing materials, with strong copywriting instincts.Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook);
comfort with social media platforms and event management tools.High attention to detail and strong organizational skills;
thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Results-driven, self-motivated, and solutions-oriented — with a bias for action and a hands-on approach.Genuine belief in the power of teamwork and a deep understanding of how individual actions affect team and organizational outcomes.Customer-obsessed with a commitment to delivering exceptional brand experiencesOther (travel, Bilingual, etc.)Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidaysAdditional Information
This posting is for a current opportunity within Indigo.Indigo uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with certain aspects of the hiring process, such as screening and assessments. These tools support our team but do not replace human judgment. We are committed to using AI responsibly, fairly, and in compliance with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws. We regularly review these tools to help prevent bias or discrimination.At Indigo, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility are core to our values. We integrate these principles into our training, policies, and hiring practices and continuously evolve to reflect the needs of the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, including but not limited to individuals who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at View email address on ca.hrm.tc uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with certain aspects of the hiring process, such as screening and assessments. These tools support our team but do not replace human judgment. We are committed to using AI responsibly, fairly, and in compliance with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws. We regularly review these tools to help prevent bias or discrimination.At Indigo, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility are core to our values. We integrate these principles into our training, policies, and hiring practices and continuously evolve to reflect the needs of the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, including but not limited to individuals who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at View email address on ca.hrm.tc respect your privacy throughout the recruitment process. Our Candidate Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you apply for a role with Indigo, and the choices available to you.This posting is for a current opportunity within Indigo.By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third‑party website where the third‑party website's terms and privacy policy apply
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