Events and Entertainment Manager at Sun International

Main Purpose of the Job

• Accountable for leading the Entertainment team in the strategic planning, coordination and day-to-day management and delivery of entertainment events, including large-scale productions across the complex. This includes venue and production management, technical set-ups, front- and back-of-house logistics, event planning, and the sourcing of suitable events and content aligned with the annual business plan and the Mind and Mood strategy.
• The role is responsible for developing and managing relationships with key stakeholders, including impresarios, artistes, suppliers and entertainers, as well as negotiating and structuring deal sheets, managing sponsorship opportunities and assessing venue and sponsorship feasibilities to drive profitable footfall, maximise commercial returns and position the business as the entertainment and casino destination of choice.
• The role also encompasses budget management, asset register maintenance and stock control, ensuring effective resource utilisation, financial accountability and alignment with the approved annual business plan, while adhering to Sun International standards, legislative requirements and applicable regulations.

Delivered Events / Entertainment Plans

• Collaborate with relevant key stakeholders to build objectives and processes that will engage production houses in delivering entertainment productions and services in line with company standards
• Conduct an analysis of competitor product offerings and interpret the current customer needs and wants relevant to marketing mix and business objectives
• Monitor market trends to understand production / entertainment trends and brand relevance including product, pricing, and service provider offerings available in the market
• Monitor entertainment products, service offerings and displays throughout the complex venues to ensure standards are aligned with the “Sun” brand
• Make recommendations of improvements to products and service offerings in line with trends in the industry ensuring that the product offerings are relevant
• Recognise and provide insights /solutions on trends, barriers, risks and opportunities that may impact the success of the production 
• Suggest marketing support initiatives to drive event attendance in collaboration with the marketing team
• Compile an annual complex events / entertainment plan and calendar for the business unit including events and entertainment that are relevant and aligned to both existing and potential new customers 
• Oversee and manage the annual entertainment event/show calendar, plans and requirements for all complex venues 
• Compile events proposals/deal sheets (including recommendations, project plans, feasibility and costings) for all events and entertainment 
• Allocate resources for delivery of event and / or entertainment.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to provide marketing with the promoter/suppliers marketing and PR plans
• Ensure all events / entertainment collateral is briefed into marketing as per the creative workflow process to ensure each event is advertised across the identified platforms
• Compile a risk analysis for the plan / event, including alternative plans in the event of a crisis
• Identify relevant sensory stimuli as part of the ‘Mind and Mood’ sensory engagement identified by the business unit
• Events / Entertainment Management
• Oversee event set ups, technical riders including all other event related items to ensure in line with the business unit standards
• Source and approve suitable playlists, entertainers, props, decor and other related events / entertainment to ensure in line with the business unit standards
• Oversee the development and management of event and entertainment schedules and production plans 
• Communicate objectives and production information to the team and key stakeholders to ensure delivery of the production against expectations
• Liaise with “visiting” production teams around their technical, stage and support staff requirements to ensure a seamless delivery at production
• Compile technical plans to deliver lighting, sound and stage requirements in line with expectations
• Collaborate with security to build and integrate security plans for the production/show
• Assist with the required technical duties (rigging, focusing, plotting, etc.), operating flying systems, basic stage work, operating lighting, sound and or AV equipment, etc.
• Hire or source any additional technical equipment requirements
• Organise and track the sourcing and storage of props, wardrobe and scenery requirements
• Be available to interact with production crew to build relationships, understand expectations and provide a hospitable experience for the lifespan of the show on site
• Implement responsibility check lists in line with contract for all service providers 
• Conduct pre-event meetings and work with client and suppliers to understand the overall requirements for each event
• Be present during events and/or appoint a senior member of the team, to ensure a seamless execution in line with plans and resolve any escalated production issues
• Coordinate post-mortem feedback from operations and other stakeholders to evaluate the success and relevance of the entertainment / event offering

Compliance Management 

• Stay abreast of changing legislation relating to events and entertainment activities
• Comply with the legislative policies and procedures that govern the safety of event management  
• Communicate with freelance technicians and technical agencies to ensure standard operating procedures and service level agreements are achieved across all complex venues and facilities
• Implement sufficient control measures and checks (including equipment, systems and processes) within each department to mitigate any risk to the business 
• Conduct weekly walkabouts of all front of house and back of house areas to monitor compliance
• Conduct inspections of all venues equipment including fire-exits, and testing of alarms in line with regulations
• Monitor compliance of technicians and production teams with regards to Fire, Health, Safety and Security regulations in line with group and unit standards, to address any areas of concern
• Facilities and equipment are maintained in accordance with group and unit standard operating procedures and reflect the attributes of the brand 
• Maintains records on health and safety compliance documentation, inspections and audits
• Monitor audit results and address any areas of non-compliance 
• Monitor the sourcing, storage, securing and asset management of operating equipment 
• Collaborate with various stakeholders at the business unit to address and resolve areas of concern from a general operations perspective
• Re-evaluate and update business continuity plans as and when changes are required to the ‘battlebox’ information
• Organise and follow-up on a regular preventative maintenance schedule and necessary inspections of all technical equipment; handling any issues / risks identified
• Organise proper storage facilities that are safe and secure

Budget Management 

Manage the Unit’s Entertainment function’s budget and expenses including:

• Develop and manage the department’s annual budget
• Provide monthly input i.t.o revenue projection and actual expenditure to budget, revenue maximisation activities and results (ROI)
• Cost management, to track and reconcile expenses to allocated budget
• Feasibility analysis for sponsorships and risk ventures
• Manage CAPEX requirements and annual budget
• Financial reporting for the function including month end reports, forecast budgets and financial analysis, and other reports as required

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Provides relevant guidance and support to operational teams and stakeholders 
• Maintain relationships with service providers and business partners ensuring there is alignment on service requirements and standards
• Informs department / staff of information required to perform the duties and relevant operation effectively 
• Communicates department’s objectives, standards and operating procedures to internal and external service providers as per SLA
• Communicates any special guest requirements or events to other relevant operating departments
• Provides feedback and reports back to Business Unit management on the performance, progress and challenges within the various business areas including F&B, housekeeping, maintenance, Grand Hotel,etc.

People Management 

• Manage staff conditions of employment, eg attendance, absenteeism, leave, adherence to policies and procedures 
• Manage productivities, rosters and payroll costs for the department
• Identify employee training needs 
• Perform on the job training and coaching to close developmental gaps and build succession for a talent pipeline within the department
• Manage employee relations within the department
• Motivate and collaborate across departments to infuse engagement resulting in team effectiveness 
• Conduct performance contracts, reviews and development plans
• Provide efficient processes and resources to remove obstacles  to performance 
• Recruit and resource for talent for positions within the department
• Manage the on boarding of new staff members
• Arrange regular departmental meetings with actionable minutes
• Embed the Sun Way culture and CLEAR principles

Problem- Solving

• Apply business acumen and sound common sense to the overall management of operations and teams within defined standards;
• Monitor changes in the outlet and is quick to act upon potential opportunities, risks and challenges;
• Consider all the facts, options and possible outcomes prior to making decisions;
• Analyse and diagnose product performance issues in order to maximise or leverage the strengths of the team in a competitive environment 
• Deal with diverse problems in own area, using judgment and discretion to resolve them

Job Requirements

Minimum requirements (Education and Experience)

• 2-Year Diploma in Events Management or Project Management 
• Disaster Management Certificate
• Advanced Health and Safety Certificate

Work conditions and special requirements 

• Minimum of 10 years technical events planning and management experience for large scale events including 2 year in a management / supervisory role
• Track record in acquiring of relevant entertainment content aligned to various target markets 
• Established network within the entertainment industry
• Exposure in the gaming industry is preferred

Core behavioural competencies

• Planning and organising
• Decision-making skills with an ability to think on your feet in unanticipated situations
• Results driven
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
• Negotiation skills
• Working with information (agreements, laws, regulations, statistics)
• Customer centric
• Networking and relationship building
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Conflict resolution
• Emotional resilience and ability to work under pressure
• Influencing others
• Motivating others
• Controlling and directing resources
• People management skills
• Ability to negotiate in the best interest of the business
• Team leader with a passion for entertainment who is agile and resilient to change

Technical / proficiency competencies

• Major events planning and management
• Functionality of AV/ Sound equipment
• Functionality of Lighting and stage equipment
• Production Process
• Assessing and diagnosing technical faults
• Rigging
• Entertainment industry knowledge
• Entertainment Product offerings and standards
• English written and verbal communication skills
• Contract management 
• Knowledge and application of legislation relating to Safety, Health and the environment
• Disaster Management act, SASREA, SAMPRA, SAMRO
• Risk Management
• Business and Financial Acumen
• Proficient Computer Skills (MS Office / Opera/Mfiles/IFS) 
• Project management
• Presentation skills