Events & Public Relations Manager

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Events & Public Relations Manager
Department: Communication
Region: Gauteng
Reporting to: Head of Communications
Position Purpose:
The Events & PR Manager is responsible for planning, managing and delivering premium events and PR activations across the Velvet Luxe portfolio.
This role oversees the full project lifecycle, from concept development and budgeting through to execution and reporting, ensuring every activation aligns with brand objectives, international guidelines and Velvet Luxe's standard of excellence.
The role works closely with Brand Managers, international partners, suppliers and internal teams to create memorable experiences that strengthen brand awareness, customer engagement and commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities:
Event & PR Management:
Plan and execute luxury brand launches, media events, influencer events, store openings, retail activations, VIP experiences,
masterclasses, conferences and internal events.
Develop event concepts, project plans, timelines and production schedules
Manage venue sourcing, suppliers, logistics, staffing, entertainment, catering and on-site event delivery.
Ensure all events comply with health and safety requirements and international brand standards.
Client & Brand Management:
Build strong relationships with Brand Managers, international partners and key stakeholders.
Translate brand strategies into premium customer experiences.
Present event concepts, proposals and project updates.
Ensure projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard.
Budget & Financial Management:
Prepare and manage event budgets.
Monitor expenditure and project profitability.
Negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best value.
Manage purchase orders and complete post-event reconciliations.
Build and maintain relationships with venues, production companies, AV suppliers, decorators, caterers, photographers, entertainment and promotional suppliers.
Source new suppliers and continuously improve supplier performance.
Guest Experience:
Oversee invitations, RSVP management, guest lists, seating plans, VIP hosting, gifting and hospitality.
Ensure every guest experience reflects the premium positioning of our brands.
Lead, mentor and develop the Events team.
Allocate projects and manage workloads.
Promote collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Work closely with Communications, Digital, Influencer Marketing, Sales, Finance, Procurement, Retail Operations and Brand Managers to ensure seamless project delivery.
Reporting & Business Improvement:
Prepare post-event reports, including budget reconciliation, attendance, media coverage, influencer performance, ROI and key learnings.
Monitor industry trends, competitor activity and new event innovations.
Recommend improvements to internal processes and identify new opportunities to elevate the Velvet Luxe offering.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
Successful delivery of the annual events calendar.
Events delivered on time, within budget and to international brand standards.
High client and stakeholder satisfaction.
Accurate budget management and financial reconciliations.
Timely submission of post-event reports.
Strong supplier management and cost optimisation.
Effective leadership and development of the Events team.
Continuous innovation and improvement of the Velvet Luxe events offering.
Event and project management
PR and experiential marketing
Budget and financial management
Client relationship management
Supplier negotiation and management
Leadership and people development
Strategic planning
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure
Experience & Qualifications:
Degree or Diploma in Events Management, Marketing, Communications or a related field.
Minimum 5 years' experience in luxury events, PR or experiential marketing.
Experience working with international brands and global brand guidelines.
Proven ability to manage multiple high-profile projects simultaneously.
Strong understanding of luxury customer experiences, influencer marketing and media events.
Key Success Factors:
Highly organised, commercially minded and passionate about luxury brands.
Build strong relationships with clients and suppliers, lead with professionalism and consistently deliver exceptional experiences that strengthen brand equity and support business growth.
Proactive, solutions-driven and thrive in a fast-paced agency environment where attention to detail and flawless execution are essential.
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