Native Events is the driving force for sustainability in the creative and cultural sector in Ireland. The organisation works with an expanding cohort of partners and collaborators across three pillars - consultancy, advocacy and training in creative climate action; as a creative agency and sustainable events production house; and in the supply of infrastructure and equipment for more environmentally sustainable events and activations.
We are currently seeking an experienced Event & Account Manager to expand our dynamic team. This role is perfect for individuals with a background in outdoor event production, who are committed to operational excellence and are passionate about the environment, sustainability, culture and creativity. The successful candidate will work closely with our MD and our Events Director in the delivery of a keystone contract; Forest Fest 2026 in Emo, Co. Laois.
Role Overview:
The Event Manager will play a critical role in leading the event team towards a successful festival. The Event Manager provides year-round leadership and coordination of all operational and production elements. Overseeing the management team, coordinating budgets, scheduling, procurement, and contractor management, ensuring alignment between creative, technical, hospitality, accreditation, safety, and site operations. Acts as the primary point of contact for the Festival Director and all external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
* Event Planning:
* Oversee operations for the festival throughout the planning cycle, working with the core management team including Licensing Lead, Vendors and Sponsors, Ticketing and Accreditation, Production Coordinator, Site, Safety and Infrastructure, Creative and Programming, and other key personnel.
* Develop timelines and deliverables with all departments so that cross-departmental dependencies are understood and deadlines adhered to.
* Support the Licensing Lead in the process of obtaining the event license and all associated permits.
* Creating master operating schedules, and clearly communicating these so that all staff are aware and kept up to date including build dates, opening times, ticketing and box office, stage and entertainment schedules, security and stewarding and all staffing.
* Attendance at site visits as required and main liaison for landowners related to the event site.
* Budget and Contract Management
* Working closely with the Event Director and Financial Controller, responsibility for budget management for the entire festival across all departments.
* Tracking contractual obligations for operational and logistical staff - oversight of all submitted staffing schedules to ensure efficient and optimised resourcing and negotiation of interim and final payments based on performance.
* Monitoring financial spend across all departments and ensuring set payment processes are being followed. Oversight of the festival's Company Administrator to ensure agreed payments.
* Communication & Reporting:
* Chair the fortnightly cross department festival meetings, sharing relevant information and supporting the resolve of department issues or queries.
* Provide regular updates to the Native Events MD and Event Director on the progress of planning and status.
* On-site Operations Management:
* Oversee the general operations and activities of the live event, supporting the Event Control team, the Production Office and the Site team, the Safety team, the Programme team to include Technical Production and Artist Liaison, Sponsors, Vendors and Bars, the Hospitality team and the Ticketing and Entrancing team.
* Maintain excellent communication flows across all departments through convening regular meetings and distribution of relevant information accordingly.
* Ensuring key departments such as security, medical, fire and local council are operating appropriately and supported.
* Trouble shooting on-site issues as they arise.
* Ensure all areas of the festival site are compliant with licensing regulations during the event.
* Post Event Coordination:
* Conducting post event debriefs with key personnel and departments.
* Ensuring all payments are cleared and respective final spend is logged.
* Creating the post event report containing financial reports, debrief notes and general improvement plan for the following year.
* Manage the process for County Council debriefs and obtaining permission for sale of tickets for the 2027 iteration of the festival.
Key Skills & Qualifications:
* Experience:
* Previous experience in a senior event management role to include operations, licensing and compliance with production oversight, ideally in the events or festival industry.
* Strong knowledge of local regulations and licensing laws related to festivals and public events in Ireland.
* Skills:
* Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills with the ability to manage timelines and deadlines.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise with regulatory bodies, vendors, and festival staff.
* Good working knowledge of Google Suite (.docs, sheets etc) Ability to pick up planning software quickly.
* Education:
* A relevant qualification in event management, public administration, hospitality or a related field is preferred but not essential.
* Personal Attributes:
* Natural leader with the ability to motivate a team.
* Proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to think critically and resolve issues.
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
* A demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability and creative climate action.
* A passion for festivals and an understanding of the unique needs of the Irish event landscape.
TERMS:
* Salary is negotiable depending on experience.
* This is an 8 to 9 month contract, commencing mid January 2026
* This is a full-time, project based position consisting of 5 days per week.
* A blended working environment is offered by Native Events
* During busy periods it is expected that team members are present in the office and contributing towards a supportive team environment
* The role is based primarily in the Native Events office in Hilton House, Dublin 6.
* Office hours are 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
* Expected onsite days for Forest Fest 2026 in Emo are from 12th to 29th July inclusive.
How to Apply
* Please forward your CV and cover letter to
* Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled
* Note: Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered