Project Manager (Special Projects - Events)

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Manager (Special Projects - Events) to lead the planning and delivery of Pico's largest, most complex, and highest-visibility engagements — including national and country pavilions at World Expos, government-led showcases, and other flagship experiential builds. This role goes beyond standard event delivery: it requires managing multi-phase programmes from bid/concept stage through design development, fabrication, logistics, on-site build, and live operations. The ideal candidate has led at least one large-scale international pavilion, expo, or nation-branding project and is comfortable operating at the intersection of design, construction, and logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery of special projects such as World Expo pavilions, national showcases, flagship exhibitions, and other large-scale, multi-year experiential programmes, from bid/proposal stage through close-out.
• Develop comprehensive master project plans, including phased timelines, multi-million-dollar budgets, procurement schedules, and resource allocation across design, fabrication, logistics, and on-site teams.
• Lead and coordinate large, cross-functional and cross-border project teams, including designers, architects, fabricators, vendors, freight/logistics partners, and on-site production staff across multiple countries and time zones.
• Oversee project budgets, managing cost tracking, variation orders, and vendor contracts to ensure financial control across long project lifecycles.
• Manage regulatory, customs, and site-authority requirements specific to international expos and government venues, including permits, freight import/export, and compliance with host-country and organizer regulations.
• Maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and consistency across design intent, fabrication, and final on-site execution, representing the client's and Pico's reputation on a global stage.
• Read and interpret complex technical and architectural drawings, and translate design intent into buildable, code-compliant production requirements.
• Act as a key liaison with expo organizers, official commissioners, and other pavilion delivery teams, resolving cross-stakeholder issues quickly under high public and media visibility.
• Anticipate and manage risk across long project timelines — including geopolitical, supply chain, and site-access risks unique to international special projects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in project management within the events, exhibitions, or experiential marketing industry, including direct experience on large-scale or international special projects.
• Proven track record delivering at least one major special project of significant scale and complexity — such as a World Expo pavilion, national pavilion, government showcase, or comparable flagship international build.
• Experience managing multi-year project lifecycles, from bid/concept through design development, fabrication, logistics, and live operations.
• Strong understanding of international logistics, customs, and regulatory requirements for cross-border fabrication and freight.
• Demonstrated ability to manage senior stakeholders, including government bodies, embassies, and multinational clients, with strong diplomatic and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools, with the ability to manage complex, multi-workstream schedules and budgets.
• Strong technical knowledge — able to read technical and architectural drawings and understand fabrication and production requirements.
• Creative problem-solving skills, resilience under pressure, and meticulous attention to detail across long, high-stakes project timelines.
• Willingness to travel internationally and be based on-site for extended periods during peak build and operational phases.