Summary of the Position: The Manager is responsible for managing all freight & rigging operations for multiple large-scale machinery trade shows, including pre-show planning, on-site management of the marshalling yard and exhibit hall labor, customer service and post-show reconciliation. This role ensures the smooth, cost-effective, and timely handling of exhibitor materials, coordinating with contractors, labor, staff, and exhibitors to deliver high-quality freight experiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Pre-Show Planning

• Develop comprehensive freight operation plans, schedules, and logistics timelines for the event.

• Coordinate with advanced warehouse, transportation providers, and venue operations teams.

• Provide freight-related content and service descriptions for the Exhibitor Service Manual.

• Forecast freight volumes, equipment and staffing needs.

• Prepare budgets, target plans, and operational plans for marshalling yard and freight desks.

• Bid, negotiate, and coordinate all necessary equipment rentals (forklifts, ramps, dollies, etc.).

• Advanced understanding of on-site freight & rigging personnel on policies, procedures, and freight management software.

On-Site Freight Management

• Oversee all inbound & outbound freight operations, including marshalling yard activities, traffic & dock management, and freight & rigging desk operations.

• Manage the flow of exhibitor materials to and from the show floor.

• Coordinate equipment rentals and ensure proper allocation of equipment to implement on-site move-in, booth work and outbound.

• Supervise freight staff, union labor, and independent contractors to ensure safety, accuracy, and on-site implementation of policies and procedures.

• Troubleshoot issues such as missing freight and delivery delays.

Exhibitor & Customer Service

• Assist exhibitors with target date changes, warehouse questions, shipping instructions, and service orders.

• Coordinate with exhibitors and other show contractors to create inbound and outbound freight plan.

• Provide clear communication on freight policies and timelines.

• Serve as main point of contact for exhibitors for freight issues post-show

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Source, evaluate, and secure bids for advanced warehouse, equipment vendors, transportation providers and service suppliers for show freight operation.

• Contract and oversee independent contractors for freight operations.

• Ensure all partners meet performance, safety, and service standards.

• Reconcile invoices and operational charges post-show.

Post-Show Operations

• Oversee closing of marshalling yard and final freight desk operations.

• Assist with forced/missing freight issues post-show, including working with official carriers and advanced warehouses on re-routes.

• Conduct post-show audits and analyze operational performance.

• Complete final billing, vendor reconciliation, and after-action reporting.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all freight operations comply with venue regulations, union contracts, federal transportation laws, and safety protocols.

• Promote and enforce safe handling procedures for staff and contractors.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in all required pre-show and post-show planning meetings.

• Provide recommendations for process improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiency.

• Support any additional freight-related tasks required to successfully executing the trade show.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Experience:

• At least 8+ years of experience in freight operations, logistics management, or event operations.

• Proven experience managing freight or logistics for trade shows, exhibitions, or large events.

• Experience contracting and managing third-party freight and labor vendors.

• Budgeting and financial reconciliation experience, including negotiating bids and managing cost control.

• On-site management experience, preferably at large-scale events, including supervising labor crews and managing freight desks.

• Strong vendor management skills and a record of working with union labor.

Skills:

• Excellent project management and organizational skills.

• Strong communication and customer service abilities, able to interface with exhibitors, internal teams, and vendors.

• Negotiation skills for vendor contracting, equipment procurement, and labor agreements.

• Proficiency in freight management software, Excel, and logistics planning tools.

• Problem-solving skills, particularly for on-site issues such as missing freight, schedule disruptions, and staffing.

• Leadership skills for managing temporary/contract labor, union workers, and subcontractors.

• Knowledge of safety regulations, venue rules, and transportation compliance.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel to show locations (e.g., Chicago, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Atlanta) and work on-site during show weeks.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, during load-in and load-out phases.

• Some international travel to Mexico City events if needed.

Looking for an exciting opportunity to join a leading global resource for packaging and processing technologies? Look no further than PMMI! Our organization has been recognized as one of the "Best Manufacturing Associations to Work For" and is dedicated to connecting makers of goods with the packaging and processing suppliers they rely on. At PMMI, we are committed to providing people around the world with innovative, safe, convenient, and cost-effective products that touch lives every day. As part of our team, you will be able to advance a variety of industries and make a real impact on the world.

We offer industry-leading benefits and a strong employee-focused culture that aligns our talent with the PMMI mission. Enjoy generous employer-paid insurance, unlimited PTO, flexible work time, hybrid work schedule, annual bonus program, company-wide celebrations & events, and even chances to win season ticket raffles to the Washington Capitals and Nationals! Plus, we have a very lucrative Retirement Plan that includes an incredible Profit Share Plan. Take home your full earnings potential - no need for costly benefit deductions at PMMI!

Don't miss out on the chance to join PMMI and see for yourself why our employees love working here. Your family will thank you for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and exciting organization. Learn more about us at PACK EXPO Trade Shows: Uniting the World of Packaging and Processing (pmmi.org).

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