Event Operations Manager – GCAT Americas
About the Global Champions Arabians Tour Americas (GCAT Americas)
The Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) is a series of international competitions that showcases the elegance and athleticism of purebred Arabian horses. These prestigious events, held in iconic venues worldwide, offer substantial prize money and aim to elevate the sport while promoting the Arabian breed globally. The tour culminates in the GCAT World Championship, where top horses and handlers are recognized as the best in the world. Competitors are judged by an international panel on their horses' beauty and movement, competing in classes for yearlings, juniors, and seniors, for both males and females, as well as the best overall handlers. GCAT is committed to fostering a legacy of excellence, transparency, fairness, and integrity. In addition to the competition, these events provide a rich cultural experience with retail booths and curated displays, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for all attendees.
Position Overview
The Event Manager for GCAT Americas is responsible for the end-to-end execution of world-class Arabian horse show events. This role demands a high-level strategist capable of managing logistics, multi-million dollar budgets, and vendor relationships to ensure a seamless "white-glove" experience for international participants and VIP guests.
Key Responsibilities
Financial & Contractual Management
- Budget Oversight: Develop, track, and reconcile comprehensive event budgets, ensuring all operational expenses remain within approved margins.
- Contract Negotiation: Lead the bidding process and contract execution for all external vendors, including venue rentals, luxury hospitality, and specialized event services.
- Financial Reporting: Work collaboratively with Americas CEO so reports can be sent to GCAT Doha on the accurate reporting of income, expenses and prize money distributions in accordance with tour regulations.
Travel, Hospitality & Entertainment
- Travel & Flight Management: Oversee the bidding and management of international and domestic flight logistics for judges, officials, staff, and VIP guests.
- Accommodation & Logistics: Secure and manage hotel room blocks and corporate rates; oversee all ground transportation and shuttle logistics for event personnel.
- Entertainment Procurement: Solicit, audition, and oversee high-end entertainment for opening/closing ceremonies and VIP evening events, ensuring all performances align with the brand’s luxury international aesthetic.
- Catering: Oversee elite-level catering services, ensuring premium food and beverage delivery for VIP tables and participant lounges.
- Decor & Atmosphere: Oversee the selection, procurement, and on-site setup of top-tier decor to create a world-class VIP experience, ensuring all design elements meet the high aesthetic standards of the tour.
Venue & Infrastructure
- Site Build-Out: Bid and oversee the construction of event infrastructure, including temporary stabling, arena flooring, and high-end VIP pavilions.
- Permitting: Secure all necessary municipal and health permits required for large-scale public and private events.
- Security & Safety: Design and implement robust security protocols to manage crowd flow and protect high-value livestock and guests.
- Sound & Lighting: Work closely with sound and lighting vendors for the technical set-up and management of the venue, ensuring high-fidelity audio and broadcast-quality lighting for the competition and ceremonies.
Equine Logistics & Competition Management
In conjunction with Competitions Manager, you will provide guidance:
- Stabling & Husbandry: Coordinate the allocation of stalls and oversee the procurement and distribution of high-quality feed and bedding. Ensure all stabling areas meet rigorous safety and cleanliness standards.
- Horse Coordination: Manage the logistical flow of horses arriving and departing the venue, ensuring all health certifications and entry requirements are met.
- Schedule Alignment: Collaborate with the technical team to align the daily competition schedule, ensuring a smooth transition between classes and timely starts for all classes.
- Show Office Oversight: Manage the show office operations and staff provide a seamless registration and inquiry process. Ensure that competitors, owners, and trainers receive professional, "white-glove" service at every touchpoint.
Operational Logistics
- International Coordination: Work collaboratively with GCAT Doha headquarters to align on global schedules, staffing requirements, and brand standards.
- Staff & Officials: Coordinate travel, housing, and on-site logistics for the international judging panel, stewards, and event staff.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: 7+ years of experience in large-scale event production, preferably within the equine industry or luxury sporting circuits.
- Travel Logistics Expertise: Proven experience managing group travel, flight manifests, and hotel contract negotiations.
- Skills: Exceptional proficiency in contracts, project management, and vendor negotiation and management.
- Attributes: A "solution-oriented" mindset with the ability to manage high-pressure situations with a calm, professional presence.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gilbert, AZ 85233
