Major Events Portfolio Manager – ChristchurchNZ

Help Shape the Future of Christchurch Through Major Events

About ChristchurchNZ:

Christchurch is thriving. With significant investment, world-class infrastructure and growing national and international attention, Ōtautahi Christchurch is firmly establishing itself as one of New Zealand's premier major events destinations. ChristchurchNZ plays a critical role in making this happen. As the city's economic development and destination management agency, ChristchurchNZ attracts, supports and delivers major events that drive economic growth, strengthen communities and showcase the city to the world. Due to the continued growth and increasing complexity of Christchurch's major events portfolio, ChristchurchNZ is seeking an experienced Major Events professional to lead the performance and delivery of some of the city's most significant event investments.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Major Events, this newly created leadership role will take ownership of ChristchurchNZ's contracted major events portfolio, ensuring events deliver against agreed contractual obligations, stakeholder expectations and investment outcomes. The portfolio includes a diverse range of major sporting, cultural and entertainment events. You will lead a small team while working closely with rights holders, event owners, government agencies, broadcasters, venues, local organising committees and commercial partners to ensure successful event outcomes and maximise economic, community and legacy benefits for Christchurch. This is a strategic portfolio leadership role focused on partnerships, contracts, governance and stakeholder management rather than event production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery and performance of the major events portfolio.

• Manage contractual obligations, funding agreements and reporting requirements.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with event owners, rights holders, government agencies and key stakeholders.

• Oversee portfolio governance, risk management and performance reporting.

• Drive community engagement, leverage and legacy outcomes from major events.

• Identify future opportunities to maximise economic, social and community impact.

About You

You will be experienced major events professional who understands how world-class events are secured, managed and leveraged to deliver meaningful outcomes for cities and communities. You will bring:

• Significant experience within major events, preferably at an international level.

• Strong contract management and commercial acumen.

• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

• An understanding of government funding, investment and reporting frameworks.

• The ability to think strategically while maintaining strong delivery oversight.

• A passion for creating lasting legacy and community impact through events.

Experience within major sporting events, destination management organisations, event rights holders, local government, sponsorship or partnerships environments will be highly regarded.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of one of New Zealand's most exciting event destinations.

TO APPLY

Please send your resume with cover letter to Richard Stenhouse: ric••••@globalelitesports.com

APPLICATIONS CLOSE – Wednesday 15th July 2026

Global Elite Sports (www.globalelitesports.com) have been contracted exclusively by ChristchurchNZ to manage the recruitment process for this exciting appointment.