Key Skills

Job Description

About the Role DPW is looking for an experienced Project & Production Lead who thrives in a fast-paced, international event environment and knows how to turn ambitious ideas into exceptional live experiences. Working closely with our Head of Production, you'll play a key role in delivering our flagship conferences, DPW Amsterdam and DPW New York. You'll independently manage assigned production workstreams, coordinate suppliers and teams, and ensure everything is delivered to the highest standards, while working within the overall creative vision, production strategy and budget framework led by our Head of Production. Beyond our flagship conferences, you'll take the lead on major sponsor projects and help drive the planning and execution of initiatives such as our Awards, Side Events and DPW 365. You'll also help strengthen our production processes, improve ways of working and support the wider events team as DPW continues to grow. This is a senior, hands-on role with plenty of autonomy, responsibility and room to make an impact. You'll be part of an eight-person events team, reporting to the Head of Events and working in close collaboration with the Head of Production on all flagship production activities. Key Responsibilities Production Management Work closely with the Head of Production to deliver DPW Amsterdam and DPW New York. Independently manage assigned production workstreams, including areas such as venue logistics, floorplan implementation, stage and AV coordination, build and breakdown, signage, catering and on-site operations. Ensure all production elements are aligned with the overall event concept, creative direction, budget and production standards established by the Head of Production. Sponsor Account Management Act as the main point of contact for a portfolio of key sponsors. Translate sponsorship packages into clear delivery plans, manage expectations and ensure all deliverables are executed to a high standard. Project Leadership Take ownership of project planning, timelines, milestones and deliverables for assigned production areas and major projects. Coordinate internal teams and external partners, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with the overall event production planning. Processes & Playbooks Develop and continuously improve production processes, templates, workflows and planning tools to create greater efficiency, consistency and scalability across DPW events. Team Guidance Guide and support Events & Project Executives in delivering projects such as Awards, Side Events and DPW 365. Help establish clear responsibilities, support problem-solving and contribute to the professional development of the team. Budget Management Manage and monitor budgets for assigned production areas and projects, ensuring accurate forecasting, cost control and reporting. Work within the overall flagship production budget framework managed by the Head of Production, with key financial decisions aligned accordingly. Supplier & Agency Management Source, brief, negotiate with and manage suppliers and production partners for assigned workstreams. Take responsibility for supplier performance, timelines and deliverables, with strategic supplier selection and major commitments aligned with the Head of Production. Cross-functional Alignment Collaborate closely with the Head of Production, partnerships, content and marketing teams to ensure all production elements, sponsor requirements and brand experiences come together seamlessly. On-site Production Management Take a leading operational role during event build-up, live days and breakdown. Independently coordinate assigned production areas, suppliers and crew, while supporting the Head of Production in the overall on-site delivery of the flagship events. Risk & Compliance Coordinate permits, health & safety requirements, insurance and contingency planning for assigned production areas, ensuring compliance with overall event standards. Evaluation & Continuous Improvement Lead post-event evaluations for assigned projects and production workstreams. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, production quality, sponsor experience and overall event delivery, contributing ideas and recommendations for future editions. Required Skills & Experience Production & Events Experience: 5+ years of experience in event production or project management, preferably including large-scale conferences, international B2B events or complex live productions. Independent Project Management: Proven ability to take ownership of complex projects and production workstreams, managing multiple stakeholders and deadlines. Sponsor & Stakeholder Management: Experience managing senior clients, sponsors and external partners. Creative Mindset & Spatial Design: A strong creative mindset with a natural eye for event design, aesthetics, spatial planning and immersive experiences. Able to envision and develop an event concept from a blank canvas, transforming an empty space into an engaging, well-designed environment that combines creativity, functionality and visitor experience. Startup & Scale-up Experience: At least 2 years working in a startup or scale-up. You know how to deliver at a high level without fixed processes, and you know how to build them. Leadership & Collaboration: Confident leading teams and suppliers, while working collaboratively within a wider production structure. Budget & Supplier Management: Experience managing substantial project budgets, negotiating with suppliers and maintaining cost control. Process Improvement: Ability to develop and improve production workflows, templates and operational processes. Composure Under Pressure: Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills in demanding live event environments. International Experience: Experience delivering international events is a plus, particularly in the US. Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with AV production, stage design, floorplans, event logistics and production management tools. Communication Skills: Excellent English communication skills and the ability to align multiple teams and stakeholders. Why Join DPW Play a key role in producing two internationally recognised flagship conferences. Work alongside an experienced Head of Production while independently leading significant production workstreams. Take ownership of exciting projects across a growing international event portfolio. Join a creative, entrepreneurial team with plenty of room for initiative and fresh ideas. Help shape the future of DPW's event production processes and ways of working. Enjoy a dynamic and flexible working environment in the heart of Amsterdam. About DPW DPW accelerates innovation by connecting startups, tech leaders, major corporations and investors. We believe in the power of technology to transform business and society, enabling leaders to respond to the most pressing challenges facing corporations today. Our annual flagship conference, DPW Amsterdam, is the most prominent event in procurement and supply chain for innovation leaders worldwide. Since launching DPW, we've grown into a global innovation ecosystem grounded in collaboration and community. Besides our flagship conference, we also host an annual conference called DPW New York. Today, we deliver transformational events, programs, consulting, and experiences, all geared towards tangible actions and outcomes to unlock the true power of procurement through excellence in digital and sustainability. For more information, please visit https://dpw.ai. Salary range: €52.00-€58.000

Core Responsibilities

Lead assigned production workstreams for DPW Amsterdam and DPW New York, coordinating suppliers, teams, budgets, logistics, and on-site delivery in alignment with the Head of Production. Manage sponsor projects and other event initiatives, guide team members, improve production processes, and evaluate projects to strengthen future delivery.

Requirements

Requires at least five years of event production or project management experience, including at least two years in a startup or scale-up, with a track record of independently managing complex projects, budgets, suppliers, sponsors, and stakeholders. Candidates should bring creative spatial-design skills, leadership and problem-solving abilities, familiarity with AV, stage design, floorplans and event logistics, and excellent English communication skills; international event experience is a plus.