Events and Learning Manager

Lead the team and the programme behind Canterbury’s leading business events and training. This senior role is hands-on and strategic.

• Senior, hands-on events role leading a team of two
• Shape the region’s leading business events and learning programme
• Be at the heart of Canterbury’s business community

Business Canterbury sits at the heart of the region’s business community, and we hear first about the issues and opportunities facing Canterbury businesses. We’re looking for an Events and Learning Manager to turn that insight into events and training that build capability, create connection and strengthen our business community.

About the role

This is a senior, hands-on event management role with team leadership on top. You’ll report to the Head of Advocacy and Strategy and lead a team of two: an Events Manager and a Learning and Events Administrator. You’ll own the events and learning budget and set the direction of our programme, including what we deliver, in what formats, for who and at what price.

Most of your time will be spent on the tools. You’ll personally lead our flagship and major events from concept to debrief, and work alongside the team at peak times.

What you’ll do

• Lead, develop and support a high-performing events and learning team
• Set the direction of our events and align them with our learning programmes, including new online and on-demand formats
• Own the budget, pricing and margin, and grow sponsorship and partnership revenue
• Deliver flagship events end to end, covering concept, venues, suppliers, run sheets and on-the-day management
• Work with our advocacy team so the programme responds to what Canterbury businesses need
• Keep improving our systems and processes, and lead the adoption of technology and AI across the team

What you’ll bring

• At least three years’ experience leading and developing a team
• Extensive senior, hands-on experience delivering large-scale, high-profile events end to end
• A track record of setting strategy for an event programme or portfolio and managing its budget, including revenue, pricing and margin
• Strong business acumen and a good understanding of the Canterbury economy and business community
• Confidence using data, digital and AI tools to make decisions and improve processes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder skills, with confidence in front of senior business audiences

Experience in learning and development, or in a membership-based organisation, would be a real advantage.

You’ll be curious, collaborative and driven by results, with a growth mindset and a strong customer focus.

Why Business Canterbury

You’ll shape a programme known as the best of its kind in the region, with a clear view of the issues facing local businesses.

How to apply

Apply through Seek with your CV and a cover letter by 5pm 2 November 2026. For a copy of the position description or a confidential conversation, contact Tait Dench at taitd@businesscanterbury.co.nz