Manager, Special Projects

Description About ET Global ET Global is an international provider of trade show exhibits, experiential environments, and brand experiences. Our U.S. operations, located in Suwanee, Georgia, bring together creative design, project management, production, and account management teams to deliver innovative solutions for clients across a variety of industries. We are committed to collaboration, innovation, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional experiences for our clients.

ET Global is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and results-driven Manager of Special Projects to lead and coordinate strategic initiatives, complex projects, and cross-functional operational activities. This position will play a key role in supporting business growth, improving operational efficiencies, and ensuring successful execution of high-priority projects across the organization. As a global leader in the design, production, and delivery of innovative trade show exhibits, experiential environments, and brand experiences, ET Global requires a professional who can effectively manage multiple priorities, collaborate with diverse teams, and drive projects from concept through completion.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, operations, and process improvement, preferably within the trade show, exhibit, experiential marketing, event production, or related industries.

Requirements

Special Projects Management

• Lead and manage special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by senior leadership.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, deliverables, budgets, resources, and milestones.
• Coordinate projects involving multiple departments, including Operations, Production, Creative, Account Management, Procurement, and Finance.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential obstacles, and implement solutions to ensure successful completion.
• Manage competing priorities and adjust project plans based on evolving business needs.
• Provide regular updates to leadership regarding project status, risks, timelines, and outcomes.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Operational Support & Process Improvement
• Partner with operational leadership to identify opportunities to improve workflows, productivity, and overall business performance.
• Evaluate existing processes and recommend solutions to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies.
• Support the implementation of new systems, technologies, and operational procedures.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, standard operating procedures, and reporting tools.
• Assist with resource planning, capacity management, and coordination of operational priorities.
• Support organizational changes, facility initiatives, and business expansion projects as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a central point of coordination for special projects involving multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Key Account Managers, Production, Warehouse, Creative, and other internal teams to ensure alignment.
• Facilitate project meetings, establish action items, and ensure accountability for deliverables.
• Collaborate with leadership to prioritize initiatives based on business needs and available resources.
• Build strong working relationships with internal teams, external vendors, and business partners.
• Proactively communicate project changes, potential challenges, and recommended solutions.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and monitor project budgets, schedules, and resource requirements.
• Track project expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Coordinate with Finance, Procurement, and Operations to ensure appropriate allocation of resources.
• Support vendor selection, negotiations, and coordination when applicable.
• Monitor project performance against established financial and operational objectives.

Strategic Initiatives & Leadership Support

• Partner with executive leadership on high-priority projects supporting company growth and operational excellence.
• Assist with planning and execution of new business initiatives, facility improvements, and organizational projects.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and prepare recommendations to support business decisions.
• Develop presentations, reports, and project summaries for leadership review.
• Take ownership of special assignments requiring independent judgment, problem-solving, and follow-through.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience preferred
• 5+ years of experience in project management, operations, or managing complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets, schedules, resources, and project deliverables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with employees and leadership at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience within the trade show, exhibit production, experiential marketing, event management, manufacturing, or construction industries.
• Familiarity with exhibit fabrication, production workflows, installation, and dismantle operations.
• Experience supporting business transformation, facility relocations, or operational improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of project management software and reporting tools.
• PMP certification or other relevant project management credentials.