Senior Trade Show Project Manager in San Diego, CA

Greetings from Exponents Insta USA Inc. Role - Senior Trade Show Project Manager Locations - San Diego, CA About Exponents, Inc. Exponents, Inc. is a premium custom exhibit rental firm with over 40 years of experience in the trade show industry. Recognized for innovation in design and manufacturing, we’ve partnered with 500+ multinational brands and delivered more than 18,000 booths worldwide. With offices in San Diego, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Orlando, we provide unmatched service and local support across the U.S. Our business has been scaling at 25% annually for the past four years, creating exciting opportunities for growth and leadership. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex, high-value exhibit projects while providing guidance to other Project Managers. This role requires advanced production knowledge, strong client management skills, and the ability to oversee multiple, large-scale programs. The Senior PM will also play a key role in improving processes, mentoring junior team members, and driving operational excellence across the business. Key Responsibilities • Serve as the primary client contact for strategic accounts, managing projects from contract close to post-show evaluation. • Lead delivery of multi-booth, large-scale, or high-profile projects with complex logistics and elevated customer expectations. • Anticipate challenges and proactively resolve issues to ensure client satisfaction and project success. • Provide mentorship, training, and support to junior Project Managers and Coordinators. • Build strong relationships with key accounts and identify opportunities for account growth. • Ensure compliance with general contractor requirements, safety standards, and building codes. • Oversee logistics, labor management (union and non-union), and vendor partnerships. • Review and interpret CAD drawings and technical documents for accuracy and feasibility. • Collaborate with leadership on process improvement initiatives and best practices for project delivery. • Report project outcomes, risks, and improvement opportunities to senior management. • Champion quality systems, including Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and documentation standards. • Lead pre- and post-show evaluations to continuously raise performance benchmarks. Candidate Expectations • Proven success in delivering high-value, complex trade show projects across multiple locations. • Advanced client management skills with the ability to manage C-level and senior stakeholders. • Strong financial acumen in managing budgets, controlling scope, and driving profitability. • Leadership experience guiding and developing junior team members. • Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on problem solving at show site. • Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple programs simultaneously. • Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities. • Demonstrated ability to implement and refine processes that improve efficiency and quality. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred, not required). • 5–7+ years of progressive project management experience in the trade show or exhibit industry. • 3–5 years direct show-site experience with proven leadership on-site. • Experience managing complex, multi-booth programs. • Familiarity with exhibit house fabrication processes and AV integration. • PMP or similar project management certification (preferred). Key Performance Indicators • Client satisfaction and retention • Successful delivery of high-profile and complex programs • On-time, on-budget execution with minimal escalations • Effective mentoring and development of junior PM staff • Contribution to process improvement and quality standards • Positive leadership presence at show site and within the organization Thanks & Regards, Firoz Khan Manager - Talent Acquisition Exponents Insta USA Email [email protected] US Cell - +1 (619) 330-7359 Job Type: Full-time Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Benefits: • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Vision insurance Application Question(s): • What is your project management experience in tradeshow industry? Work Location: In person