Who We Are
At JonnyPops, our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality, innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness one pop at a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges, thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments, align with our core values, and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.
Based in Elk River, MN, JonnyPops develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Cub, along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.
Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012, JonnyPop’ mission is to make "A Better Pop for a Better World!" JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes a kind deed, spreading kindness every day.
Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part of high-growth brand and have a direct impact on the company’s success. Join our team and help us make “A Better Pop, for a Better World!”
Job Summary
The Events Manager is the face of the JonnyPops brand, planning events and sampling programs that will be the first touchpoint consumers have with the brand across the nation! They are responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing a variety of events and sampling programs across the country balancing event scale, cost, and effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in event management, field marketing, and brand activation, with the ability to deliver memorable, disruptive on-brand experiences that drive new consumer awareness, drive product trial, and improve on-shelf sales velocities.
JonnyPops is known for both kindness and customer service as hallmarks of the brand, and the Events Manager must be committed to living these brand attributes every day. The Events Manager must be highly organized with strong communication and project management skills (written, verbal, digital) and have a passion for problem-solving. Passion for engaging with consumers from all backgrounds is a requirement for this role and the ideal candidate balances creative and analytical thinking to solve problems real-time.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Live the brand! Bringing positivity and kindness to every interaction!
· Event Strategy, Planning and Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive event and sampling strategy that aligns with brand objectives and supports overall business goals. Identify key markets and events that offer the greatest opportunity for brand exposure and consumer engagement. Lead the planning, organization, and execution of those events bringing in agencies and sampling partners to deliver on objectives where needed.
· On-Site Leadership: Attend and oversee the majority of events, ensuring that all activities are executed according to plan and that brand standards are maintained.
· Project and Vendor Management: Manage event schedules, budgets, logistics, and vendor relationships to ensure the seamless execution of all events. Problem solving when challenges arise to deliver against event objectives. Negotiate contracts and manage budgets to maximize ROI.
· Logistics & Operations: Manage all logistics related to events, including transportation, setup, permits, and compliance with local regulations. Ensure all events are executed smoothly, on time, and within budget.
· Impact Measurement: Establish KPIs and track the performance of events and sampling programs. Analyze data to measure the impact on brand awareness, product trial rates, and on-shelf velocities. Provide insights and recommendations for future improvements.
· Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure event strategies align with overall brand goals and objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
· 4+ years of experience in event planning, field marketing, or related roles within the CPG or food and beverage industry.
· Proven track record of successfully developing and executing large-scale events and sampling programs that drive measurable business results.
· Strong leadership and team management skills with experience overseeing remote and diverse teams.
· Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
· Strong analytical skills with experience measuring and reporting on event performance and ROI.
· Proficiency in budgeting and financial management.
· Creative thinker with a passion for delivering unique and memorable brand experiences.
· Willingness to travel extensively (up to 80%) and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
· Valid driver's license and ability to travel nationwide.
Additional Requirements
· Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.
· Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company
· Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm. tten communication skills