Senior Manager, Live Events Procurement

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Colorado.

📋 Description

• Develop the Function

• Design and establish procurement operations for XGL events, including category strategies, sourcing calendars, approval workflows, and vendor performance management that are currently absent.

• Create and execute the procurement operating model for XGL, encompassing category strategies, sourcing calendars, approval workflows, and vendor performance management.

• Manage and enhance the multi-event procurement phasing calendar, aligning sourcing milestones with event lead times and identifying potential resource conflicts across overlapping event cycles.

• Collaborate with Business Development/Event Operations to define procurement's responsibilities based on each event's host-site model (promoter, co-promoter, co-producer, owned & operated) and adjust sourcing responsibilities accordingly.

• Work alongside Finance to enforce the vendor onboarding Standard Operating Procedure, signature authorization matrix, and spend-approval controls (Ramp-based workflow).

• Drive Cost Efficiency

• Oversee sourcing and negotiation initiatives that maintain event costs as the league expands.

• Lead competitive sourcing efforts and renegotiations for recurring event vendors, aiming to reverse the trend of multi-year cost increases.

• Collaborate with FP&A to develop per-event and per-category unit economics, and take ownership of procurement’s contribution to event cost reduction goals.

• Establish a preferred-vendor program that leverages multi-event volume across the league calendar.

• Execute Effectively at Events

• Be the on-site contact who ensures vendor relationships withstand the pressures of live events.

• Manage sourcing, RFP, and negotiation processes for key event categories (venue construction, broadcast/production support, staffing, hospitality, transportation, equipment rental).

• Handle vendor contracting in collaboration with Legal, covering insurance, indemnification, and payment-term standards.

• Ensure a smooth transfer of contract terms, deliverables, and payment schedules to the Budget Owner/ELT, who will manage vendor relationships throughout the contract duration.

• Safeguard the Company

• Maintain procurement audit readiness and compliance while operating across borders.

• Uphold audit-ready documentation standards for all vendor interactions: contracts, purchase orders, change orders, and payment support.

• Ensure procurement compliance with US, Canadian, and international vendor regulations (Finland/Japan).

• Identify and escalate off-process spending commitments; serve as a trusted and constructive control point for the business.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 6 years of progressive experience in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management, with significant exposure to live events, sports, entertainment production, or large-scale experiential projects.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Proven track record in negotiation, particularly with six- and seven-figure vendor agreements.

• Deep understanding of live event production categories: staging, broadcast infrastructure, venue services, temporary staffing, and hospitality.

• Familiarity with modern spend-management tools (such as Ramp, Coupa, or similar) and ERP environments.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, lean environment — hands-on involvement rather than just strategic oversight.

• Bonus: Experience in international procurement, multi-event or touring production, and sports league or federation contexts.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.

• Flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits package.