Mercer Exhibitions & Events
Senior Project Manager
Salary: £37,500 - £40,000 + Performance Incentives
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire
Full Time | Permanent
Build Exceptional Experiences. Shape the Future of Mercer.
At Mercer Exhibitions & Events, we don't just build exhibition stands—we create environments that help brands connect, engage and grow. From major UK exhibitions to international events, we deliver high-quality exhibition solutions that leave lasting impressions.
We're entering an exciting phase of growth. With significant investment in our people, processes and infrastructure, our ambition is simple:
To deliver the same exceptional service, backed by the same exceptional people, on an international scale.
To help us achieve that vision, we're looking for an exceptional Senior Project Manager to join our team.
This isn't a role for someone who simply manages projects.
We're looking for someone who thrives under pressure, takes ownership, solves problems before they arise, and genuinely cares about delivering outstanding client experiences. Someone who can confidently manage multiple projects whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality, communication and commercial awareness.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for the successful delivery of exhibition and event projects from initial handover through to final installation and post-show completion.
You will become the central point of contact for clients, suppliers, internal teams and installation crews, ensuring every project is delivered on time, within budget and to Mercer standards.
You'll have significant autonomy and influence within the business, working closely with senior leadership to continuously improve processes, customer experience and project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management
- Manage multiple exhibition and event projects simultaneously.
- Lead projects from design approval through production, installation and completion.
- Create and maintain project schedules, timelines and critical paths.
- Ensure all project milestones are achieved and communicated effectively.
Client Relationship Management
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
- Manage client expectations professionally and proactively.
- Identify opportunities to enhance the customer experience.
Supplier & Contractor Management
- Source and obtain competitive quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times and project requirements.
- Coordinate production partners, logistics providers, venues and installation teams.
- Ensure supplier performance meets Mercer quality standards.
Commercial Management
- Monitor project budgets and margins.
- Control project costs and identify opportunities for efficiencies.
- Raise purchase orders and manage supplier invoicing processes.
- Ensure projects are delivered profitably and commercially successfully.
Operational Coordination
- Work closely with design, production, warehouse and installation teams.
- Manage project information using internal systems and project management software.
- Coordinate transport, logistics and on-site requirements.
- Ensure all project documentation is accurate and up to date.
Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to the ongoing development of project management processes.
- Help improve operational efficiency across the business.
- Support and mentor junior team members where appropriate.
- Champion a culture of excellence and accountability.
What We're Looking ForEssential
- Minimum 5 years' experience in exhibitions, events, fit-out, experiential marketing or a related project management environment.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Excellent client-facing and communication skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and budget management experience.
- Experience obtaining and managing supplier quotations.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to remain calm and solution-focused under pressure.
- Strong IT and project management system experience.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience within the exhibition industry.
- Knowledge of exhibition venues and operational requirements.
- Experience managing international projects.
- IOSH, PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualifications.
The Person
You'll be:
- Relentlessly organised.
- Commercially minded.
- Highly professional.
- A natural problem solver.
- Confident communicating with clients at all levels.
- Passionate about delivering exceptional work.
- Motivated by responsibility and ownership.
- Ambitious and excited by growth.
Most importantly, you'll care about the quality of what you deliver.
Why Join Mercer?
At Mercer, you'll be joining a business with ambitious plans and a strong reputation for quality, service and reliability.
You'll work alongside a team that genuinely cares about what they do, where ideas are welcomed, standards are high and hard work is recognised.
This is an opportunity to play a key role in the next chapter of our growth journey, helping shape how projects are delivered as we continue expanding across the UK and internationally.
If you're looking for a role where your experience matters, your voice is heard and your work has a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Ready to build something exceptional?
Apply now and become part of the Mercer journey.
Pay: £37,500.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
