Event Marketing Lead

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control and energy solutions at our company owned facilities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hayward also has facilities in Tennessee, Arizona, and Rhode Island as well as Canada, Spain, France, Australia, and China.

Position Summary

The Event Marketing Lead is responsible for leading and executing a comprehensive portfolio of North American event marketing initiatives, with a primary focus on dealer and customer events, national and regional trade shows, industry conferences, dealer programs, and customer engagement initiatives.

This role serves as a strategic leader within the Event Marketing team, overseeing both portfolio-level planning and hands-on execution of key event programs, including PACE, Partner Summit, Passport to Paradise, and other flagship Hayward events. The Event Marketing Lead partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Finance, and external vendors to ensure events align with business objectives, strengthen customer relationships, and deliver measurable business impact.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, results-driven event professional who can effectively manage multiple large-scale initiatives, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and continuously improve event performance, processes, and customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Event Portfolio Management & Execution

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a diverse portfolio of North American events, including:

• Dealer and customer events

• National and regional trade shows

• Industry conferences and meetings

• Dealer programs and councils

• Regional activations and customer engagement initiatives

• Ensure all events deliver a consistent, high-quality brand experience aligned with Hayward standards.

• Attend and actively support assigned events, providing on-site leadership and operational oversight.

• Manage event logistics, vendor coordination, registration processes, venue relationships, and attendee experiences.

Flagship Program Leadership

• Serve as a key leader within the Event Marketing team supporting major programs, including:

• PACE

• Partner Summit

• Passport to Paradise

• National and regional trade shows

• Industry conferences and customer events

• Collaborate with team members to ensure consistency, scalability, and best-practice sharing across all event initiatives.

Event Strategy & Performance Optimization

• Contribute to annual event planning and portfolio strategy to support business priorities and growth objectives.
• Develop recommendations to improve event effectiveness, operational efficiency, attendee engagement, and scalability.
• Utilize Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback, post-event surveys, participation metrics, and business outcomes to measure success and drive continuous improvement.
• Track event performance and support ROI reporting and analysis.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Management, and Finance teams to ensure alignment across all event initiatives.
• Coordinate event messaging, branding, campaigns, product showcases, and training opportunities.
• Support sales teams with event planning, participation, and customer engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with product teams to highlight innovation, education, and product launches.

Project Management & Marketing Operations

• Manage end-to-end event timelines and project plans, ensuring all deliverables are completed on schedule.
• Create and manage Lytho requests for event-related creative, digital, and promotional assets.
• Work closely with Creative and Digital teams to ensure timely development of event materials and campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with established marketing processes, workflows, and project management standards.
• Maintain visibility, accountability, and organization across multiple concurrent projects.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Manage relationships with agencies, venues, suppliers, and event vendors to ensure quality execution and cost efficiency.
• Support event budget planning, forecasting, and expense management.

Brand Advocacy & Relationship Development

• Act as a brand ambassador for Hayward and its portfolio of brands.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with dealers, customers, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
• Support customer advocacy initiatives, including:
• Testimonials
• Case studies
• Customer councils
• Referral programs

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in event marketing, trade marketing, experiential marketing, or related disciplines.
• Proven experience managing large-scale events, trade shows, and multi-event portfolios.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Finance teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendors, agencies, and event budgets.

Preferred Skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.
• Data-driven mindset with experience measuring event performance and ROI.
• Experience utilizing project management and marketing workflow tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Travel & Work Environment

• Travel required: approximately 20-25%, including attendance at trade shows, dealer events, conferences, and customer programs.
• This is an onsite position working Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
• Flexibility to travel and work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Frequent interaction with customers, dealers, industry partners, and cross-functional teams both onsite and at event locations.