Event Safety Manager

The Event Safety Manager will be responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all staff, artists, and attendees at large-scale, outdoor festivals hosted by Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP). This role focuses on maintaining the safety of event operations during the event as well as pre and post events, managing emergency exit procedures, working with local authorities, ensuring compliance with safety codes, and responding to incidents effectively.

The Safety Manager will oversee safety planning, staff training, emergency preparedness, and coordination with vendors and the local public safety to guarantee the event site remains safe, accessible, and compliant with all relevant safety regulations. The position will also involve maintaining emergency protocols, evacuation plans, and ensuring the readiness of safety systems and personnel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Confirm appropriate safety related techniques, procedures and equipment is being utilized.

• Confirm all departments are aware of needs onsite and locations to seek shelter for weather or other emergency needs.

• Awareness of site activity and frequent site audits to confirm site safety and mitigate any hazards.

• Ensure each Emergency Exit Gate (EE Gate) is functional and operates correctly during the event.

• Install and post signage, flags, banners, locks, chains, and written staff instructions detailing responsibilities.

• Ensure EE Gates are sufficiently staffed throughout the event.

• Train gate staff on the essential functions of their assignment.

• Ensure appropriate lighting is established around EE Gates.

• Assist the fire department with site inspections related to Fire and Life Safety Codes, including:

• Tent and food truck inspections.

• Assessing exit gates and exit pathways/corridors.

• Determining emergency vehicle ingress and egress.

• Ensuring access to Fire Department connections (hydrants, water supply, etc.).

• Follow up on any findings from the fire department to correct any safety hazards or code deficiencies.

• Ensure that all incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns are properly reported and documented in a timely and accurate manner.

• Keep detailed records of safety incidents, including medical emergencies, evacuations, accidents, or any other significant events that occur during the festival.

• Conduct post-incident analysis to assess response effectiveness and identify areas for improvement in future events. Provide reports to leadership detailing incidents and corrective actions taken.

• Evacuation Procedures:

  • Evacuation Routes & Signage: Ensure proper signage is posted for evacuation corridors/routes, clearly marking safe paths for attendees in case of an emergency.

  • Shelter Location: Ensure designated shelter locations are viable, accessible, and equipped to handle attendees during evacuations.

    • Assist in determining shelter occupancy limits to ensure safe capacity.

  • Evacuation Support: Coordinate with security personnel for emergency evacuation procedures and direct patrons during evacuations.

    • Ensure security staff are positioned to assist with crowd control and evacuation guidance.

  • Vendor/Sponsor Coordination: Meet with vendors and sponsors to provide information about evacuation routes, shelter locations, and emergency protocols.

    • Provide vendors/sponsors with staff accountability forms and other essential safety information.

• DWP Safety/Risk Operations:

  • Attend DWP Safety/Risk Meetings: Actively participate in DWP operations meetings to provide input on safety procedures, incident reports, and event planning.

  • Management Team: Work with the Management Team to ensure that all safety concerns are addressed and that all safety measures are in place for the event.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in safety management, preferably in large-scale outdoor events, festivals, or public gatherings. Prior experience in event safety or risk management at music festivals or large outdoor events is highly preferred.

• In-depth knowledge of fire safety codes, OSHA regulations, and emergency management protocols for large events. Experience liaising with local fire departments and emergency services is highly beneficial.

• Proven ability to manage emergency situations, including medical emergencies, severe weather events, accidents, or evacuations. Ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure environments to ensure the safety of all event participants.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with internal teams, vendors, sponsors, emergency responders, and local authorities.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to oversee multiple aspects of safety, including emergency exits, evacuations, incident reporting, and compliance with safety regulations.

• Experience in training and managing staff, particularly in the areas of safety procedures, evacuation protocols, Tabletop exercises and emergency response.