Blake Smith
Dunedin,New Zealand
Summary
Venue operations and facilities professional with a robust background in event delivery and team leadership. Successfully managed large-scale events and optimized venue systems, ensuring operational efficiency and high guest satisfaction.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Venue Setup Services
Dunedin Venues Management Limited
06.2026 - Current
- Lead day-to-day venue operations and event delivery activities.
- Coordinated staff rosters and resources to ensure smooth event execution.
- Provide on-the-job training and support for team members.
- Managed venue systems such as BMS scheduling, sports lighting, automated access, and key control to enhance operational efficiency.
- Supported event delivery at multiple venues, ensuring seamless operations and guest satisfaction.
- Coordinate with event managers, contractors, AV, catering, and security teams.
- Operate forklifts and support venue logistics and facilities operations.
Venue Setup Services
Dunedin Venues Management Limited
08.2025 - 06.2026
- Executed event setups, room flips, venue resets, and pack-downs to ensure seamless transitions between activities.
- Supported coordination of conferences, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts, and corporate functions to enhance attendee experience.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Checkout Operator / Checkout Supervisor
Woolworths New Zealand
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Promoted to Checkout Supervisor.
- Supervised checkout operations, coordinating frontline staff to enhance service delivery.
- Provided excellent customer service while facilitating effective team coordination.
Event Security Supervisor
SecureCorp
09.2022 - 08.2025
- Supervised security operations for concerts, festivals, sporting events, and corporate functions to ensure safety and compliance.
- Managed crowd control and incident response activities while enhancing customer service experience.
- Coordinated security efforts across venues including Forsyth Barr Stadium, Regent Theatre, University Oval, Logan Park, University of Otago Union Hall, Queenstown Events Centre, Coronet Peak, Town Hall, and Glenroy Auditorium.
Administrator & Event Security
Platform 4 Group
09.2022 - 08.2025
- Supported event planning and managed crowd control during events.
- Executed administrative tasks to facilitate seamless operations.
- Independently prepared staffing rosters from a casual workforce of approximately 500 staff.
Kitchen Hand
Heart & Soul Café
04.2022 - 07.2022
- Assisted with food preparation, customer service, stock control, and cleaning duties.
- Prepared ingredients and maintained cleanliness in kitchen areas.
- Assisted chefs with food preparation and plating for daily specials.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during busy hours.
Delivery Contractor
Ovato
02.2019 - 07.2021
- Delivered advertising material to over 150 homes weekly, ensuring timely distribution and community engagement.
- Demonstrated reliability, independence, and strong time-management skills.
Education
NCEA Level 1 (Merit Endorsed), Level 2 & Level 3 - University Entrance
Otago Boys' High School
Skills
- Venue Operations & Facilities Management
- Event Logistics & Coordination
- Venue Setup Management
- Facilities Systems Management
- Staff Rostering & Workforce Planning
- Security Operations
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Forklift Operation
- Problem Solving
- Team Leadership & Supervision
- Communication & Teamwork
Certification
- Full New Zealand Driver Licence
- F Endorsed Forklift Licence
- Certificate of Approval (COA) Security Licence
- Foundation First Aid Certificate
- Defensive Driving Certificate
Accomplishments
- Promoted to Senior Venue Setup Services at Dunedin Venues Management Limited.
- Managed event staffing rosters from a casual workforce of approximately 500 staff at Platform 4 Group.
- Promoted to Event Security Supervisor and Checkout Supervisor.
- Awarded Platform 4 Group Employee of the Month (07/25).
- Worked at major events including Coldplay, Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers, FIFA Women's World Cup, Electric Avenue, Bay Dreams, Southern Sounds, and All Blacks Test Matches.
Major Events Experience
- Coldplay
- Pink
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- FIFA Women's World Cup
- Electric Avenue
- Bay Dreams Festival
- Southern Sounds Festival
- Baseline Festival
- Hyde Street Party
- O-Week Events
- All Blacks Test Matches
- Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival
Timeline
Senior Venue Setup Services
Dunedin Venues Management Limited
06.2026 - Current
Venue Setup Services
Dunedin Venues Management Limited
08.2025 - 06.2026
Checkout Operator / Checkout Supervisor
Woolworths New Zealand
05.2024 - 08.2025
Event Security Supervisor
SecureCorp
09.2022 - 08.2025
Administrator & Event Security
Platform 4 Group
09.2022 - 08.2025
Kitchen Hand
Heart & Soul Café
04.2022 - 07.2022
Delivery Contractor
Ovato
02.2019 - 07.2021
NCEA Level 1 (Merit Endorsed), Level 2 & Level 3 - University Entrance
Otago Boys' High School