Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Thulani Chimanikire

London

Summary

An experienced project manager with a strong background in events, creative direction, and brand partnerships. Led a range of independent and company-based projects while creating a personal brand to further pursue a passion for project and event management. Currently seeking a long-term role to apply this experience within a more structured environment and to continue professional development in project management.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work history

Founder & Creative Director

Freelance under personal brand "Teefordaplug"
08.2017 - Current

Currently using Teefordaplug as my freelance creative platform to collaborate with communities and deliver meaningful, culturally-driven projects and events.

  • Created and hosted 100+ live events across the UK, including listening parties, concerts, mini festivals, fashion shows, and live entertainment showcases.
  • Built strong relationships with grassroots venues and secured sponsorships that added value to both the brand and the hosting spaces.
  • Created and launched concepts such as Calm (in collaboration with a wider team), attracting international artists, high-profile performers, and major sponsorships — including consistent support from Red Bull.
  • Produced and managed events with lineups featuring acts such as Ragz Originale, Murkage Dave, Jaykae, Jerreau Vandal and Soulection DJs.
  • Developed the digital and social media strategy, consistently growing brand engagement and ticket sales. Even during posting breaks, the platform averages over 100k profile views monthly.
  • Delivered creative consultancy to startup businesses, helping them increase visibility, build engagement, and grow their target audiences.
  • Designed and led a shadowing and mentoring programme through the brand, offering up-and-coming creatives opportunities for real-time learning and industry experience.

Project Manager (Freelance/Temporary)

The St. Matthew's Project
London
02.2025 - 02.2025

One-off high-impact project for a landmark community event.

  • Appointed to lead end-to-end event operations for a high-profile documentary screening and celebration.
  • Took over responsibilities with just one week’s notice; quickly familiarised myself with the event goals, guest profiles, and operations plan.
  • Led a team of young participants from The St. Matthew’s Project, assigning roles and providing clear instructions to build confidence and ensure smooth delivery.
  • Coordinated front-of-house logistics and managed guest list flow, maintaining a warm and professional atmosphere.
  • Oversaw entertainment and talent from performers to DJs, ensuring they felt welcomed, supported, and aligned with the event's tone and values.
  • Delivered pre-prepared catering on time despite short staffing, stepping in calmly and efficiently to maintain the event timeline.
  • Offered hospitality support throughout, including providing water and comfort to artists, to uphold high standards of care and professionalism.

Events Manager (Freelance/Contract)

Click.mgmt
London
10.2024 - 02.2025

Feelance contract managing a short-term series of live events and brand activations.

  • Delivered multiple projects across live events, activations, and venue partnerships within a 4-month contract.
  • Managed end-to-end communications with venue partners, negotiating budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Led event planning and execution, overseeing logistics, marketing, and production teams to ensure smooth delivery.
  • Designed and launched targeted marketing campaigns to maximise audience engagement and ticket sales.
  • Acted as the primary contact for internal and external stakeholders, coordinating all meetings and project timelines.
  • Provided strategic input in meetings and worked closely with directors and creatives to shape event concepts and uphold brand identity.

Project Manager (Freelance/Temporary)

Commonwealth Games
Birmingham
08.2022 - 08.2022
  • Curated and hosted a high-profile, all-Black women’s lineup that attracted media coverage from ITV and BBC.
  • Managed on-the-day technical challenges, including sound and equipment issues, ensuring smooth event delivery.
  • Oversaw festival budget with a focus on financial accountability and transparency.
  • Delivered exceptional results under tight deadlines and high-pressure conditions, demonstrating strong stress management and problem-solving skills.

Head Of Operations

Calm.International
Birmingham
12.2017 - 02.2022
  • Led and coordinated 15+ promotional teams across multiple large-scale events with 800+ attendees.
  • Planned and managed logistics including accommodation, travel, and ryder requests for local and international artists.
  • Developed and executed marketing strategies, increasing brand visibility on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
  • Directed the creation of 70% of promotional materials, driving innovative event concepts while ensuring brand consistency.
  • Oversaw operational workflows and resource allocation to ensure smooth event execution and stakeholder satisfaction.

Event manager

Marco Pierre White
Birmingham
09.2018 - 09.2018
  • Coordinated all aspects of high-profile dinners and corporate meetings, managing venue logistics, vendor relations, and client expectations.
  • Planned and supervised large-scale celebrations including weddings, ensuring seamless execution from concept to completion.
  • Directed and managed event staff, assigning roles and overseeing performance to maintain service quality and efficiency.
  • Maintained strict timelines and budgets, adapting quickly to last-minute changes or client requests.

Sponsorship & Brand Partnership Experience

Freelance

Red Bull

  • Created digital content including videos and motion graphics aligned with Red Bull’s brand guidelines for multiple events.
  • Coordinated closely with Red Bull reps to support event stock logistics and brand activations at Calm events and XOYO (Birmingham).

Wray & Nephew

  • Laid out and managed the Birmingham Wray partnership with XOYO in 2023 while assisting logistics and marketing teams.
  • Organised the “Yard Takeover” day party with 300+ attendees, managing budgets and operational details.
  • Developed detailed impact charts for every event to track and report sponsorship ROI and engagement.

Chivas Regal

  • Assisted with branded event setups, including the “DJ Ruskee and Friends” day party.
  • Helped produce social media content and supported artist liaison, ensuring brand consistency and high-quality activation.

Wingstop

  • Coordinated food sponsorship and promo collaboration for official listening party, managing logistics and guest experience delivery.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Live Events and Festival Management

Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP)
London
09/2024 - 04/2027

Skills

  • Live Event Planning & Coordination
  • Creative Direction
  • Sponsorship & Brand Partnerships
  • Community Engagement
  • Content Creation & Social Strategy
  • Public Speaking & Hosting
  • Stakeholder & Team Management
  • Entrepreneurial Thinking

Affiliations

Exploring music scenes and live entertainment cultures globally,

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Project Manager (Freelance/Temporary)

The St. Matthew's Project
02.2025 - 02.2025

Events Manager (Freelance/Contract)

Click.mgmt
10.2024 - 02.2025

Project Manager (Freelance/Temporary)

Commonwealth Games
08.2022 - 08.2022

Event manager

Marco Pierre White
09.2018 - 09.2018

Head Of Operations

Calm.International
12.2017 - 02.2022

Founder & Creative Director

Freelance under personal brand "Teefordaplug"
08.2017 - Current

Sponsorship & Brand Partnership Experience

Freelance

Bachelor of Arts - Live Events and Festival Management

Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP)
09/2024 - 04/2027
Thulani Chimanikire