Position Purpose:
Work independently with internal and external customers to create, plan, manage and execute meetings and events at the Store Support Centers, Stores and/or hotels nationwide, in support of enterprise-wide initiatives. This includes creative theme development, request for proposals, site recommendations, logistics planning and budget management. Responsible for managing meeting related expenditures, managing and negotiating contracts and managing vendors. Position is responsible for entire process from planning and development of the event through post-event analysis and follow-up. Position may also work with department Event Managers on meetings and events locally, nationally or internationally.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Event Planning & Execution

• Oversee every aspect of event creation, planning, and management, including:
  • Organizing client meetings and site visits/selection
  • Menu planning and ordering gifts/awards
  • Designing and ordering signage
  • Developing creative themes
  • Coordinating hotel and transportation logistics
• Ensure the overall ambiance of meetings supports attendee retention, engagement, and achievement of objectives.
• Lead contract negotiations with all vendors to secure favorable terms.

Budget Creation & Management

• Develop budgets for assigned meetings and events.
• Maintain accountability for staying within budget constraints.

Post-Event Analysis & Client Follow-Up

• Conduct post-event budget analysis and reconcile invoices.
• Follow up with clients to assess event outcomes and gather feedback.

Vendor Management & Contract Negotiation

• Manage external vendors for both on-site and offsite event execution.
• Handle contract negotiations to ensure quality and value.

Planning Process Facilitation (10%)

• Facilitate the entire planning process, including procurement and payment activities.

SharePoint Site Management (10%)

• Coordinate with communications specialists and senior team members to revamp and improve the usability and look of the outside sales SharePoint site.
• Scrub and curate content, ensuring only the most relevant and feasible resources and learning programs are leveraged for the outside sales team.
• Apply for and manage internal resources to support ongoing content curation and SharePoint development.
• Regularly update the site with new materials, training resources, and team communications to keep information current, relevant and accessible.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports:
Position reports to the Manager, Outside Sales Process & Operations

Travel Requirements:
Typically requires overnight travel less than 20% of the time.

Physical Requirements:
Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.

Working Conditions:
Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong meeting planning experience
• Hotel experience a plus

Minimum Education:
The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Preferred Education:
No additional education

Minimum Years of Work Experience:
5

Preferred Years of Work Experience:
No additional years of experience

Minimum Leadership Experience:
None

Preferred Leadership Experience:
None

Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organization skills and ability to multi-task; must be flexible
• Advanced PC Skills including PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to manage budgets - utilize forecasting to stay under budget
• Sense of urgency and ability to drive accuracy; ability to influence leaders
• Experience working with planning tools
• Sound judgement; good decision-making skills; intuitive