Associate Manager- Meeting and Events

Job Title: Associate Manager- Meeting and Events
Location: Plano, TX
Includes 30% Travel

Job Description:
Client is seeking an experienced, event/planning professional This position contributes to company growth by creating and executing national and regional meetings for internal teams that enhance company culture and promotes relationships and retention. This position will collaborate, communicate, and interact with stakeholders at all levels to design, develop and execute events while adhering to timelines and stakeholder objectives.

They will be involved in all planning logistics to build these events including supplier selection/negotiation/management and planning responsibilities (F&B, transportation, communication, production, awards, entertainment, and branding).
Must be able to multitask, establish priorities, and work independently in an energetic, fast-paced environment. Must possess a strong sense of responsibility, accountability and professionalism and be detail oriented. Ability to work cooperatively with others is essential. Possessing a strong work ethic is a must!

This role is based in our Plano, TX office with up to 30% travel including extended overnight stays of 4-7 days if needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Demonstrates strong understanding of the event management industry. Plan all or various facets of events which may include managing sourcing of the event, site inspections, contracting, program communications, F&B, transportation, VIP requirements, registration, audio/visual production, entertainment, and post event evaluation process, etc.

Financial Acumen: Ability to develop complex budgets, accurately reconcile spending and spot opportunities for added value and savings
• Ability to independently develop and manage meeting and event budgets
• Full management of vendor financials, tracking spend, and ability to change scope to stay within the parameters of the budget

Negotiation & Partner Management: Ability to develop and lead negotiations to achieve the best value and maximize spend.
• Able to articulate expectations and shape scope for suppliers
• Creating timelines and managing expectations and raising issues with exceeding timelines

Industry Expert: Ability to deliver new creative ideas to drive engagement and elevate the attendee experience.
• Interest in industry trends
• Creative problem solving
• Keep current about new technology designed to support and enhance the planning process

On Site Leadership: Provide onsite leadership and team management to agency partners, subcontractors, and all vendors. Manages and motivates teams to elevate event.

Project Management: Employs general manager mindset and has a working knowledge of processes, timelines, vendors, and budgets.
• Strong organizational skills to manage events in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple events and stakeholders
• Oversee the setup of the event registration

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor’s Degree required
5 – 8 years of previous event planning experience and on-site / field experience in supporting events
Must be detail-oriented with effective organizational and project management skills including the ability to manage multiple projects /tasks and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Strong computer skills especially Cvent, Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Professional demeanor when interacting with internal clients and vendors
Ability to adjust work style to accommodate stakeholders’ ways of working
Flexible, can-do attitude
Works well under pressure, independently and as a strong team player
Position requires travel up to 30% based on project needs
Axelon Services Corporation