Senior Event Manager

About Us:

At BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E), we provide more than meeting and event planning services: we create connections that inspire, motivate and change behavior for our customers. As the world’s most trusted and innovative meetings and events agency, BCD M&E cultivates a culture of people, passion and purpose to drive business forward. 

Headquartered in Chicago, with locations in 50+ countries across the world, BCD M&E’s team of 1,800+ people are committed to sustainability and driving success for our customers, our business and ourselves. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we look for people that want to be a part of something special, can rise to our standards and love to bring their unique perspective to the table.

While we can’t guarantee every day will be the best (who can?), we can promise a community of people who genuinely care and lead with empathy, a flexible workplace with awesome perks and challenging work that means something. 

See what life is about at BCD M&E at bcdme.com/careers

About the role:

We are seeking a seasoned and experienced Senior Event Manager to join our event planning team at The Collective, the creative agency arm of BCD Meetings & Events. As a subject matter expert in high-end, complex logistics, and the event technologies - the Senior Events Manager brings all of this to life. You will be responsible for managing multi-faceted projects and providing exceptional client strategy and service. You will play a lead role in planning and executing, and live events, while also demonstrating collaboration, creativity, and strategic thinking.

You’re good at:
- Logistics Project Management: Take the lead in delivering successful event operations for assigned programs, ensuring optimal client satisfaction. Lead with collaboration, consultation and recommendations throughout the planning process, and an intimate understanding of how to leverage various technology tools for best in class events. Develop and maintain trusted relationships with internal and external customers. Utilize online/cloud-based planning and budget tools for efficient collaboration. Maintain accurate program budgets and track supplier/vendor payments. Coordinate off-site venues, transportation, entertainment, and décor elements. Facilitate the creative direction of program communication materials. Collaborate with onsite event staff for seamless execution. Conduct program debriefs to identify areas for improvement.

- Leadership of the Assigned Event Team: Provide oversight and leadership to the program support team, ensuring consistency in product delivery, quality, and commitment to timelines. Maintain awareness of standard processes and standard operating procedures. Motivate and support team members, ensuring effective communication and problem resolution. Advocate for the internal support team and BCD Meetings & Events to clients. Participate in troubleshooting and discrepancy resolution. Follow all SOPs mandated by Event Solutions operations.

- Client Account Management Support: Collaborate with BCD M&E Sales representatives to provide consistent and on-target direction to clients and suppliers. Understand the various operations and creative roles involved in virtual, hybrid, and live events. Build effective working relationships based on expertise, professionalism, trust, and partnership. Stay informed about BCD M&E services, tools, industry trends, and virtual/digital solutions. Provide thought leadership to elevate events and enhance client experiences. Increase program profitability through upselling and scope change management. Coordinate and participate in critical program meetings.

- Provide As-Needed Support for the Experience & Engagement Design Team: Lead or support sourcing projects for virtual, hybrid, and live programs, including venues, gifts, experiences, and budgets.

- Provide Mentorship and Management Support: Support department standards, SOPs, and best practices. Act as a trusted advisor and peer to team members. Practice emotional intelligence and positive guidance. Assist with training and mentoring efforts.

You might also have:
- Essential: Minimum 5 years of experience in event logistics planning for complex, high-end programs, utilizing various technology platforms. Deep understanding of event operations and technology tools. Experience in trade show program planning and onsite operations. Expert budget management skills. Experience in and live event logistics planning. Proven leadership, collaboration and consultation skills. Expertise in event technology platforms.  Strong project and timeline management skills. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Ability to travel internationally.

Preferred: Exper