Director, Supplier Relations
Renewal Business Sourcing, Budgeting and RFP Response Management
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Qualify program requirements and lead research for client programs, including but not limited to: destinations, hotel properties, venues and/or supplier partners and other necessary program support
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Review and qualify all supplier partner proposals to ensure only viable options - aligned with stated requirements - are presented to client
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Create all statement of works (SOWs)
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Create full event budgets
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Coordinate all financial elements to include pro-formas, deposit schedules and margin goals
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Prepare hotel/venue properties RFPs to ensure required space planning, technology, plus other supplier partner RFPs are addressed
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Track information on all tentative and definite hotel/venue availability and holds, ensuring all option dates are considered, regularly communicating updates to internal and external stakeholders
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Maintain regular communication with all suppliers to keep them informed on RFP status, ensuring appropriate space is being held or released on a timely basis
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In collaboration with the Business Development team, ensure consistency of information and design through documentation, inclusion of MCW Events branding and RFP answers
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Manage the proposal delivery process through a workback schedule ensuring all teams are effectively collaborating and contributing to the final producy
Budget and Financial Management
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Develop and update program cost estimates in collaboration with Business Development & Operations team
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Implement overall program negotiation strategy to achieve best value for client while maximizing MCW Events revenue
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Prepare, set up and co-lead (with Account Director or Business Development) the file transfer meeting to the Sr/ Logistics Lead and team
Client Consultation
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Build and nurture strong relationships with corporate clients, serving as their primary point of contact and understanding their event goals and expectations
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Provide recommendation for destinations and hotel/venue options and consult with clients through the decision making process
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Actively keep up to date with industry trends, promotions, property renovations/construction and destination information and share expertise with clients as applicable
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Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities with existing clients to maximize revenue and deepen client relationships
Cost Management
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Develop and implement cost-effective sourcing strategies to optimize event logistics expenditures
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Analyze cost structures and recommend adjustments to enhance overall cost efficiencies and create cost savings analysis for us to track by program
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Anticipate and mitigate potential logistical challenges in the sourcing process
Contract Negotiation
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Proven negotiation skills. Negotiate hotel/venue contracts, maximizing savings, minimizing liabilities and managing risk
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Extensive destination and hotel property knowledge required with a desire and willingness to continually expand knowledge both domestically and internationally
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Experienced with CVENT supplier management software
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Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Business, or a related field
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Proven experience (typically 7+ years) in corporate event planning and management with 4 of those years in a sourcing and pre-sales role
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Extensive destination and hotel property knowledge required with a desire and willingness to continually expand knowledge both domestically and internationally
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Ability to manage upward, negotiate competing priorities, and communicate questions that arise or challenges within the work ~ all within a timely fashion to Logistics Leads, Account Directors, and/or Principles
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Strong leadership and team management skills
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Exceptional communication and negotiation ability
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Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skill
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In-depth knowledge of event technology and industry trends
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Proficiency in event management software and tools
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Willingness to travel and work irregular hours as required by events
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Professional certifications in event management (e.g., CMP) are a plus