Venue Sourcing Manager, Global Conferences

Description

Role Purpose

Responsible for the venue sourcing and contract negotiation of a global conference portfolio. Includes collaboration with Conference team to determine conference requirements, securing optimal conference space to maximize conference success, build strong relationships with venues and brand partners, and negotiate agreements that deliver best in class value and cost savings to the organization. Own and execute on multiple, simultaneous projects.

Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with internal stakeholders (including executive leaders) to understand business needs. Then, establish requirements, scope, and criteria for identified sourcing initiatives to achieve the desired business goals.

• Lead venue and hotel RFPs for a portfolio of conferences, understanding the needs of the audience and identifying complex space requirements in order to source suitable venue options that support our strategy.

• Management and selection of best venues, provide strategic analysis to assist with decision making.

• Lead contracting process including the negotiation of pricing and business terms to minimize the risk to the company and deliver increased value and cost savings.

• Leverage companywide buying power to ensure company is receiving the best options at the most affordable costs.

• Develop strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders to ensure quality standard at meetings is maintained, company expectations are met, and lines of communication are open.

• Assist the team in creating a detailed venue directory to improve sourcing efficiencies. Continuously look for new and/or expanding venue opportunities within new and existing geo locations.

• Communicate and collaborate with all parties to inspire confidence and ensure all needs are met.

• Strive for continuous improvement through ongoing venue and contract management - collaborate with onsite planners to capture feedback and follow up to ensure practices are adjusted accordingly where necessary.

• Exceptional project management including ownership and adherence of timelines and templates and accurately track and evaluate results on overall project goals.

• 10-15% travel to conferences required per year.

Expected Results

• Successful execution of sourcing and negotiation best practices

• Flawless client experience

• Build and maintain excellent working relationships

• Outstanding operational effectiveness and results oriented (incl. scalable and consistent processes)

• Exceptional communication and collaboration

• Ability to multitask and stay ahead of deadlines

• Achievement of financial objectives

Education

• Bachelor’s degree

Professional Experience Required

• 5+ years event management experience incl. end-to-end event management

• Extensive venue sourcing experience

• $1M+ Contract negotiation and management experience

• Proven budget management abilities

• Broad supplier relationship management experience across a large-scale organization

Key Competencies/ Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills - a team player who works well with others, with ability to partner to influence and drive accountability across the organization  

• Client focused - superior customer service and relationship skills with Executive presence

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Strong time management skills and ability to multitask - high sense of urgency and prioritization

• Strong problem solving and analytical skills

• Self-motivated, creative, and innovative, strategic thinker

• Confident and collaborative mindset with ability to build and leverage relationships both internally and externally

• Strong financial management skills

• Excellent project management skills

• Fully competent in Microsoft office, especially PPT and Excel (Smartsheets experience would be advantageous)

Who are we?

At Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT), we deliver actionable, objective insight that drives smarter decisions and stronger performance on an organization’s mission-critical priorities. We’ve grown exponentially since our founding in 1979 and we're proud to have over 19,500 associates globally that support over 15,000 client enterprises in more than 100 countries.

What makes Gartner a great place to work?

Our teams are composed of individuals from different geographies, cultures, religions, ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and generations. We believe that a diversity of experiences makes us stronger—as individuals, as communities and as an organization. That’s why we're recognized worldwide as a great place to work year after year. We've been recognized by Fortune as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies, named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index and a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by the Disability Equality Index. Looking for a place to turn your big ideas into reality? Join #LifeAtGartner

What we offer:

Our people are our most valuable asset, so we invest in them from Day 1. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well. These resources are designed to support your physical, financial and emotional well-being. We encourage continued personal and professional growth through ongoing learning and development opportunities. Our employee resource groups, charity match and volunteer programs keep you connected to your internal Gartner community and causes that matter to you.

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