Strategic Sourcing Planner

Description:

This position is responsible for the pre-planning of programs, site sourcing and negotiating of program contracts. This individual leads the strategic sourcing pre-sale portion of events and is the main point of contact for clients, hotels, and internal team members. This individual will develop effective relationships with all of our vendors in an effort to provide the largest selection and best value possible to our clients. Candidates should have strong writing, verbal and presentation skills, be able to multi-task, work independently, have strong problem-solving skills, possess excellent attention to detail, and possess a positive, can-do attitude. The ideal candidate enjoys a fast-paced, varied set of responsibilities and is a true team player with a service-driven passion for hospitality.

Requirements:

Primary Responsibilities:

• Review and determine scope of projects with Account/Project Manager, creating project specifications for availability requests
• Research and recommend suitable destinations/venues for Client programs
• Develop program documents, as necessary
  • Program Overview Grid
  • Availability Overview Grid
  • Client Agreements
  • Destination and Hotel Overviews
  • Evening Event Descriptions
  • Teambuilding descriptions
  • Activities and Extension Descriptions
  • Program Enhancement Descriptions
  • Site Inspection Itinerary
  • Hotel Contract Overviews
  • Flight Schedules and Analysis
  • Cost Savings Documentation
  • Transition Documents
  • Debriefing Documents
• Prepare Budget matrix
• Compile hotel availability information
• Coordinate detailed site inspections
• Conduct hotel contract negotiations
• Initiate program development
• Preparation and collection of all client Letters of Commitment (LOCs) or comparable
• Select and negotiate contracts with third party vendors
• Ensure program files are properly maintained
• Orchestrate file turnover to Account/Project Manager at transition meetings
• Attend and contribute to all program debriefings post program
• Develop program documents (as above) for proposals, as necessary
• Work with Internal Customers in a professional manner
• Work with External Customers as needed and in a professional manner
• Attend client presentations, as necessary
• Attend vendor presentations, as necessary
• Undertake special projects as directed.
• Customer First: Prioritize customer needs and deliver exceptional service.
• Know Your Stuff: Demonstrate superior expertise in event logistics, leadership and encourage continuous learning.
• Listen Carefully: Foster a culture of active listening and responsiveness to internal and external customers.
• Execute With Excellence: Drive a commitment to high-quality execution in all initiatives.
• Be The Caring EEG: Instill a sense of empathy and care in all interactions, both internally and externally

Required Travel: None.

Environment and Physical Demands: This position operates in a professional office environment, using standard office equipment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Competencies:

• Positive, upbeat and pleasant demeanor and attitude
• Genuine drive to provide excellent service, always
• Acute attention to detail
• Excellent team player
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to drive project timelines
• Confidence when speaking to others
• Ability to adapt to different work environments and team dynamics
• Ability to follow directions, policies and procedure
• Flexible with unexpected updates
• Ability to work autonomously
• Consistent attendance; Punctuality

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Microsoft Office suite knowledge (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Event Management industry knowledge and experience
• Minimum of 3-5 years of sourcing, sales or operations experience

Preferred:

• 10+ years in hospitality industry
• Intimate knowledge of event management industry
• Knowledge of world geography
• Extensive world travel

EEG is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination.