Buyer, Event Purchasing

ITA Group Inc•West Des Moines, IA

About The Position

The Buyer acts as the primary client liaison and presale lead for assigned programs. The Buyer negotiates critical program components based on knowledge of client requirements from initial request through contract completion and turnover which includes recommending supplier and destinations options and solutions. The Buyer develops creative, innovative and competitive products and services that increase ITA Group’s value to its customers. The Buyer proactively negotiates prices and contracts, and creates preliminary budgets. The Buyer develops and maintains geographic expertise for the purpose of delivering sales presentations for both new and existing customers. The Buyer acts as subject matter expert as it relates to destinations/hotels/events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
Three (3) years of related work experience in a negotiator role or similar position within the hospitality/incentive industry is required.
Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Excellent negotiation skills in regards to program design and contracting.
Vast knowledge of legal terms and conditions as it relates to 3rd party contracts such as hotel, DMC, A/V, etc.
Ability to build rapport and collaborate with all of the Event Management team members, internal sales team and internal and external customers.
Excellent time management, strategy and problem solving skills.
Excels at building relationships and building buy in. A minimum of three (3) years of managing client relationships is required.
Proven track record of displaying a sense of urgency, sense of ownership and a sense of accountability.
Proficiency in business communication including written and verbal skills. Technical writing and client presentation experience is required, along with the ability to interact with all levels of management and respond to questions regarding assigned projects and ITA Group’s core competencies.
Solid business acumen with a driven, positive and professional attitude and strong work ethic.
Performs superiorly in problem solving and decision-making skills with an emphasis in solution development.
Ability to learn quickly, be resourceful and conduct daily tasks independently.
Demonstrates attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously and in an effective and organized manner.
Experience in working with cross-functional teams. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to take and facilitate direction within a team environment.
Ability to think and act in a proactive manner.
Ability to travel (as needed), as requested by internal team members to lead presentation and sales efforts.
Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

Acts as the primary client liaison and presale lead for assigned programs.
Negotiates critical program components based on knowledge of client requirements from initial request through contract completion and turnover which includes recommending supplier and destinations options and solutions.
Develops creative, innovative and competitive products and services that increase ITA Group’s value to its customers.
Proactively negotiates prices and contracts, and creates preliminary budgets.
Develops and maintains geographic expertise for the purpose of delivering sales presentations for both new and existing customers.
Acts as subject matter expert as it relates to destinations/hotels/events.