Corporate Events Manager

Saab

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Saab, Inc., a leading defense and security company, is currently seeking an experienced Corporate Events Manager. The Corporate Events Manager is responsible for planning and executing high-impact corporate and customer-facing events that support business development, brand visibility, and employee engagement for Saab, Inc., a U.S. aerospace and defense company. This role leads all U.S. trade show strategy and execution and oversees a portfolio of corporate events including facility grand openings, leadership forums, and customer user group meetings. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President – Corporate Affairs (U.S), this elevated role has been created to enhance Saab’s position as the company delivers on robust growth plans in the U.S. market. The position is located in Saab’s Washington, D.C. Navy Yard office with 2 days/week work from home option.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience planning and executing corporate events and trade shows, preferably in the defense industry
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-day trade shows and executive-level events
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously
• Experience managing vendors, contracts, and budgets
• Excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail
• Confidence to lead cross organizational matrixed team
• Domestic travel up to 40%, can be shared with Event Coordinator; travel to Sweden 1x/year
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with the U.S. Department of War highly preferred
• Prior people management experience or demonstrated readiness to lead staff

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end planning and execution of U.S. trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions
• Develop annual trade show strategy to drive business outcomes in partnership with Business Development and program leadership
• Manage booth design, logistics, shipping, installation/dismantle, and on-site execution
• Coordinate with internal global stakeholders on messaging, demos, staffing, and customer engagement
• Coordinate closely with external exhibit house
• Manage trade show budgets, timelines, vendors, and post-event reporting
• Implement best practices for digital content management and storage. Vet and catalog video, photo, audio and/or other digital media content.
• Provide detailed and clear ROI reports on events and activities associated with executed programs.
• Plan and execute corporate events including facility grand openings, leadership forums, customer user groups, and internal meetings
• Ensure events align with brand standards, security requirements, and business objectives
• Lead site selection, contracts, vendor management, and on-site logistics
• Partner with executive leadership to support agenda development, speaker coordination, and VIP experiences
• Hire, onboard, and manage an Corporate Events Professional supporting corporate events
• Build and manage a network of external vendors
• Establish scalable processes, templates, and best practices for event planning
• Develop and manage annual event budgets; track expenses and ROI
• Ensure compliance with company policies, government regulations, security protocols, and export control considerations
• Conduct post-event evaluations and drive continuous improvement

Benefits

• Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees