EVENT MANAGER

Compass Group•New York, NY

7d•$90,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Event Manager is responsible for the end-to-end planning, strategic development, coordination and on-site execution of high-profile and complex meetings and events within the Client Center. Serving as the primary client contact from initial request through day-of execution, the Event Manager consults with meeting hosts on event objectives, experience design, creative solutions and the optimal use of client spaces and services. This role interacts regularly with VIP clients and the Executive suite and requires a refined, white-glove service approach, sound judgment and the ability to lead event operations across multiple internal teams and service partners. The Event Manager is empowered to make timely operational decisions and resolve issues during events, while escalating matters to the management team when appropriate based on scope, risk or impact. All team members will embrace and maintain the Hospitality Core Values of honesty, integrity and responsibility.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience managing complex meetings and events, preferably in a financial services, executive, corporate, conference center or luxury hospitality environment.
Demonstrated experience independently managing high-profile events from initial client request through on-site execution.
Strong working knowledge of audio visual, catering, event production, room setups and related event services.
Experience leading cross-functional event operations and coordinating multiple internal teams and external service partners.
Experience working directly with senior executives, VIP clients and other high-touch stakeholders preferred.
Working knowledge of event resources and service providers within the local market preferred.
Degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated expertise in luxury hospitality and executive-level event service, with the ability to anticipate needs and deliver a consistently polished client experience.
Advanced end-to-end event management skills, including discovery, strategic planning, experience design, logistics and on-site execution.
Strong client consultation skills with the ability to translate objectives into creative, practical and service-focused event solutions.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex events and rapidly changing priorities simultaneously.
Exceptional judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to determine when independent action is appropriate and when escalation is required.
Confident operational leadership presence with the ability to align internal teams and service partners during high-profile and time-sensitive events.
Strong vendor and service-partner management skills with the ability to set expectations, monitor day-to-day performance and address service issues constructively.
Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through, with a strong understanding of event dependencies and operational risk.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including confidence communicating with executives, VIP clients and cross-functional stakeholders.
Ability to remain calm, discreet and solution-oriented in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
Strong computer skills and knowledge of office technology, event technology and reservation systems.
Discreet, ethical and committed to maintaining a high degree of confidentiality.
Collaborative, accountable and committed to operational excellence and ownership beyond one’s immediate job domain.

Responsibilities

Deliver a high-touch, luxury hospitality experience for clients, executives and guests, consistently anticipating needs and exceeding expectations.
Own the complete event lifecycle for assigned high-profile and complex meetings and events, from initial inquiry and discovery through planning, execution and event closeout.
Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted event advisor for meeting hosts, translating business objectives and client needs into thoughtful event strategies and experiences.
Consult with clients on event concept, experience design, agenda flow, room selection, space utilization, service options and creative solutions appropriate to the Client Center.
Lead planning meetings, site visits, walkthroughs and follow-up discussions with meeting hosts to confirm objectives, requirements, timing and responsibilities.
Coordinate all event services, including audio visual, food and beverage, room setups, facilities, signage, materials, security requirements and special requests.
Lead the day-of operational execution of complex and VIP events, directing internal teams and service partners to ensure all elements are aligned and delivered to standard.
Act as the on-site operational lead for assigned events, making timely decisions related to service recovery, vendor issues, room changes and logistical conflicts, and escalating significant issues to the Client Center Manager as appropriate.
Manage the day-to-day performance of event service partners, setting clear expectations, addressing service gaps in real time and ensuring delivery meets Client Center standards.
Proactively identify event risks, dependencies and potential conflicts and develop practical contingency solutions to protect the client and guest experience.
Quickly identify and resolve room booking conflicts in partnership with the reservations team and other stakeholders.
Ensure all event requirements are accurately documented in the reservations system and communicated to the appropriate operational teams and service partners.
Prepare and distribute detailed event documentation, including floor plans, event resumes, BEOs, work orders, timelines and other materials required for successful execution.
Lead daily and weekly planning discussions for assigned events, communicating critical details, changes, risks and operational requirements to relevant teams and vendor partners.
Lead pre-conference meetings with clients, internal departments and service partners to confirm event readiness, roles, responsibilities and escalation protocols.
Conduct pre-event room and service checks to verify spaces, technology, catering, signage and other event elements are prepared according to confirmed requirements.
Maintain visible ownership throughout event execution, monitoring service delivery, responding to changing priorities and resolving guest, client and operational needs calmly and professionally.
Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients, executives, internal stakeholders and vendor partners through accurate, timely and proactive communication.
Ensure required approvals and billing information associated with event services are captured and routed in accordance with established procedures.
Maintain strong working knowledge of Client Center standard operating procedures, service capabilities, reservations systems, spaces and event resources.
Provide support and subject-matter guidance on complex event planning and execution when needed, without direct people-management responsibility.
Maintain flexibility to support evening and weekend events as business needs as require.