Manager, Business Operations and Events

Bain & Company • Chicago, IL

51d • $94,500 - $113,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Business Operations & Events leads Bain Chicago’s Events team and is responsible for setting the strategic direction, operational excellence, and execution of the office’s events portfolio. This role oversees the planning and delivery of events that strengthen Bain’s culture, enhance the employee experience, and support client and business priorities. As the leader of a high-performing team, the Manager develops event strategy, manages budgets and vendor partnerships, coaches team members, and partners closely with office leadership to create exceptional experiences while continuously improving operations and processes.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree with 8–10+ years of progressive experience leading complex event programs, hospitality operations, workplace experience, or related business operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to work productively independently, as part of a team, and as a leader of a team.
• Experience leading large-scale events of 500–1,000+ attendees and multi-event portfolios, with knowledge of the Chicago hospitality market preferred.
• Experience managing large operating budgets and negotiating complex vendor agreements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently with senior leaders, clients, external partners, senior Bain Chicago leadership, and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to influence senior executives and manage competing stakeholder priorities.
• Experience driving operational improvements and organizational change, with strong strategic planning and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to be present in the office and onsite for events.
• Ability to move large objects, such as conference room tables, assist in room set-up, lift up to 50 pounds, regularly lift loads of 20 pounds, and stand, walk, and work on feet for several hours daily.

Nice To Haves

• knowledge of the Chicago hospitality market

Responsibilities

• Own the strategy, prioritization, and delivery of Bain Chicago’s annual events portfolio, ensuring alignment with office, client, and employee engagement priorities.
• Serve as an advisor to Office Heads and senior leadership on event strategy and employee engagement, while building trusted relationships across consulting, business functions, and regional teams.
• Establish annual priorities, service levels, goals, performance metrics, and resource allocation across the Chicago Events function.
• Oversee a portfolio of approximately 300 annual events, ranging from team meetings to large-scale office programs, including multiple and often-overlapping large-scale events of 500–1,000+ attendees from end-to-end design, execution, and wrap-up.
• Provide strategic oversight and guidance for event planning, ensuring appropriate project plans, governance, stakeholder engagement, executive-level communications, and messaging are in place for high-profile events.
• Lead strategic vendor relationships, major contract negotiations, and preferred vendor partnerships.
• Liaise as needed with Risk, Legal, and HR teams to minimize risk on-site at events.
• Oversee onsite teams for each event, including catering services and facilities managers, while leading on-site event management, making decisions within purview, and escalating issues when needed.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate event outcomes with stakeholders, identifying efficiency and performance gaps and recommending suggested upgrades to the event planning process.
• Debrief with individual team members, providing performance review and suggestions for future success, while documenting and sharing best demonstrated practices for future reference.
• Own the annual Chicago Events operating budget of approximately $2M, including forecasting, planning, financial reporting, and ongoing cost optimization.
• Monitor portfolio performance through KPIs and stakeholder feedback, while establishing standards, policies, and best practices for event operations.
• Drive process improvements, technology adoption, and opportunities to scale operations while improving the employee experience.
• Partner with regional teams to share best practices and promote a One Team attitude through cross-functional collaboration with local and regional teams, including the Chicago Office Services team.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, and professional development for the Events team, including coaching and developing two direct reports.
• Build a strong and positive team culture by driving clarity in roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Benefits

• Annual discretionary performance bonus
• 401(k) plan with an annual employer contribution based on years of service
• Bain & Company’s comprehensive benefits and wellness program
• Bain pays 100% individual employee premiums for medical, dental and vision programs
• Generous paid time off, including parental leave, sick leave and paid holidays
• Fully vested 401(k) company contribution
• Paid Life and Long-Term Disability insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree