Manager, Corporate Travel & Events

AAA Mountain West Group • Walnut Creek, CA

20h • $129,234 - $193,849 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Corporate Travel and Events is responsible for strategy, execution, and analysis of high-impact corporate events and internal programs. This role manages the full event lifecycle, partners with executive leadership and external vendors, and is responsible for managing and mentoring Event Specialists. The ideal candidate is a master of logistics, a strong negotiator, and a creative problem-solver in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Proven end-to-end event lifecycle management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional negotiating and communication skills.
• Strong logistics, onsite execution, and operational leadership.
• Expertise in budget development, tracking, and reconciliation.
• Proficiency in registration systems (e.g., Cvent).
• Experience in supplier, vendor, and DMC management.
• Highly organized with strong project management and analytical skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Calm and composed under pressure.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field plus 5 years or High School diploma plus 9 years of progressive corporate event management experience
• 5 years of management experience
• Valid Driver’s License; ability to travel 10-25% for events.

Nice To Haves

• CMP or CMM accreditation

Responsibilities

• Team Management: Manage, mentor, and develop Corporate Travel Advisors and Events Team, ensuring high-quality execution and professional growth. Actively foster a learning environment where the team is encouraged to take initiative, share best practices, and continuously enhance their skills. Strategically develop staffing plans and allocate team resources effectively across concurrent events and projects to ensure efficient operational support on a day to day basis.
• Event and Travel Leadership: Lead planning, coordination, and execution for all corporate events (e.g., leadership meetings, employee engagement, incentive trips, recognition programs). Oversee all logistics, including venue, catering, AV, transportation, and staffing. Develop event timelines and schedules. Understand operational execution of the travel team.
• Budget Management: Take ownership of developing, managing, and reconciling comprehensive event budgets. This includes meticulously tracking financial accuracy, identifying cost optimization opportunities, and demonstrating clear Return on Investment (ROI). Manage expense reporting from event specialists.
• Onsite Execution: Lead all aspects of onsite event execution, including setup, vendor management, guest services, and troubleshooting. Serve as the primary liaison for ongoing vendor relationships.
• Strategic Negotiation and Innovation: Research, recommend, and contract venues, hotels, DMCs, and other vendors; negotiate favorable terms. Research and recommend innovative event strategies and technologies; act as a resource for best practices.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, HR, sales, and leadership to align event goals and messaging. Ensure adherence to brand standards, accessibility, and safety protocols.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Track metrics, analyze post-event surveys, and provide detailed reports for ROI and future improvements.

Benefits

• Great Pay - opportunity to participate in AAA discretionary annual incentive plan or other incentive plans depending upon position
• 401k Matching – $1 for $1 company match up to 6% of eligible earnings per pay period
• Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, wellness program and more!
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off – Team Members accrue paid time off monthly. Depending on position, an additional 24 hours per year are earmarked for volunteer activities.
• Collaborative Environment – AAA will value your contribution to providing exceptional service to our members
• Free AAA Classic Membership
• AAA Product Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager