Buyer, Senior Event Purchasing

ITA Group Inc • West Des Moines, IA

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Buyer acts as the primary client liaison and presale lead for assigned programs. The Senior 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 Senior Buyer develops creative, innovative and competitive products and services that increase ITA Group’s value to its customers. The Senior Buyer proactively negotiates prices and contracts, and creates preliminary budgets. The Senior Buyer develops and maintains geographic expertise for the purpose of delivering sales presentations for both new and existing customers. They act as subject matter expert as it relates to destinations/hotels/events. The Senior Buyer handles complex accounts and demonstrates mastery of all aspects of the Buyer. They also assume responsibility for assisting Leadership with the mentoring of other team members and completion of special projects as requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum five years’ experience as a Buyer with ITA Group, or equivalent experience externally.
• Ability to perform in a leadership role in training, mentoring and coaching team members.
• Expert in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Superior negotiation skills in regards to program design and contracting.
• Expert level knowledge of legal terms and conditions as it relates to 3rd party contracts such as hotel, DMC, A/V, etc.
• Ability to mentor, build rapport and collaborate with all team members and customers, and act in a leadership role.
• Exceptional time management, strategy and problem solving skills.
• A minimum of five (5) years of managing client relationships is required.
• Proven track record of displaying a sense of urgency, sense of ownership and a sense of accountability.
• Expert 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.
• Solid business acumen with a driven, positive and professional attitude and strong work ethic.
• Performs superiorly in problem solving and decision-making skills.
• 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 to lead presentation and sales efforts.
• Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner.
• Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• An industry designation such as Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is preferred.
• Customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.

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.
• Recommends supplier and destinations options and solutions.
• Develops creative, innovative and competitive products and services.
• Proactively negotiates prices and contracts.
• 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.
• Handles complex accounts and demonstrates mastery of all aspects of the Buyer.
• Assists Leadership with the mentoring of other team members.
• Completes special projects as requested.

What This Job Offers

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