Team Lead, Events - U.S

Stantec•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Team Lead, Events leads the strategic planning, implementation, optimization, and evaluation of international, national, and regional tradeshows, conferences, and sponsorships in North America. Reporting directly to the Marketing Director, this role owns event strategy and execution, advises Business Operating Units (BOUs) on event strategy and brand presence, and ensures alignment with Stantec’s brand standards and business objectives. The role requires confident collaboration with internal stakeholders across BOUs and geographies, managing multiple priorities, and turning complex information into clear recommendations for leadership. As a people leader, the Team Lead sets direction, establishes clarity, and builds trust while coaching and developing a team of event specialists. The role fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture and encourages new ideas and approaches. It also oversees event budgets, logistics, performance measurement, and continuous improvement of team processes and practices.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience collaborating with and influencing senior leadership decisions and managing high-impact promotional initiatives.
Commitment to exceptional internal client service and ability to navigate and lead in team-oriented environments.
Strong understanding of marketing, branding, and business development best practices.
Proven people management experience, with the ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team and influence others across geographies.
Innovative mindset, curiosity, and confidence to bring forward new ideas and approaches.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in marketing or a related field.
5–7 years of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2–3 years in a people leadership role.

Responsibilities

Lead collaboration with BOU and practice leadership to define the annual plan for strategic tradeshows, conferences, and events, and support its implementation.
Advise internal teams and leadership on event strategy and drive consistent adoption of event processes, procedures, guidance, event tiering, and the conference champion model.
Improve event processes and efficiencies and champion innovative social media approaches before, during, and after events.
Advise and support BOU leaders on sponsorship partnerships, selecting opportunities aligned with business objectives and brand visibility, and work with the PR team to amplify their impact.
Manage event logistics with the team, including exhibit shipment, setup, promotional materials, merchandise, and onsite support; provide onsite leadership at high-profile events when required.
Provide strategic direction on event messaging, graphics, and positioning in collaboration with Content, Visual Content Design, and BOU Marketing teams, and ensure materials and collateral support brand awareness.
Help BOU leaders set event budgets aligned with the annual plan; approve budgets, monitor spending, and advise leadership on the event portfolio.
Oversee event performance and ROI reporting and use insights to guide future participation.
Monitor emerging event and sponsorship trends, formats, and technologies, and pilot new approaches to improve visibility and client engagement.
Challenge established practices and encourage the team to test, learn, and scale effective ideas.
Synthesize performance data, debriefs, and market insights into concise reports and leadership recommendations.
Translate complex input from multiple stakeholders into actionable plans and key messages.
Lead, coach, and develop event specialists by setting priorities, expectations, and objectives aligned with business goals.
Plan and allocate team workload and resources across concurrent priorities, BOUs, and geographies.
Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and development conversations, and support team members’ growth.
Participate in onboarding and training team members.
Foster a collaborative and engaging team culture and encourage knowledge sharing across regions.
Establish and continuously improve team processes, tools, and standards to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality.