Sourcing Manager – Meetings & Events – Work from Home Opport…

Senior Sourcing Manager

Function as the primary client liaison and lead for assigned programs. Negotiate critical program components based on knowledge of client requirements from initial request through contract completion and turnover; this includes recommending supplier and destinations options and solutions. Proactively negotiate price and contract, and create reasonable preliminary budgets. Communicate with Procurement Team and suppliers on a timely basis, information relative to travel program operations. Follow standard operating procedures for all sourcing activity. Negotiate and contract between 100 – 200 programs worldwide on an annual basis, however, the scope of this position is dependent upon assigned account/programs and may vary from client-to-client. Act as SME for American Express M&E Team to ensure consistency and training for all. Provide back-up support for Director or Operations Manager as required.

Roles & Responsibilities:

PROCESS MANAGEMENT:

• Review meeting request and conduct meeting qualification call with client.

• Develop and implement program and profit/negotiation strategy to achieve best price and/or enhancement consideration with suppliers, supporting the specific needs of the client.

• Utilize knowledge of domestic and international destinations to recommend appropriate sites. Maintain knowledge of new destination options, value-priced destination options and promotional offerings.

• Gather all the information necessary to properly source and place an event on behalf of a client, including standard availability grids from designated technology tool.

• Initiate RFP process to secure appropriate room blocks, logistical event needs, and pricing from hotels and other suppliers.

• Qualify proposals to determine if appropriate and competitive.

• Negotiate and confirm critical program components with supplier(s) and team, utilizing basic terms and conditions, and/or modifying pre-existing master policies to meet individual client requirements.

• Meet client deadline providing availability grid based on client standards, and review with client and team.

• Track supplier option dates and follows-up with team members and suppliers of program status.

• Review all supplier contracts prior to finalization, ensure both program specific and generic terms and conditions are accurate and legally protective of both American Express M&E and the client, including attrition dates, cancellation policies, etc. Use appropriate authorization and addendum form to ensure consistency and accuracy.

• Conduct final negotiations with selected suppliers for best possible pricing and concessions to meet savings and spend expectations.

• Provide supplier with all appropriate documentation at sale notification including itinerary, supplier contracts, etc.

• Create meeting records in the designated meeting management system, and complete all internal documentation for the program prior to turnover.

• Conduct additional negotiations with supplier(s), such as DMC companies, and all other third party suppliers, pre and post-sale, to improve costs, profitability and/or terms of targeted program components.

• May participate in program re-negotiations or cancellation negotiations, as required.

• Achieve appropriate benchmarking metrics as per client or company requirement.

LEADERSHIP AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Provide leadership to team and promotes positive team environment as a positive role model.

• Work closely with client to ensure program objectives are addressed, maintain open line of communication with client to ensure understanding of expectations and client satisfaction.

• Maintain open and on-going communication with team regarding supplier utilization, key negotiations, performance and unique programming ideas. Advise team on preferred hotels and help direct decisions to those hotels participating in the Preferred Program.

• Partner with third party suppliers to understand and negotiate their services as needed. Advise team members as appropriate regarding new or revised information from suppliers.

• May be requested to manage VIP negotiations.

• Provide negotiation expertise to team members, as requested.

FINANCIAL AND REPORTING RESPONSIBILITY:

• Advise Meeting Management Team and customer of initial deposit requirement, and secures payment.

• Responsible for accurate program forecasting and updating business management systems with accurate financial and estimated budget and cost savings information as needed.

• Maintain tracking information of all tentative, sold, and canceled programs in business program management system.

• Maintain accurate records, system input, and complete file management as outlined in American Express M&E and client policies and procedures.

MISCELLANEOUS RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work on special projects as assigned by the Director or Operations Manager.

• Keep abreast of industry standards and trends related to responsibilities.

• Develop and maintain key client and supplier relationships

• Develop and maintain knowledge of technology and/or software solutions

• Handle multiple projects/demands effectively

• May require travel to destinations worldwide, in support of client site inspections.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years experience in project, event or meeting management, at least 4 of which are in procurement required

• 4 year degree preferred

• CMP designation preferred

• Experience in hotel buying required

• Proven negotiation skills

• Knowledge of domestic hotels and destinations required, international a plus

• Knowledge of travel supplier operations, overall capabilities/range of services

• Program management system experience preferred, especially with an online sourcing tool

• Understanding of and ability to effect win/win solutions

• Operations experience in hospitality industry or equivalent a plus

• Prior successful experience in developing and maintaining key client and supplier relationships

• Prior experience in effectively handle multiple projects/demands

• Strong knowledge of program/event management and budget maintenance

• Proven aptitude for technology and/or software solutions and analytical skills required.

• Ability to travel by airplane, boat, rail and/or car.

Location

United States>Wisconsin>Virtual Location

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