Strategic Sourcing Planner Key Account (Remote)

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the pre-planning of programs, site sourcing and negotiating of a Key Account’s program contracts. This individual supports the strategic sourcing pre-sale portion of the Account’s events and is the main point of contact for hotels, convention centers, special event venues, convention & visitors bureaus and internal team members. This individual will develop effective relationships with all of our vendors in an effort to provide the largest selection and best value possible to this Key Account. Candidates should have exceptionally strong contract negotiation skills, strong writing, verbal and presentation skills, be able to multi-task, work independently, have strong problem-solving skills, possess excellent attention to detail, and possess a positive, can-do attitude. The ideal candidate enjoys a process driven work environment with an emphasis on hotel contracting, utilizing the Key Account’s contract when possible. The ideal candidate is a true team player with a service-driven passion for hospitality. This individual will work under more senior Strategic Sourcing team members also assigned to the Key Account in order to support the sourcing initiatives as directed by the Key Account’s Account Management team. This Strategic Sourcing Planner is able to:

• Work in concert with Senior team members to guide and solve Account needs for the Key Account team
• Support the internal team, as required, to accomplish Account Goals
• Advise both internal and external customers with confidence and authority
• Liaise effectively with external customers, as needed and directed by Account Director
• Be an EEG Advocate with Suppliers

Primary Responsibilities:

• Draft, negotiate and execute multiple contracts with hotels and venues for city-wide, executive, and incentive events
• Provide overall account support for quality checks of agreements, contract calculations, budget and client presentations
• Communicate updates for project deliverables in a timely and consistent manner
• Review and determine scope of projects with Key Account Manager(s), creating project specifications for availability requests
• Research and recommend suitable destinations/venues for Key Account programs
• Develop program documents, as necessary:

Program Overview Grid

Availability Overview Grid

Destination and Hotel Overviews

Program Decks

Off Property Venues

Activities and Extension Descriptions

Program Enhancement Descriptions

Site Inspection Itinerary

Hotel Contract Overviews

Flight Schedules and Analysis

Cost Savings Documentation

Transition Documents

Debriefing Documents

• Collaborate with Key Account Manager(s) on program budget
• Compile hotel availability information
• Coordinate detailed site inspections
• Conduct hotel contract negotiations
• Initiate program development
• Negotiate contracts with third party vendors
• Ensure program files are properly maintained
• Orchestrate file turnover to Account/Project Manager at transition meetings
• Attend and contribute to all program debriefings post program
• Develop program documents (as above) for proposals, as necessary
• Work with Internal Customers in a professional manner
• Work with External Customers as needed and in a professional manner
• Attend vendor presentations, as necessary
• Undertake special projects as directed

Required Travel: None.

Environment and Physical Demands:

This position operates in a professional office environment, using standard office equipment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Competencies:

• Positive, upbeat and pleasant demeanor and attitude
• Genuine drive to provide excellent service, always
• Acute attention to detail
• Excellent team player
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to drive project timelines
• Confidence when speaking to others
• Ability to adapt to different work environments and team dynamics
• Ability to follow directions, policies and procedure
• Flexible with unexpected updates
• Ability to work autonomously
• Consistent attendance; Punctuality

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Microsoft Office suite knowledge (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Event Management industry knowledge and experience
• Minimum of 5-8 years of sourcing, sales or operations experience

Preferred:

• 10+ years in hospitality industry
• Intimate knowledge of event management industry
• Knowledge of world geography
• Extensive world travel

Equal Opportunity Statement:

EEG is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination.