Operations Manager, Event Management (SMM)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Operations Manager, Event Management (SMM) based in the United States.

The Operations Manager, Event Management plays a central leadership role in coordinating and delivering exceptional in-person, virtual, and hybrid events and programs. This position oversees event management operations, ensuring that client expectations, program objectives, and quality standards are consistently met. You will lead and develop a team of event professionals, providing coaching, guidance, and operational support to maximize performance and engagement. Working closely with clients, internal stakeholders, and external partners, you will drive operational efficiency while maintaining a high-quality customer experience. The role also involves managing key accounts, overseeing financial performance, and implementing best practices across event operations. This is an opportunity to combine people leadership, client relationship management, and event expertise in a collaborative, remote working environment.

• Lead, mentor, and coach event management teams across different markets and event formats, ensuring consistent performance, operational excellence, and high-quality service delivery.
• Organize and facilitate regular team meetings, maintain effective communication, identify training opportunities, and support employee development through performance coaching, goal setting, and ongoing feedback.
• Monitor team performance and identify opportunities to improve return on investment, operational efficiency, and overall contribution margins.
• Oversee accurate labor allocation, time tracking, travel and entertainment (T&E) expenses, and expense reporting to ensure compliance with internal processes and financial expectations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of operational initiatives, processes, and strategies that support business objectives and improve event management performance.
• Provide expertise and guidance on destination management, hotel services, organizational resources, and internal operations while monitoring service-level agreement (SLA) compliance.
• Build and maintain relationships with client stakeholders, addressing questions, resolving operational issues, and ensuring a positive client experience.
• Support the introduction of new initiatives and processes, contribute to employee onboarding, and oversee invoicing approvals.
• Manage assigned target accounts by coordinating event projects, overseeing the overall attendee and client experience, maintaining relationships, and monitoring financial performance.
• Ensure consistent implementation of established workflows, client standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational best practices across assigned accounts.
• Balance account-level event management responsibilities with team leadership, ensuring that client deliverables, operational standards, and business priorities remain aligned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• At least 3–5 years of experience in meeting planning, event management, incentive travel, or related pre-sale and/or post-sale activities.
• 1–2 years of demonstrated supervisory, management, or team leadership experience.
• Strong organizational, motivational, and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple teams and manage competing priorities.
• Proven ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels, including internal teams, clients, suppliers, and business partners.
• Experience managing events within a healthcare professional (HCP) environment.
• Strong project coordination and operational management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple programs while maintaining quality and financial standards.
• Knowledge of event operations, client relationship management, service delivery, and process implementation.
• Ability to manage budgets, monitor expenses, and understand the financial aspects of event delivery is preferred.
• Global travel, hospitality, or destination management industry experience is an advantage.
• Understanding of experience design principles and the ability to demonstrate how events contribute to business objectives and create meaningful attendee experiences.
• Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), CIS, CITP, HMCC, or DES are desirable.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and interpersonal skills, with a proactive approach to team development and continuous improvement.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for professional development.
• Paid time off.
• End-of-year holiday closure.
• Fully remote working arrangement.
• Flexible work environment designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Collaborative workplace culture focused on employee development, appreciation, and teamwork.