Meetings & Events Manager
Date: Oct 6, 2024
Location: US-NJ-Bridgewater, New Jersey, US
Company: Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb (NYSE/TSX: BLCO) is a leading global eye health company dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world—from the moment of birth through every phase of life. Our mission is simple, yet powerful: helping you see better, to live better.
Our comprehensive portfolio of over 400 products is fully integrated and built to serve our customers across the full spectrum of their eye health needs throughout their lives. Our iconic brand is built on the deep trust and loyalty of our customers established over our 170-year history. We have a significant global research, development, manufacturing, and commercial footprint of approximately 13,000 employees and a presence in approximately 100 countries, extending our reach to billions of potential customers across the globe. We have long been associated with many of the most significant advances in eye health, and we believe we are well positioned to continue leading the advancement of eye health in the future.
The Meeting & Events Manager will be a key player in developing / executing procurement category strategy for meetings and events at Bausch + Lomb. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Sourcing Support and would be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies and processes specifically for meetings and events. The role will be measured based on effective meeting execution and cost effectiveness with new/preferred supplier relationships while also promoting collaboration across the commercial and functional business units.
Key Responsibilities:
- Category Management Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive category management strategies for meetings and events, in alignment with B+L’s strategic plan, financial, and operational objectives along with business needs.
- Category Planning: Develop short- and long-term plans by incorporating internal business needs analysis with insights from market intelligence, benchmarking and knowledge of supply base and global market or regional differences to maximize value and performance.
- Strategic Sourcing: Implement strategic sourcing methodologies for meetings and events to identify and select the most cost-effective and innovative suppliers while managing internal stakeholder relationships.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Identify, onboard, and manage relationships with new/preferred suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing. Suppliers will span the entire supply base (e.g., meeting agency, production, AV, DMCs, hotel/convention properties, etc.)
- Cost Optimization: Lead initiatives to optimize meeting and events spend, drive cost savings, and improve procurement processes, while maintaining quality standards.
- Contract Management: Oversee the negotiation, management, and drafting of contracts with meetings and events suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements to manage risk.
- Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams within sales, marketing, finance, and other meeting and event organizers to align procurement strategies and business needs by soliciting regular input, sharing best practices and wins, and escalating issues with the Head of Indirect Procurement as needed.
- Budget Management: Collaborate with the Head of Indirect Procurement and business unit finance to manage budget, track expenses, and report on cost savings.
- Compliance: Ensure that all meetings and events procurement activities adhere to company policies, industry standards, and legal regulations.
- Event Planning, Coordination, On-site Support (depending on size and scope, activities below will be direct responsibility and/or managed through preferred meeting agency(s)):
- Develop and manage event calendar, schedule/plans, timelines, and budgets.
- Coordinate all event logistics including venue selection, catering, audio-visual equipment, transportation, and accommodation.
- Liaise with agencies, suppliers, and venues to ensure the highest quality of service and adherence to budget.
- Oversee event setup, execution, and teardown, ensuring all aspects run smoothly.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in event planning and management.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating complex service agreements.
- Proven experience in RFI/RFP/RFQ development, evaluation, negotiations, execution, and contract management.
- Exceptional leadership and team management abilities as a strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
- Proven ability to manage large-scale events and multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in event management software and tools.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.
- Experience in corporate event planning.
- Knowledge of current trends in event management and hospitality.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events.
- Ability to lift and carry event materials and equipment as needed.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Job Applicants should be aware of job offer scams perpetrated through the use of the Internet and social media platforms.
To learn more please read Bausch+Lomb's Job Offer Fraud Statement.
Our Benefit Programs: https://www.bausch.com/careers/benefits/
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
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