Group Director, Events (US)

Brief DescriptionThe Group Director, Events play a critical role in developing creative and strategic event solutions for SME Events. These individuals are integral SME Events leaders with responsibility for developing and mentoring their teams.The Group Director, Events is accountable for leading event strategy and the overall delivery of their assigned group portfolio. This position will lead and manage a team of individuals and collaborate with cross-functional event teams to deliver on strategic event outcomes. This role is accountable and responsible for event strategy, event team execution and the oversight of all aspects of event delivery, including financials.The Group Director, Events will work under the direction of the events team’s Senior Leadership in collaboration with the Event Operations and Marketing functional leaders to ensure teams utilize standardized processes and tools, always looking to optimize staff performance. A seasoned leader who enjoys a fast-paced environment, a variety of assignments and challenges, and operates with a self-starter attitude. Manufacturing industry knowledge is a plus.MAJOR FUNCTIONS: Key focus areas and activities for the Group Director, Events role include:Event Strategy:Works with events team’s Senior Leadership to define and clarify event goals and key performance indicators (KPI’s) for events (e.g., registration / attendance goals, gross revenue, net income, attendee, exhibitor, delegate satisfaction levels, NPS, etc.)Creates event budgets that deliver on desired organizational and event outcomes and tracks performance against metricsLeads a cross-functional event team to develop and implement event strategies that are tailored and relevant to manufacturing industry needs. Ensure functional staff including marketing, content development, operations and sales teams understand the strategies and have action plans that support delivery of event objectivesCreates event related improvement strategies and the work plans for achieving themEvents Group Support:Raises talent and staff development issues and opportunities ensuring long term succession planning is always in consideration for effective resource managementCollaborates with cross-functional event team to ensure strong performance and a high level engagementWorks with event teams to identify and introduce process improvements and optimization plansEvent and Team Management: Leads a cross-functional event team to deliver on all aspects of event’s financial managementOversees strategic plan execution, defines roles and responsibilities for event team members and ensures regular project team meeting participation and outcomesDevelops budgets, forecasts and other KPI’s; manages and tracks performance of each; addresses and resolves issues related to performancePlans regular event communications around event schedules, budget status and other key initiativesLeads After Action Review (AAR) process to assess event outcomes and debrief learningsLeads staff, with duties that include hiring, performance reviews, compensation planning, coaching, individual and team development and training, along with general team support.Leadership Competencies: Drives operational, project, and fiscal management practices that produce desired resultsDevelops and maintains relationships of trust, collaboration, and partnershipConsistently meets or exceeds expectations; takes accountability for individual and group resultsGarners and sustains commitment of customers, team members and others Ensures execution of standard operating protocols and provides training and ongoing guidanceEarns confidence of direct report team and the cross-functional event team staff; makes a strong positive impression in all settingsDemonstrates self-awareness; responds appropriately to others’ style and emotionsCommunicates effectively with co-workers; adjusts approach as necessaryProvides specific, regular, and objective feedback to others; swiftly addresses performance issuesTechnical Competencies:Interact regularly with major exhibitor customers and key attendee groups to ensure event/project is in sync with market needs and requirements; form event advisory committees for key initiatives and build relationships with companies and individuals who are engagedComprehensive knowledge of tradeshow and event management practices including sales, marketing, content development and related functionsKnowledge and experience working with venues, facilities, convention centers, hotels convention city, suppliers and vendorData oriented with experience defining key success metrics and driving toward those metrics as part of the overall Events strategyBudget development, management, and forecastingRequirementsMinimum Education, Skills and Experience Requirements: 8+ years’ experience in managing major tradeshows and events; proven ability to grow revenue, attendance and industry impact Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or communication; MBA Preferred Strong leadership skills -- 3-5 years direct people management experience required Leadership skills and demonstrated ability to lead a team and motivate them to achieve Energetic, self-motivated, team-oriented and customer-centric Demonstrated financial and business acumen: experience managing large budgets and projects Marketing aptitude and experience developing marketing strategies New Product Development experience a plus Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills High level of professionalism Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detailWorking Conditions:Normal office environment Travel required (25%) Primary office location: Southfield, MI Regular, in-person attendance requiredSummaryPOSITION TITLE: Group Director, EventsGROUP: Events FLSA CLASSIFICATION: ExemptSME is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran status. Applicants must reside in the United States and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship.The salary range for this position is $122,000 - $153,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Offers typically fall within this range based on individual qualifications and budget availability. In addition to base salary, SME offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) with company matching, generous paid time off and holidays, professional development and training opportunities, and additional wellness and work-life balance benefits. Certain positions may also be eligible for bonus/incentive compensation, subject to role and company policies.SME is currently unable to hire employees residing in California, Colorado, Oregon, or Washington.