Events Project Manager - Meetings & Incentives - Hybrid

Events Project Manager – Meetings & Incentives – Hybrid

Embark on the next step in your career journey with Direct Travel!

As one of the fastest growing Travel Management Companies (TMC) in the world, Direct Travel is committed to reimagining what is possible for the industry, including business travel, personalized experiences, and meetings & events. Under the forward-thinking direction of our experienced leadership team, we are rapidly expanding and leveraging next-generation technologies to deliver on our vision for The Perfect Trip. This is your opportunity to grow your career and be part of a dynamic team that is setting the new standard of travel and service excellence. If you’re passionate about innovation and ready for what’s next, we’d love for you to join us!

The Project Manager (PJM) is responsible for effectively managing projects and leading, guiding, and consulting clients. The PJM supports the Program Manager in operational planning of programs, manages multiple aspects on programs, and acts as the secondary client contact. Additionally, the PJM may be responsible for coordination of site inspection planning and ancillary meeting management.

This position is hybrid with 2 days in your local office, Schaumburg, IL – Appleton, WI – Emeryville, CA.

Expedition Expectations

Client:

• Functions as secondary client contact and works diligently to develop a strong relationship with internal and client teams
• Consults with client to determine goals, needs, objectives, expectations, and budget of the program under the leadership of the Program Manager; ability to lead, guide, and consult the client
• Is a resource to the client for program development; functions as an essential part of the team by managing projects involved in the planning process
• Builds valuable knowledge about the industry to provide the client with creative and compelling concepts
• Assess the style of the client and their preferred communication mode and adapts accordingly
• Schedules, facilitates, and creates required documentation for client planning calls and debrief meetings to evaluate program results

Program Operations:

• Support program logistics which may include site selection, room sets, audio visual, food & beverage, entertainment, décor, signage, exhibits/tradeshows, etc.
• Manages gift and communication campaigns/mailers against pre-set budget from program design through fulfillment
• Is responsible for production and quality check of all written attendee communication pieces for website, confirmation letters, mailings, etc. using both internal and external resources
• Assists in the development of program specification documents to ensure operational details are provided to the on-site team
• Files, updates, and maintains all information in SharePoint program folders during pre-program planning and post program debrief
• Prepares staff uniforms, program documents, and travel staff information for on-site
• Facilitates printing and shipping for programs from office warehouse
• Is accountable for successful project outcomes, which can include travel to execute project

Budget and Financial Management:

• Process contracts, invoices, expenses, and check requests
• Provide client/Program Manager with accurate budget estimates per-event and ensure post-event billing reflects these estimates
• Provides final billing reconciliation and supporting documents for applicable projects
• Assists with cost-savings, billing, invoicing, and profitability
• Assist with tracking and reconciling all expenses, ensuring expenses are within budget

Leadership:

• Seek feedback, absorb, and act in the spirit of continuous personal development
• Be a sought-after partner by building trust with clients, internal team, and external partners
• Establishes, communicates, and monitors all timelines and budget parameters
• Works with all internal departments (as applicable per program) for the successful execution of the projects, such as: Travel Services, Creative Services, Technology Services, Registration Services, Merchandise, and Finance
• Gathers, shares, and applies learnings for continuous process improvement
• Can adapt and work successfully with any client, partner, and program

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Ability and willingness to work extended workdays and possible weekends
• Accessible during acceptable working hours identified per project/program
• Travel may be required to oversee projects through execution
• Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to lift 20 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking
• Ability to adhere to hybrid office policy

Passport to Success

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Business, Hospitality, Event Planning, or a combination of education and work experience required, preferably in event planning
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools

Going the Extra Mile

• Must be able to behave in a manner that reflects our organization’s Vision and Core Beliefs
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills to be able to provide superior customer service and client consultation from the spirit to serve others; be able to work cross-functionally and develop strong and positive internal and external relationships, and be a strong team player
• Must possess excellent organizational and project management skills, ability to prioritize, detail orientation, and the ability to manage multiple customers and projects simultaneously with strict timelines/deadlines
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must possess proven leadership skills to lead a team and mentor other roles
• Must be able to actively listen, have the capability to instill confidence in clients and colleagues and present information with confidence
• Must possess self-awareness to understand their own strengths and weakness and how their behavior impacts others
• Must be professional in behavior with clients, suppliers, and colleagues
• Must be a creative thinker with the ability to gather and analyze information and skillfully conceptualize solutions that go beyond the obvious paths
• Must model a positive, solution-based approach and be flexible and open to change to adopt to different client styles
• Must be able to work autonomously, while thriving in a team environment
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality

Benefits Onboard

In addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits Direct Travel offers an employee rewards and recognitions program, Total Rewards Package which includes Wellness, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support.

Our Brand Voyage:

About Direct Travel and Creative Group

A subsidiary of Direct Travel, Creative Group designs global programs and experiences that reward excellence and inspire people to reach their full potential – we call it Thrivability. Creative Group is a full-service performance improvement company specializing in meetings and events, group incentive travel, employee engagement and recognition, sales incentives and channel loyalty programs. Creative Group serves a client roster of Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries.  

Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings. The company is led by CEO Christal Bemont and Executive Chairman Steve Singh, noted business investor and founder of Concur. Direct Travel has offices in over 80 locations and is currently ranked among the top providers of travel on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com.

Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer

If you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel.