Project Manager

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.

                                                                                                                                

 

High Payoff Activities (HPAs) include the following:

 

Clients

Program Operations

Leadership

Supports the program, anticipate the needs of the client, instills confidence that the program is in good hands, builds rapport with the client and internal teams, while professionally representing the Creative Group Core Values. Communicates client learnings to enhance current and future experiences.

Manages certain aspects of the program, consults with Program Manager/clients specific to projects managed, and guide clients to quality decisions. Assists with driving profitability and cash flow while managing client financials.

Collaborates with internal team to streamline projects and develop efficiencies. Builds strong relationships and be a trusted advisor, internally and externally.

 

Essential Functions:           

 

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

• Leads creation of program website and program App, including gamification, push notifications and reporting

• 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, packing 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.

 

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

 

• 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

 

Non-negotiable Hiring Criteria:

• Must be able to behave in a manner that reflects our organization’s vision and values.

• 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

 

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 75

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking

• Ability to adhere to hybrid office policy

Qualifications

• College degree preferred
• Minimum of (5) years of experience in event planning/operations and travel
• CVENT experience (minimum 2 years)
• Quick learner-gets up to speed on systems/processes
• Experience with client invoicing, vendor payments, and company credit card reconciliation
• Highly skilled in time management to facilitate involvement in multiple projects
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Adobe, Teams
• Knowledgeable in video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools 
• Professional manner and appearance
• Demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically to anticipate opportunities and challenges
• Be able to actively listen, have the capability to instill confidence in clients and colleagues, and present information with confidence 
• Must be able to take direction and work well with others
• Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately while meeting applicable productivity measures
• Must be able to manage changes proactively and manage tasks as assigned
• Must be able to lawfully work within the US and have unrestricted work authorization for US
• CMP or other Industry Certification
• Prior experience working for a TMC
• Strategic thinker