NHS Global Events is a meeting management, consulting and hotel sourcing firm seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Meetings and Events Services department as an Account Manager, Sourcing (Venue Sourcing Manager).
The primary responsibilities of this position are to work both individually and within a team to facilitate the meeting procurement and site selection process on behalf of our clients from receipt of RFP to execution of venue contract and serve as a subject matter expert in all aspects of destination and hotel property research and analysis.
The right individual for this position is directly experienced in site selection and hotel contract negotiation and has the determination to exceed customer service expectations. Must be pro-active, well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize and manage multiple projects and clients simultaneously. Must be able to effectively perform within tight time constraints, accept changes with short notice and tolerate frequent interruptions while maintaining a positive and enthusiastic outlook.
Candidate must reside in the Chicagoland area. This is a full-time position with a minimum of 2 days required a week in our Chicago office and the remainder of the week virtual, subject to change at the discretion of NHS Global Events.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead discovery meeting with client and determine program requirements, as needed
- Prepare in-depth Request for Proposal (RFP) through the Cvent platform and distribute to qualified hotels and venues
- Evaluate proposals and review adherence to required function space, sleeping room blocks, and requested concessions
- Summarize viable hotel options in a clear and concise format and submit to client
- Confidently provide hotel and venue consulting to client and offer recommendations
- Maintain communication with hotels on proposal status on a timely basis
- Coordinate and attend site inspections as requested
- Negotiate hotel and venue contracts, representing client’s interest at all times; maximize savings and minimize risk
- Utilize legal counsel-approved and client specific contracts and addendums as needed; ensure both program specific and basic terms and conditions are accurate and legally protect client
- Communicate with client on key hotel and venue contract deadlines
- Follow internal policies and procedures for contract turnover
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers through active participation in approved industry events
- Take the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends; share knowledge with colleagues and clients as applicable
- Expand destination and property knowledge through general research and approved FAM trips
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- 3-5 years of experience in hotel/venue site selection and venue contract negotiation
- Advanced destination and hotel property knowledge with willingness to continually enhance knowledge
- Strong business acumen and financial negotiating skills
- Ability to anticipate potential problems and develop effective solutions
- Superior communication skills and the aptitude to confidently present to clients
- Proven excellence in delivering exceptional customer service
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and industry contacts
- Demonstrated ability to execute tasks autonomously while thriving in a team environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Availability to travel 5-10%, as position demands
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
COMPANY BENEFITS:
- Hybrid Work Schedule (2 days in-office, 3 days virtual)
- Summer Fridays Early Close (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
- Employee Sabbatical (1-week earned after 5-years’ service & 1-month earned after 10-years’ service)
- Monthly Cell Phone Allowance
- Gym Membership Allowance
- Financial Support for Professional Development
- Financial Support for Industry Event Attendance
- Travel Opportunities to Attend Supplier FAM Trips
- Company Profit Sharing
NHS Global Events provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Volunteer time off
Schedule:
Application Question(s):
- What is your desired salary range for this position?
Experience:
- hotel/venue site selection and venue contract negotiation: 3 years (Required)
Location:
- Chicago, IL 60606 (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60606