Job Title: Events Program Manager (CW)

Location: Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Hybrid)
Duration: 2 Months Contract (Potential Extension or Full-Time Conversion Based on Performance)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly organized Events Program Manager to lead the sourcing and operational execution of small- and medium-sized corporate meetings and events while helping build and scale a global Meetings & Events program.

This role focuses on internal events, executive meetings, customer-facing business events, offsites, and group travel, partnering closely with Finance, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Legal, Workplace, Security, and business stakeholders.

The ideal candidate combines operational excellence with strategic thinking and has experience building scalable event programs, optimizing supplier partnerships, implementing event technology, leveraging AI, and delivering exceptional attendee experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and end-to-end operational execution for small- and medium-sized meetings, executive meetings, trainings, customer events, offsites, and internal business events.
• Manage venue sourcing, hotel negotiations, contract negotiations, room blocks, group air travel, and ground transportation.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand event objectives and recommend scalable, cost-effective event solutions.
• Help build and operationalize the global Meetings & Events program, including governance, intake processes, planning standards, service models, and best practices.
• Develop and manage preferred supplier and hotel relationships.
• Lead event sourcing activities and RFPs while negotiating favorable commercial terms and driving measurable cost savings.
• Coordinate closely with the Global Travel team to ensure seamless attendee travel planning and execution.
• Support implementation and administration of meetings and event technology platforms, including sourcing tools, venue booking platforms, registration systems, reporting solutions, payment capabilities, and AI-enabled workflows.
• Develop dashboards, reporting, and KPIs for event spend, supplier performance, cost savings, attendee experience, policy compliance, and overall program health.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation, streamline processes, and enhance the user experience through technology and AI.
• Create standardized playbooks, documentation, and scalable event planning processes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, financial controls, procurement standards, and risk management requirements.
• Stay current with industry trends, supplier innovations, emerging technologies, and best practices.
• Support additional strategic Travel & Expense initiatives and cross-functional projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, Event Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in corporate meetings & events, strategic sourcing, travel management, hospitality, procurement, or a related field.
• Proven experience negotiating venue, hotel, and supplier contracts.
• Experience managing group travel, room blocks, and complex meeting logistics.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical skills with experience creating reports, dashboards, and program metrics.
• Experience with meetings, travel, or event technology platforms such as Cvent, Groupize, HRS, Navan, or similar.
• Experience leveraging automation, AI, or workflow technologies to improve business processes is a plus.
• Professional certifications such as CMP, CMM, or similar are preferred.