Manager, Special Event Planner

Sodexo

OAKLAND, California

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Budgeting, Catering Services, Communication Skills, Customer Experience, Event Management, Facilities Management, Food Services, Leadership, Logistics, Logistics Management, Multitasking, Performance Analysis, Project/Program Management, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Vendor/Supplier Relations
LOCATION
OAKLAND, California
POSTED
1 day ago
Role Overview:

Sodexo is seeking a Special Event Planner Manager to support a high‑end, rapidly growing corporate client. This role is ideal for a dynamic, creative, and highly organized event professional who thrives in fast‑paced, high‑visibility environments.

Role Overview

The Special Event Planner Manager is responsible for designing, managing, and executing a diverse portfolio of employee‑focused events that strengthen culture, connection, and engagement across the organization. This leader will bring fresh ideas, flawless execution, and strong partnership skills to deliver experiences that feel polished, inclusive, and memorable.

You will oversee the full event lifecycle — from concept and design to logistics, promotion, execution, and post‑event evaluation. This includes signature programs such as:

  • Employee Resource Group events

  • Regional Office celebrations

  • Annual company‑wide celebrations

  • Special coworker engagement events

  • Executive‑level meetings and hosted experiences

This position requires strong executive presence, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to partner seamlessly with client leadership, workplace experience teams, and cross‑functional stakeholders.

What You'll Do:
  • Lead full‑cycle event planning from concept to post‑event analysis for high‑visibility programs

  • Design creative, culturally aligned experiences that strengthen engagement across the organization

  • Partner with ERGs and internal teams to deliver inclusive, meaningful events

  • Manage logistics and vendor relationships ensuring seamless execution and elevated guest experiences

  • Support executive meetings and hosted engagements with polished, high‑touch service

  • Track event performance and continuously refine programming based on insights and feedback

What We Offer:

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring:
  • Proven experience in corporate or large‑scale event planning with strong creative instincts

  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities

  • Executive presence and confident communication when partnering with senior leaders

  • A collaborative, relationship‑driven approach that builds trust across teams

  • Operational rigor in budgeting, timelines, logistics, and vendor oversight

  • A passion for creating inclusive, memorable employee experiences that reflect company culture

Who We Are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

 

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years

About the Company

S

Sodexo

Worldwide Leader in Food and Facilities Management for Over 50 Years

Sodexo was founded in 1966 by Pierre Bellon in Marseilles France and is still majority family owned today. For over 50 years, we have partnered with some of the world’s biggest companies, backed by employees in countries across the globe.

Everything we do is about improving people’s daily lives. We believe healthy school meals make kids do better. That relaxed patients recover faster. And organizations with engaged employees perform better. With our unique wide range of integrated services, this is what our On-site, Benefits and Rewards and Personal Home services do every day.
COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Food and Beverage Production
FOUNDED
1966
WEBSITE
https://us.sodexo.com/home.html