Corporate Events Experience Manager - Kerrville, TX

Job Summary

This position is responsible for managing and successfully executing Corporate events, Associate tours, and Company merchandise programs, while planning Retail and Manufacturing events as needed. Plans, promotes and implements tours, festivities, events and diverse activities while fostering positive relationships with Associates, various stakeholders, merchants, businesses and surrounding communities. Ensures events are curated to create a personalized experience with thoughtful content and engaging experiences. Leads a team to support and achieve James Avery Craftsman's (JAC) objectives with each event, tour and program delivered.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Strategizes and executes company events and functions such as corporate meetings, Holiday parties, Board meetings, service award dinners and retirement functions successfully and within budget.
• Plans and manages Associate tours of manufacturing and corporate facilities when requested.
• Organizes retail store special events in partnership with the Retail Operations Team.
• Oversees events and projects from beginning stages through fruition supporting JAC values and initiatives. Leads strategic and creative event ideation to implement and deliver engaging & memorable experiences.
• Manages all event operations and logistics including, but not limited to space planning, attendee journey, security, catering & decor, activities & engagement, and other related event needs. Sources and works with event planners as needed.
• Negotiate contracts and vendor agreements by collaborating with Legal and Risk Management Teams on event contracts.
• Forecasts, develops and manages event budgets. Creates reports to strategize and prepare for budget projections and year-over-year (YOY) planning.
• Oversees the Associate, retiree and other discount programs in accordance with JAC policy.
• Collaborates with various stakeholders and Creative Services to design and develop JAC merchandise for sale to Associates. Establishes merchandise pricing and order quantities.
• Prepares and distributes various reports on event metrics/KPIs to confirm goals and measure success.
• Leads projects and/or events of various scales and teams. Provides clear, concise and actionable direction to Associates & volunteers.
• Responsible for the overall leadership, direction and evaluation of Executive Administrative Assistant.

WHAT IS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or related field; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• 5 years' experience in or event planning or similar work.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with Leadership, Associates and various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and efficiently delegate assignments, projects and tasks.
• Financial and budgeting knowledge with substantial negotiation and contracting experience.
• Creative problem-solving with ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline oriented environment while projecting grace under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends dependent upon events and business needs.
• Must have valid State Driver's License and be able to meet James Avery's driving requirements.
• Ability to travel to various work and event locations as business need requires.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Meeting Manager (CMM), Certified Special Events Professional (SCEP), Digital Even Strategist (DES) or similar certification.
• Proficiency in event management software.
• Event management experience in a manufacturing and/or retail environment.