Operations Manager

About Us:

At BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E), we provide more than meeting and event planning services: we create connections that inspire, motivate and change behavior for our customers. As the world's most trusted and innovative meetings and events agency, BCD M&E cultivates a culture of people, passion and purpose to drive business forward.

Headquartered in Chicago, with locations in 50+ countries across the world, BCD M&E's team of 1,800+ people are committed to sustainability and driving success for our customers, our business and ourselves. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we look for people that want to be a part of something special, can rise to our standards and love to bring their unique perspective to the table.

While we can't guarantee every day will be the best (who can?), we can promise a community of people who genuinely care and lead with empathy, a flexible workplace with awesome perks and challenging work that means something.

See what life is about at BCD M&E atbcdme.com/careers

Operations Manager

We are looking for an Operations Manager to join our dynamic team within our Life Sciences Division. The Operations Manager directly manages the day-to-day operations of a team of meeting planners. You will also build client trust and relationships by providing best in class service delivery and engagement. This role will be responsible for all program operations, program management, staffing, and maintaining service levels at or above the minimum standards. They will motivate and provide support to all Planning staff. You keep projects running on time, on budget, within compliance guidelines and have mastered the art of managing and motivating a team. Sound like you? Read on!

Your responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and day-to-day management of staff, strategic planning and overall customer satisfaction.
• Effectively manage direct reports in both in office and virtual capacities.
• Recruit, interview, hire and train new staff.
• Continually monitor staff alignment and workload to ensure the highest levels of customer service, efficiency and productivity.
• Meet and exceed customer expectations by managing customer service levels, quality and productivity and by providing value added solutions and recommendations.
• Forecast staffing; manage staff to actual volume at or below budget.
• Interact with Account Management to provide leadership and address operational issues.

• Develop, implement, train, and measure standard operating procedures to all members of team. Update SOPs as needed and communicate changes in procedures to team.
• Approve all program related service fees and expense reports prior to submitting. Report on program spend, savings and profitability

• Maintain the highest level of quality, professionalism and integrity when negotiating with suppliers and dealing with clients and team mates.
• Develop and maintain relationships with all meeting contacts to ensure repeat and new business.

You're good at:

• Communicating with clients. You have the ability to own the room and convey confidence, knowledge of best practices in events and a professional presence at first impression and on-going.
• Developing a culture of team vs. individuals. You have at least two (2) years' experience managing people (direct reports).
• Managing multiple priorities and being adaptable. You have exceptional problem-solving skills, are calm under pressure and work well in a collaborative environment.
• Establishing long lasting, professional relationships with clients, co-workers and vendors.
• Solving problems, identifying gaps and finding opportunities to find efficiencies.
• Leading a best-in-class team.
• Building strong and trustworthy relationships with customers and internal teams.
• Understanding Life Science meetings and compliance.

You might also have:

• A college degree from a 4- year institution.
• The ability to travel occasionally.
• 5 years' experience in account/client management, managing vendors, sourcing, and negotiating contract services.

You Should Know

• This is a management level role.
• This role is virtual (open to applicants in the US & Candian applicants within Ontario, Quebec, Alberta & Nova Scotia).
• This role operates on Eastern Standard business hours.
• This role requires previous experience within the life sciences meetings & events industry.
• This role requires 25-50% travel availability.

THE PERKS

Flexible Working
We believe that a flexible working environment is key to getting the best out of our teams. We will support you to work where you need to and when you need to, depending on how you work best.

Room to Grow
Our line of work and business structure challenge our people in a way that inspires growth, with learning and development built into every role. We give individuals ownership over the direction and speed in which they grow.

Everyone has a voice
We thrive on conversations that spark curiosity and empathy. No matter how big or how small, every voice is heard, considered and respected.

Make your move
The diversity of roles across BCD M&E's global locations means that our people often find new adventures during their time with us. Join us as a meeting planner role in the UK, stay for a global marketing career - there's always room to move.

We've got you covered
Our extensive benefits include comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, continued education support, diverse work locations, travel and hotel discounts, volunteer and sustainability opportunities and a successful employee recognition program.

We're positive. You'll love it.
It starts from the top. Our leaders lead with positivity, believe in our people and trust us to do the right thing. There will always be support along your journey, in little and big ways.

Travel requirements for this role are as follows:25% to 50%

We carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors, including your professional background and experience. The salary range for candidates in applicable jurisdictions in the US for the position of Operations Manager is between $75,000 - $88,000. The actual pay depends on your skills, qualifications, experience, geographical location, and project budget.

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