Sourcing Project Manager

Building A Brand Starts With Our Story

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 150 Event Organizers & Agencies in the USA by Eventex, being listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2023, 2022 & 2021 by Chief Marketer, being recognized as one of the "50 Top Event Companies" by Special Events, being included in the Top 100 "Best Places to Work in NYC" by Crain's New York Business, and being listed as one of the "1000 Companies to Inspire Britain" by The London Stock Exchange Group. 

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

Our story started over 25 years ago growing through collaboration, innovation, strong culture, and a focus on people, specifically our people. Our people inspired, developed, and grew FIRST to the incredible brand experience creator it is today. 

And our hope is that you become the next page of our story in developing how our agency connects more people beyond what they thought was possible.

A welcoming, creative and ambitious workplace that offers personal and professional growth for all individuals. At FIRST, you'll find:

• A welcoming workplace that fosters diversity and belonging with a focus on team members feeling valued, respected, and supported. 
• Creative teams that enjoy challenging work with an ability to make an impact on those around them.
• An experiential organization that cares about the development and career experience of each employee, focusing on excellence and flexibility with the right balance of structure to thrive.

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid) Must reside in the tri state area to be able to go into office

What You Would Get To Do

In this capacity, the ideal Sourcing Project Manager would represent the FIRST brand as an implant in our Solutions account within a leading Investment Bank.  They will be responsible for managing several client-facing sourcing projects supporting the Marketing Events department annually.  The Sourcing Project Manager will work to consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients through excellent project management and creative solutions. 

Your Contributions 

• Oversee multiple venue sourcing projects simultaneously for small and large scale events across various sectors
• Liaise with third party sourcing agent on RFP process to find optimal on-brand venue options for multiple Events across the domestic U.S., and the Americas
• Create thorough RFPs for multi-city venue searches.  Use strong client communication skills in understanding business needs and where flexibility can be exercised while still supporting Event objectives
• Review venue contracts and client addendums for accuracy and negotiate where applicable
• Quality control venue proposals to ensure venues/meeting space are viable for Event needs; think creatively to find solutions, and propose recommendations to meet business needs
• Maximize cost reduction strategies and negotiate pricing and concessions best suited for Event needs
• Managing site inspections, sometimes with the client; ability to travel as needed
• Venue selection, negotiation, and contract management processes
• Collaborate with Planners for proper pass off of event once sourcing/contract phase has concluded
• Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client’s standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed
• Create and closely monitor value adds at every opportunity and demonstrate commercial awareness, especially relating to contract negotiations
• Share knowledge of best practices on sourcing, negotiating and venues
• Create of city-centric Private Dining Directories for key major markets
• Additional adhoc project support/planning as required; support event planning team as needed during slower period
• Act as an ambassador for the FIRST brand, leading by example and displaying the company’s core values (Ambition, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork)

 What We Are Looking For 

Please be aware that we know experience does not always look like we describe it. If you believe you would be an excellent fit for this role, please apply - we would love to see how you could fit at FIRST. Please contact recruiting@firstagency.com if you need accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. 

• Bachelor’s Degree required 
• 4 – 7 years’ similar event-related experience with a strong focus on venue sourcing
• Strong knowledge of venues and hotels in key US cities
• Experience in the Financial Services industry a plus
• Advanced negotiating, risk management and contracting skills
• Motivated, self-starter, ability to work independently and collaboratively; creative problem solver resourceful, team player
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently; proven ability to work well under pressure to meet established deadlines
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills
• Resourceful individual with the ability to take direction and work independently; be proactive with ideas and creative solutions, all with a positive attitude
• Customer focus, approachable; ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their programs; adapt to ever-changing demands and different client work styles; excellent communicator
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Ambitious, proactive and highly organized; strong attention to detail
• Strong client management skills
• A calm and flexible approach to handling pressure and stress

Administration and General

•  Build excellent relations with the team and clients through positive communications
• Work intelligently and ensure that the Team Lead is aware of problems or issues which negatively affect productivity
• Flexible and willing to work long hours (evenings, weekends) and travel as needed
• Work on ad hoc requests as required
• Strict and accurate adherence to company’s time tracking policies and systems
• Assume responsibility for own environment, ensuring adherence to health and safety policies while having clean smart surroundings

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $70,000 - $100,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

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Last updated on Aug 22, 2024