Sr. Strategic Sourcing Manager, Corporate Meetings & Incentives - Event Experiences

Position SUMMARY The Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for designing high-level, complex programs and experiences for clients, in collaboration with Business Development, that apply i|xperience® methodology, Creative Group’s experience-design approach that sets us apart from our competition. The Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager leads, guides & consults with internal and external clients during research of destinations, hotel properties and program elements such as suggested activities, suggested off-site venues, etc. This individual will source, contract, and manage hotel, and suggest any other supplier partners to ensure client requirements are met, serving as the subject matter expert. Key internal stakeholders could include Business Development Leadership, Account Executives, Marketing, Production, Creative, Technology, Performance Solutions (AMPWorks), CX&I (Program Operations), and Travel Services (Air Team) depending on the project. Superior client service and client consultation are the primary focus of this role. The individual must be able to instill confidence with internal clients and colleagues as the role will often call for sales support. Within the industry, the Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager will act as a brand ambassador for Creative Group, building and maintaining strong supplier relationships through active participation in industry events. The Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager is sought out as a subject matter expert. They can lead teams on large and/or complex programs. Also has strong business acumen, understands profitability/margin goals, and contributes to the team’s achievements. The Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager can identify upselling opportunities and will share them with the appropriate S&D and sales team members. This person is capable of and willing to train and mentor Strategic Sourcing Managers in processes and systems and is a key player in onboarding new team members. Essential FUNCTIONS Leadership Model a positive, solution-based approach and be flexible and open to change Leverages experience and creative thinking to identify opportunities for increased process efficiency Leads new initiatives and models leadership behaviors within team and oversees project team on cross-collaborative opportunities Shares strategies and best practices with colleagues to identify cost and time efficiencies Supports the Director and company initiatives Supports quality control efforts within the team Seeks opportunities for growth and development for self and others Manage Sourcing & Contract Negotiation Lead qualification and sourcing research by identifying and evaluating destinations, hotel properties, venues, and supplier partners based on client requirements. Manage the RFP and sourcing process by preparing and issuing hotel, DMC, and supplier partner RFPs (including Cvent), tracking availability, option dates, and holds, and maintaining regular communication with internal teams and external suppliers. Review, analyze, and qualify supplier proposals and pricing, ensuring only viable, requirement-aligned options are presented, and providing informed recommendations to clients throughout the decision-making process. Maintain regular communication with all suppliers to keep them informed on RFP status, ensuring appropriate space is being held or released on a timely basis. Develop and prepare Creative Group recommendations and client-facing materials in accordance with sourcing SOPs and client goals, objectives, and requirements. Negotiate hotel and supplier partner contracts and pricing, maximizing value and minimizing risk, including participating in re-negotiations or cancellations as required. Review and finalize contracts to ensure accuracy, alignment with program needs, MSAs/SOWs, and application of Creative Group and client-specific terms and addenda. Communicate and define legal and financial implications of hotel contracts to clients and quickly evaluate alternatives and reco…

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