Project Manager, Jersey City

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency with teams in New York, Los Angeles, London, Dublin, Singapore and Hong Kong. Some of the world’s most recognized companies trust us to develop strategies, and design, plan and produce engaging events. FIRST clients span many industries including financial services, aerospace, technology, consumer electronics, medical and healthcare, automotive, media and the nonprofit sector. We are on Event Marketer’s “Top 100 Event Agencies” and “Best Places to Work in Events” lists. We’ve also been recognized by Crain’s New York Business as one of the Top 100 “Best Places to Work in NYC”.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The ideal candidate will represent the FIRST brand as a Project Manager within our Solutions division dedicated to a Financial Services company. The Project Manager will consistently deliver exceptional service to our client through conference and event management. This position is responsible for managing, supporting, and/or executing various events, from initial concept through onsite execution and final reconciliation both in-person and virtually.
The Project Manager will have excellent organizational, communication and negotiating skills with the ability to successfully manage stakeholder relationships.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Management

• Lead and/or support the planning and execution of multiple events simultaneously, either in person or virtually

• Manage events from creative concept / development to reconciliation

• Responsibilities include but are not limited to budget management, site selection, hotel/venue management, AV and production, registration management, transportation, food & beverage, décor, staffing and wellness

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with clients and suppliers

• Negotiate and review supplier contracts and agreements

• Maximize and monitor opportunities for increasing value adds, savings, and cost efficiencies

• Work with the team to ensure adherence to client and agency standards

• Manage and ensure KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) are monitored and achieved throughout the event planning process

• Field questions and offer advice to clients to assist with creative problem solving

• Maintain and share best practices

• The Project Manager may also support key venue sourcing initiatives

• Maintain knowledge of existing and new suppliers, services and venues

• Provide site selection services for meetings and events

• Develop and submit RFP’s (Request for Proposals) via Cvent and ensure Cvent is kept up to date

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 - 7 years’ event management experience (familiarity with both an agency environment and financial services client is preferred)

• Bachelor’s Degree required

• Advanced project management skills, including budget creation, management, and reconciliation

• Experience with high-level conference and meeting management

• Ability to establish relationships and maintain a positive rapport with clients, vendors, and suppliers

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Experience with negotiating, risk management, and contracting

• Working knowledge of hotels and venues nationwide

• Experience with Cvent eRFP preferred

• Advanced working knowledge of the MS Office Suite and Zoom

• Knowledge of webcast platforms a plus

• Creative problem solver, resourceful, team player

• Calm and flexible approach to handling the pressure and stress of ever-changing demands

• Highly organized with excellent time management skills

• Ambitious and proactive

• Willing to travel when required for site visits and onsite execution, as needed (10-15%)

ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL:

• Assume responsibility for own environment, ensuring adherence to health and safety policies while having clean smart surroundings

• Ensure knowledge is shared within the team through positive communications

• Accurate daily adherence to the company’s time tracking policies and systems

• Work on ad hoc requests as required