Manager, Meetings & Events

Bausch + Lomb (NYSE/TSX: BLCO) is a leading global eye health company dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world-from the moment of birth through every phase of life. Our mission is simple, yet powerful: helping you see better, to live better.

Our comprehensive portfolio of over 400 products is fully integrated and built to serve our customers across the full spectrum of their eye health needs throughout their lives. Our iconic brand is built on the deep trust and loyalty of our customers established over our 170-year history. We have a significant global research, development, manufacturing and commercial footprint of approximately 13,000 employees and a presence in approximately 100 countries, extending our reach to billions of potential customers across the globe. We have long been associated with many of the most significant advances in eye health, and we believe we are well positioned to continue leading the advancement of eye health in the future.

The Meeting & Events Manager is responsible for partnering with internal stakeholders to plan, organize and coordinate meetings, events and conferences from concept to completion. The primary goal of this position is to ensure flawless execution of meetings, events and conferences and serving as a key player in developing/executing procurement category strategy for meetings and events at Bausch + Lomb. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Sourcing Support and would be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies and processes specifically for meetings and events. The role will be measured based on effective meeting execution and cost effectiveness with new/preferred supplier relationships while also promoting collaboration across the commercial and functional business units.

Key Responsibilities:

• Event Planning, Coordination, On-site Support (depending on size and scope, activities below will be direct responsibility and/or managed through preferred meeting agency(s)):

• Partner with internal stakeholders to create and maintain a master, cross-functional, calendar of all internal meetings and events, as well as industry conferences for scheduling alignment across the company.

• Plan and facilitate logistics for all events, including contract negotiations, registration, venue preparation, security requirements, catering, entertainment, accommodations, transportation, equipment, gifting, staging and décor. Coordinate audio-visual equipment and requirements, working with internal IT, and external vendors and production.

• Source venues for meetings and events and provide comprehensive options to stakeholders. Conduct site visits as requested and assist with selection of meeting/event venues. Oversee the negotiation, management, and drafting of contracts with meetings and events suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements to manage risk.

• Collaborate with the Head of Indirect Procurement and business unit finance to manage budget, track expenses, and report on cost savings.

• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, venues, and other industry contacts.

• Stay on trend in the event planning and design space.

• Proactively identify and solve operational challenges throughout the planning process.

• Collaborate with business partners to establish specific requirements for each event. Work closely with cross-functional teams within sales, marketing, finance, and other meeting and event organizers to align procurement strategies and business needs by soliciting regular input, sharing best practices and wins, and escalating issues with the Head of Indirect Procurement as needed.

• Serve as liaison to senior executives and their assistants throughout the planning process to ensure expectations are met or exceeded.

• Strive to provide high quality client experiences for each event from conception through event conclusion.

• Develop and implement procurement strategies and processes specifically for meetings and events:

• Develop and execute comprehensive category management strategies for meetings and events, in alignment with B+L's strategic plan, financial, and operational objectives along with business needs.

• Develop short- and long-term plans by incorporating internal business needs analysis with insights from market intelligence, benchmarking and knowledge of supply base and global market or regional differences to maximize value and performance.

• Implement strategic sourcing methodologies for meetings and events to identify and select the most cost-effective and innovative suppliers while managing internal stakeholder relationships.

• Identify, onboard, and manage relationships with new/preferred suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing. Suppliers will span the entire supply base (e.g., meeting agency, production, AV, DMCs, hotel/convention properties, etc.)

• Lead initiatives to optimize meeting and events spend, drive cost savings, and improve procurement processes, while maintaining quality standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in event planning and management.

• Demonstrated experience negotiating complex service agreements.

• Proven experience in RFI/RFP/RFQ development, evaluation, negotiations, execution, and contract management.

• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities as a strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.

• Proven ability to manage large-scale events and multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to work across all levels of the organization.

• Experience with corporate meetings involving C-level executives and Board of Directors.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Extensive knowledge utilizing the Cvent application.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.

• Extensive experience working with Cvent. Experience in corporate event planning.

• Knowledge of current trends in event management and hospitality.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events.

• Ability to lift and carry event materials and equipment as needed

This position may be available in the following location(s)[Bridgewater, NJ; Miami, FL]

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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To learn more please read Bausch + Lomb's Job Offer Fraud Statement (~~~) .

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Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.