Job Details

ITA Group creates unforgettable events and engagement experiences for some of the world's leading brands. We're looking for a Buyer, Event Purchasing to join our team.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Event Production Sourcing Manager leads strategic sourcing, contracting, and production budget development for domestic and international events by integrating strong production expertise with disciplined purchasing practices. Serving as the primary client liaison during presale, this role evaluates production scope, feasibility, risk, and cost by coordinating input from internal subject matter experts and external partners across audiovisual, staging, lighting, scenic, labor, rigging, and technical services. The Sourcing Manager translates complex technical considerations into clear, validated recommendations, ensuring solutions are technically viable, cost effective, compliant with production standards, and aligned with program objectives. Through informed decision stewardship and proactive negotiation, the role supports sales, renewals, new business, and RFP efforts, develops preliminary and final production budgets, contract agreements, and ensures continuity through program turnover by remaining a collaborative resource to operations.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Five (5) years of related work experience in a production, negotiator role or similar position within the hospitality/incentive industry is required.

Technical, Systems & Analytical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and CRM/event technology platforms (Salesforce and Cvent preferred).
• Working knowledge of AI-enabled tools for data analysis, reporting, and process optimization to improve efficiency and decision-making.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate venue and conference center capabilities (rigging, power, ceiling heights, load-in/load-out logistics, and technical restrictions) to validate feasibility.
• Proven ability to develop accurate budgets, cost analyses, multi-currency budgets, and competitive presale solutions.

Contracting, Negotiation & Purchasing Expertise

• Excellent negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to secure favorable terms that support contribution margin goals.
• Strong understanding of legal terms and conditions related to third-party contracts, including production, scenic, labor, AV, creative services, security, transportation, and gear providers.
• Ability to interpret, negotiate, and manage traditional event contracts and technical production contracts, proposals, and specifications.
• Expertise in production sourcing to support complex and large-scale meetings and events, including conferences, conventions, expos, tradeshows, and board meetings.
• Experience with large-scale event production required; destination and hotel sourcing and contracting experience is a plus, with opportunities to further develop expertise in this area.

Event Strategy, Production & Operations

• Solid understanding of incentive event strategy and participant experience design, with an emphasis on production supporting evening events.
• Experience in production management, technical production, and labor sourcing aligned with meetings, conferences, tradeshows, and events.
• Strong working knowledge of event operations and production disciplines, including AV, lighting, staging, scenic, rigging, and power distribution.
• Understanding of global destinations, venues, and emerging locations, with the ability to educate internal teams and clients.

Communication, Collaboration & Relationship Management

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and client presentation experience.
• Ability to clearly explain technical concepts to internal stakeholders, clients, and supplier partners at all levels.
• Proven ability to build rapport, influence buy-in, and collaborate effectively with Event Solutions teams, internal sales teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated success working cross-functionally, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to take and facilitate direction within a team environment.

Professional Effectiveness & Work Style

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through in a fast-paced presale environment.
• Demonstrated strength in time management, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and solution development.
• Proven track record of urgency, ownership, accountability, and independent execution.
• Ability to learn quickly, be resourceful, and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to continuous learning in destinations, venues, production technologies, labor standards, and industry innovation.
• Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers' needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
• Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, site inspections, production assessments, presentations, sales efforts, and professional development.

ITA Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports reasonable accommodations under the ADA.