Manager, Events

The Charles Group, Inc.; Fairfield (NJ); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles Group in Fairfield, NJ is seeking a Manager, Events to lead high-touch corporate meetings, conferences, incentive programs, and special events. This hybrid role requires hands-on leadership, strong client relations, and ability to manage complex projects from planning through execution.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years of corporate event management, budget control, vendor negotiation, travel readiness, and proficiency with Cvent and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of corporate event management experience.
• Experience managing budgets and financial tracking.
• Experience working with corporate clients and vendors.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of corporate meetings, conferences, incentive programs, and events.
• Serve as primary contact for clients, venues, and vendors.
• Develop and manage timelines, budgets, and event specifications.
• Source, negotiate, and manage vendor contracts.
• Oversee event technology and registration processes (Cvent a plus).
• Assign and oversee project responsibilities and foster team collaboration.
• Manage onsite execution including travel for site visits and events.
• Contribute creative ideas to enhance client brand objectives.
• Support administrative tasks for successful event delivery.

Skills

Event management

Budget management

Vendor coordination

Project management

Travel readiness

Cvent experience

Communication

Microsoft Office

Tools

Cvent

Job description

About The Charles Group

The Charles Group is a boutique, women-owned and managed meeting and events agency known for delivering exceptional experiences and white-glove service. Guided by our shared commitment to excellence, our team sets the bar high, with every team member contributing to our success.

We produce creative corporate events around the world, including executive meetings, conferences, incentive programs, client appreciation events, networking receptions, galas, and other high-touch experiences for leading organizations. Our team takes pride in bringing ambitious event visions to life with creativity, precision, and attention to detail.

We are intentional about building relationships with team members, clients, and vendor partners who share our values of professionalism, collaboration, integrity, and service. Our people are the foundation of our success, and we are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone can do their best work.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have at least 5 years’ experience planning high-touch creative corporate events and/or conferences. Experience in managing insurance industry events would be a benefit but is not essential.

We are seeking a professional who consistently takes initiative, pays close attention to detail, and looks for opportunities to elevate the client experience. Our ideal candidate is a passionate event professional who shares our commitment to excellence, teamwork, creativity, and exceptional client service.

This role is best suited to an experienced event professional who is comfortable managing projects independently while collaborating closely with clients, vendor partners, and internal team members.

The Position – Manager, Events

• Full-time position
• Location:
  • Hybrid role – Candidate should be available to work in our Fairfield, NJ office, two days per week.
    • We will consider fully remote candidates who reside more than one hour from our Fairfield NJ office on a case-by-case basis. These candidates must be able to travel to the office as needed for onboarding, training, team meetings, and event preparation activities.
  • Applicants must be based in the United States. International applicants will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of corporate meetings, conferences, incentive programs, and special events.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, venues, and vendor partners.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, event specifications, and related documentation.
• Source, negotiate, and manage vendor contracts.
• Manage event technology and registration processes (Cvent experience is a plus).
• Assign and oversee project responsibilities while fostering strong team collaboration.
• Manage onsite event execution, including travel for site visits and event management.
• Contribute creative ideas that enhance event experiences and support client brand objectives.
• Support administrative and operational tasks required for successful event delivery.

Essential Requirements:

• 5+ years of corporate event management experience, including 1-2 years serving as the primary lead on complex corporate event projects from planning through execution.
• Experience building and managing event budgets and financial tracking.
• Experience working directly with corporate clients and vendor partners.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 25% annual travel.
• Site visits and event management travel are essential components of the role.
• Event assignments may range from 5-14 days and can occasionally occur back-to-back.
• Candidates must be able and willing to travel as required to support client events and site visits

Additional Experience We Value

• Experience managing insurance industry events.
• Experience producing themed or highly creative event programs.
• Background in marketing, public relations, branding, or experiential marketing is a plus.
• Hands-on Cvent experience.
• Exhibit management experience is a plus.

A Successful Candidate will be:

• Collaborative
• Proactive
• Calm under pressure
• Detail-oriented
• Creative
• Brand-focused, with an understanding of how events support client objectives.
• Service-oriented
• Comfortable with event technology

Why Join The Charles Group?

• Collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Opportunity to lead high-touch, creative events for respected clients.
• Significant ownership and autonomy within projects.
• Exposure to a diverse range of event formats and global destinations.
• A company that genuinely values long-term relationships with employees, clients, and partners.
• You'll join a close-knit team where your ideas are valued, your contributions are visible, and your work has a direct impact on client success.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary range of $105,000-$115,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Competitive benefits package available.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Candidates to be identified and interviewed in November
• Offers to be made in December
• Position to start in December 2026 or by January 4, 2027, at the latest.