Program Manager II JP34363 (SR Meeting Planner)

Orion Group; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 96,432 - 101,942; Full time

Job summary

Orion Group is seeking a Senior Meeting Planner in Irvine, CA, to oversee the planning and execution of high-impact meetings within a dynamic environment. The role demands exceptional organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and expertise in financial tracking. This position offers a hybrid schedule and the potential for contract extensions.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree, 5+ years of relevant experience, and proficiency in event management platforms and Microsoft Office Suite. A proactive approach and attention to detail are essential for delivering exceptional event experiences.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional meeting planning or event management experience.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of meetings, conferences, and special events.
• Develop and manage event timelines and project plans.
• Manage event budgets, track expenditures, and provide financial reporting.

Skills

Event management

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field

Tools

Event management platforms

Registration systems

Collaboration tools

Job description

Senior Meeting Planner – Aesthetics

Location: Irvine, CA

Schedule: Hybrid (3 days onsite Tuesday-Thursday, and 2 days remote Monday & Friday)

Contract Length: Approximately 8 months (July 2026 – February 2027) with potential extensions

Travel: Up to 35%

$70-$74/hr based on benefit selection

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Meeting Planner to lead the planning and execution of high-impact meetings, events, and programs within a fast-paced corporate environment. This role is responsible for managing event logistics, budgets, vendor relationships, stakeholder communications, and event technology platforms while ensuring seamless execution and exceptional attendee experiences.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously while partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver successful events from concept through completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of meetings, conferences, speaker programs, and special events.
• Develop and manage event timelines, project plans, agendas, and planning meetings.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to create engaging event experiences that align with business objectives.
• Manage event budgets, track expenditures, and provide timely financial reporting.
• Coordinate event communications and ensure alignment across all stakeholders.
• Oversee speaker and panelist logistics, including scheduling, rehearsals, materials management, and deadline tracking.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for event technology platforms, including registration systems, meeting applications, collaboration tools, and survey platforms.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Manage vendor relationships, obtain proposals, coordinate bidding processes, and support contract negotiations.
• Maintain accurate financial and project documentation while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Utilize reporting and event analytics to evaluate outcomes and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional meeting planning, event management, conference planning, or corporate events experience.
• Strong experience managing event budgets and financial tracking.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience working with event management platforms, registration systems, and collaboration tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 35% and support occasional evening or weekend event activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification.
• Experience within healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device, life sciences, or highly regulated industries.
• Familiarity with current meeting and event industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Experience supporting large-scale meetings, congresses, executive events, or speaker programs.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a proactive and resourceful event professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building strong stakeholder relationships, and has a passion for delivering exceptional event experiences while maintaining budget discipline and operational excellence.