Strategic Events & Operations Manager

Tech Economy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary performance bonus

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Health, dental and vision benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Bain & Company in Chicago is seeking a Manager, Business Operations & Events to lead the office's events portfolio, shaping strategy, budgeting, and execution to strengthen culture and employee experience.

You will manage a team, build vendor relationships, and collaborate with office leadership to deliver 300+ events annually, while driving process improvements and cost optimization within a $2M budget.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with 8–10+ years of experience leading complex event programs.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience managing 500–1,000+ attendee events and multi-event portfolios.
• Strong budget management and complex vendor negotiations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Own strategy, prioritization, and delivery of Chicago's annual events portfolio.
• Advise Office Heads on event strategy and engagement while building cross-functional relationships.
• Set priorities, service levels, goals, and KPIs for the Events function.
• Oversee a portfolio of 300+ events, from small meetings to large programs.
• Provide governance, stakeholder engagement, and executive communications for high-profile events.
• Lead vendor relationships and major contract negotiations.
• Coordinate with Risk, Legal, and HR to minimize on-site risk.
• Oversee on-site teams, catering, and facilities management for events.
• Analyze outcomes, identify gaps, and drive improvements in planning processes.
• Lead hiring, coaching, and development within the Events team.
• Manage an operating budget of approximately $2M and drive cost optimization.

Skills

Event strategy

Team leadership

Budget management

Vendor negotiations

Stakeholder communication

On-site event management

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Bain & Company in Chicago is seeking a Manager, Business Operations & Events to lead the office's events portfolio, shaping strategy, budgeting, and execution to strengthen culture and employee experience.

You will manage a team, build vendor relationships, and collaborate with office leadership to deliver 300+ events annually, while driving process improvements and cost optimization within a $2M budget.