VP, Business Operations - Conferences Operations

Gartner; Dolphin Cove (CT); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 221,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Uncapped sales incentive plan

PTO

401(k) match

Stock purchase program

Flexible hybrid work environment

Job summary

Gartner seeks a visionary VP of Business Operations for Conferences Operations to scale a global portfolio of large events and collaborate with the GVP and Global Operations Leadership Team.

You will lead strategic projects, drive efficiency through new tools and technologies, and craft executive-ready presentations while shaping the organization and resource planning for rapid growth.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of progressive business experience, preferably in strategy or consulting with a focus on operations.
• Proven problem-solving and data-driven storytelling abilities.
• Commercial acumen with experience in Sales and senior leadership buy-in.
• Ability to operate with urgency and execute at scale.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• Experience leading initiatives across functions and levels.
• Strong collaboration and negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage conference operations including venues, production, technology, logistics and exhibits.
• Oversee global event planning: venue, food & beverage, A/V, transportation.
• Manage global budget and supplier relationships.
• Strategic portfolio planning and organizational scalability initiatives.
• Prepare leadership meetings and executive presentations.
• Partner with senior leadership to define priorities and resource plans.

Skills

Executive presence

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Communication skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

VP, Business Operations – Conferences Operations

The Vice President of Business Operations – Conferences Operations will help to optimize and scale the Global Conferences Operations function as we rapidly scale the conference business. The VP will act as a strategic partner to the GVP of Conferences Operations and the Global Operations Leadership Team. This role requires proven experience in a business leadership/management role, with a special focus on executive‑level advising, project execution, and key interdepartmental collaboration.

About the Conferences Operations Team

The Conferences Operations organization at Gartner is responsible for the design and delivery of a global portfolio of large‑scale destination conferences (2,000+ audiences) and hundreds of local events.

Responsibilities

• Conference design and management: Venues, creative production, technology, logistics and exhibition operations.
• Overall event planning including venue, food & beverage, audio/visual, transportation.
• Global budget and supplier management.
• Strategic portfolio planning.

What You Will Do

Organizational scalability

Optimize the Operations organization as it rapidly scales, help define and deliver the organizational vision and priorities for the Operations function, identify current gaps impeding business scaling, and contribute to efficient resource planning strategy and execution. Long‑term, help define the organizational design and capabilities required to support a business twice the size of today.

Operational efficiency

Lead efficiency projects in partnership with Operations leadership, including new tools and technologies, and transition plans from old processes to new technologies, including potential AI solutions.

Strategic Project Management

Lead strategic projects, apply rigorous data analysis and problem‑solving frameworks, and implement creative and scalable solutions to complex problems that drive measurable business impact and improve operational efficiency or operating margins.

Direct support to GVP

Prepare leadership meetings and executive presentations.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: 10–15+ years of progressive business experience, preferably in strategy or consulting with a focus on operations.
• Exceptional problem‑solving capability: Proven track record of solving complex problems, thinking creatively, and using data to tell a story.
• Commercial acumen: Experience working with Sales; building business cases and gaining senior leadership buy‑in.
• Fast‑paced: Operate with urgency, be organized, and execute at scale.
• Relationship builder: Works well with others and harnesses collaboration.
• Passion: Intellectually curious and proactively identifies high‑impact opportunities.
• Drive / Self‑sufficiency: Owns problems and drives from statement to solution in a self‑sufficient manner, even in matrixed environments.
• Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, structured, with strong presentation and platform skills.
• Executive presence: Engages, leads, and influences senior executives; high visibility.
• Core values: Demonstrates integrity, collaboration, a no‑limits mindset, objectivity, and consistent results.
• Leadership experience: Led successful initiatives across functions and organizational levels.
• Influence: High collaboration and negotiation skills.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.

What We Offer

Competitive base salary range of 147,000 USD – 221,000 USD, with an annual bonus plan or uncapped sales incentive plan, generous PTO, 401(k) match up to 7,200 USD per year, stock purchase program, and a flexible hybrid work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of Gartner is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status or any legally protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, including those with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation request can be made to Human Resources.