Project Manager - Meetings & Events

About Kuoni Tumlare

At Kuoni Tumlare, we deliver truly inspiring and innovative solutions and experiences that create value both for our Partners and Society at large. Our wide portfolio of products and solutions is built on 100+ years of destination management experience.

Our solutions include series tours, technical visits, educational tours, Japanspecialist travel consulting, as well as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Our product portfolio includes MyBus excursions at destinations as well as guaranteed departure tours devised and delivered by our Seat-in-Coach specialists, Europamundo (EMV) and MyBus Landcruise.

We cater to a wide range of customer needs in close collaboration with our trusted suppliers and powered by our team of destinations experts - enabling us to make a real difference to the world.

About the Business

Our Destination Management services form the core of our business. Together with our destination experts, our sales and account management teams generate business by partnering with our customers (Tour Operators, Travel Agencies) to shape exciting itineraries suited to their traveler’s needs. We take care of everything from ground support, hotel bookings, sightseeing, restaurants, and local guides; all while providing 24/7 customer support so that travelers from over 50 countries can enjoy memorable travel experiences worry free.

About the Role

We are currently offering a position as Project Manager - Meetings & Events, based in Rome, Milan or Florence.

The Project Manager ensures the successful delivery of each event, taking the lead throughout the planning and execution phase of each project, including on-site event supervision and financial administration. The Project Manager promotes new business opportunities, works closely with internal stakeholders, key suppliers and presents tailor made concepts & programs to each client.

The figure will report to the Department Manager.

 Key Relationships:

·        All internal departments including sales, HR, finance

·        Key suppliers and partners

·        National and international event/travel agencies and organizers

Key Activities

§  End to end event/project management, management of the full scope of the assigned projects throughout domestic territory

§  Determines client’s needs and expectations, liaising with the sales team to ascertain client’s precise requirements. Focus on European source markets, Americas or other SM as requested by team leader according to business needs.

·        Selects & negotiates appropriate vendors to supply all components of the event

·        Ensures correct planning & creation of the overall design, producing detailed proposals with itemized costing sheets and visual presentation

·        Books, monitors and controls services confirmed before and during the event

·        Oversees all aspects of event execution by coordinating with suppliers and handling Sales/Clients enquiries, both on site and remotely during the event

·        Uses personal judgement and initiative to develop effective and constructive solutions to challenges and obstacles

·        Produces pre/post event evaluation for analysis & future service delivery level improvement

·        Implements standard/best practices & procedures across all market for consistency.

·        Studies new product ideas and destinations, keeps up to do date with industry news

·        Attends exhibitions and business trips as requested

·        Seizes new business opportunities and identifies marketing and sales activities in cooperation with the team

Complexity

·        Indirect people management

§  Solutions Management: as measured by contribution to success of each undertaken project, problem-solving, new initiatives, brainstorming & management meetings

§  Quality control of suppliers, hotelier & customer service

Meeting Objectives & targets

Travel up to 25% & work irregular hours when needed

• Degree in tourism / business administration / marketing / event management

• Strong experience in similar position within the MICE business, DMC or event agency (at least 5-7 years)

• Excellent knowledge of suppliers in Italy (e.g. hotels, transportation, restaurants, venues, activities, guides etc.)

• Fluency in English, French and/or German, both written and spoken (knowledge of 3 languages is a must)

·        Excellent project and time management skills

·        Strong sales, planning and operations skills

·        Strong verbal and written skills

·        Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel and PPT

·        Proven track of project management and sound negotiation and analytical skills

·        Ability to interact effectively with internal management on all levels and manage relations to ensure professional interaction

·        Expert knowledge of functional areas, applies acquired job skills of depth and understanding of the company and departmental policies

·        Ability to demonstrate leadership and motivational skills when required

·        Ability to effectively influence at multiple levels with excellent communication skills

·        Team player, team builder, ability to work both in group situations and also as an individual

·        Creative thinking for effective problem resolution

·        Excellent at multitasking and able to prioritise and meet deadlines