Corporate Event Marketing Specialist

The Corporate Events Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of high-profile corporate events that strengthen company culture, recognize top performance, and support executive engagement. This role manages all aspects of event planning from concept development through post-event analysis while ensuring exceptional attendee experiences, fiscal responsibility, and flawless execution.

The Corporate Events Manager serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, executive leadership, third-party partners, hotels, venues, destination management companies, and vendors to deliver world-class events that align with business objectives and brand standards.

This role will sit in our Chicago, IL (Morton Grove) Location.  While the position is designated as onsite, there is some flexibility to work from home a few days a month. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of domestic and international corporate meetings, incentive travel programs, recognition events, leadership meetings, and other special events from concept through completion.
• Develop event strategies, timelines, workback schedules, and communication plans aligned with business objectives, budgets, and the overall attendee experience.
• Research and recommend destinations, venues, hotels, and event partners that deliver creative, high-quality experiences while meeting program and budget requirements.
• Manage all aspects of event logistics, including venue sourcing, room blocks, meeting space, food and beverage, transportation, entertainment, décor, audiovisual production, registration, and onsite operations.
• Partner with senior executives and key stakeholders to understand business objectives and translate them into engaging event programming, presentations, recognition ceremonies, and VIP experiences.
• Lead RFP processes, contract negotiations, and vendor selection while building strong relationships with hotels, destination management companies, production partners, transportation providers, and other event suppliers.
• Develop and manage event budgets, monitor and forecast expenses, reconcile final billing, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with company financial and procurement guidelines.
• Plan and execute employee recognition and incentive programs that celebrate achievement, strengthen company culture, and create memorable experiences for attendees.
• Collaborate across Marketing, Communications, HR, Sales, Finance, Procurement, and Executive Leadership to coordinate event content, branding, creative assets, signage, gifts, promotional materials, and communications.
• Lead onsite event operations, including event staff, vendors, production teams, VIP needs, and program logistics, serving as the primary decision-maker to ensure a seamless attendee experience.
• Anticipate potential challenges, develop contingency plans, and resolve issues quickly and professionally before and during events.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gather and analyze attendee feedback, and apply insights, industry trends, and best practices to continually improve future programs and experiences.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of corporate event planning experience, including large-scale meetings and incentive travel
• Manage international events and executive-level programs.
• Strong contract negotiation and vendor management experience.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Proficiency with event management technology, Microsoft Office Suite, and registration platforms.

What's in it for you? 

The perks of being a Bunzl team member don’t stop at being part of a great team or being valued as our #1 asset. We offer a full range of benefits to help our employees take care of themselves and their families today, tomorrow and for the future.

• Bunzl salary range for this role is $60,000 - $80,000 based on education, experience and location
• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits effective the 1st day of the month after 30 days
• Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
• 401K with generous company match
• Additional benefit information can be found on the Bunzl Careers home page under Benefits and Perks. 
• Bunzl accepts ongoing applications until the position is filled.

Bunzl is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non‑Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to exceed $10 billion in sales. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunzl North America operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 10,000 team members and over 400,000 supplies, Bunzl is recognized as a leading supplier across North America—and proudly certified as a Great Place to Work®. At Bunzl, you’ll find Unlimited Potential… your career, our future.

Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.