Manager, Special Event Planner

Sodexo

$70K — $95K *
Hospitality & Recreation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
  • 3+ years of management experience
  • 3+ years of relevant functional experience
  • Strong creative instincts in event planning
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to communicate confidently with senior leaders
  • Operational expertise in budgeting, logistics, and vendor management

Responsibilities

  • Lead full-cycle event planning from concept to post-event analysis
  • Design creative, culturally aligned experiences
  • Partner with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to create meaningful events
  • Manage logistics and vendor relationships for seamless execution
  • Support executive meetings with polished service
  • Track event performance and refine programming based on feedback

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Role Overview

The Special Event Planner Manager is responsible for designing, managing, and executing a diverse portfolio of employee-focused events that strengthen culture, connection, and engagement across the organization. This leader will bring fresh ideas, flawless execution, and strong partnership skills to deliver experiences that feel polished, inclusive, and memorable.

You will oversee the full event lifecycle - from concept and design to logistics, promotion, execution, and post-event evaluation. This includes signature programs such as:
  • Employee Resource Group events
  • Regional Office celebrations
  • Annual company-wide celebrations
  • Special coworker engagement events
  • Executive-level meetings and hosted experiences

This position requires strong executive presence, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to partner seamlessly with client leadership, workplace experience teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.

What You'll Do

  • Lead full-cycle event planning from concept to post-event analysis for high-visibility programs
  • Design creative, culturally aligned experiences that strengthen engagement across the organization
  • Partner with ERGs and internal teams to deliver inclusive, meaningful events
  • Manage logistics and vendor relationships ensuring seamless execution and elevated guest experiences
  • Support executive meetings and hosted engagements with polished, high-touch service
  • Track event performance and continuously refine programming based on insights and feedback


What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring

  • Proven experience in corporate or large-scale event planning with strong creative instincts
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
  • Executive presence and confident communication when partnering with senior leaders
  • A collaborative, relationship-driven approach that builds trust across teams
  • Operational rigor in budgeting, timelines, logistics, and vendor oversight
  • A passion for creating inclusive, memorable employee experiences that reflect company culture


Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years

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