VP, Event Planner - Sompo International : Job Details

Sompo has a unique opportunity for an Experienced Corporate Event Planner for our Event Management Team.

The Event Management Team specializes in planning and executing strategic events that align with organizational goals. They bring expertise in logistics, vendor coordination, and attendee experience, ensuring events are seamless, impactful, and professionally managed from start to finish. This role is integral to the planning and execution of client and broker events, including receptions, outings, dinners, multi-day conferences (both Sompo-sponsored and trade conference-related events), and other key corporate gatherings. This role will support events needs of our Executive Committee Members, as well as North America Region events as required.

Location: This position will be based out of our New York, NY office. We strive for collaboration, which is why we offer a work environment where our employees thrive and develop long-lasting careers.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and natural planner with prior professional experience in corporate event management. They should be highly organized, detail-oriented, results-driven, and adept at working in a fast-paced environment. A positive attitude, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to high-quality execution are essential.

What you'll be doing:

• Event Management: Plan and execute events, including venue selection, contracting, travel logistics, staffing, invitation and RSVP management, attendee registrations, catering, audiovisual needs, entertainment, hotel accommodations, and promotional item procurement.
• Ensure seamless execution of on-site event activities, including managing schedules, troubleshooting issues, and overseeing event staff.
• Collaborate closely with Executive Committee members (C-Suite) and Senior Leadership Executives.
• Project Management: Develop comprehensive project plans and timelines to ensure all event-related activities are delivered on schedule.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities effectively.
• Vendor and Partner Management: Select, contract, and oversee third-party providers such as venues, caterers, speakers, entertainment, and audiovisual teams.
• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with vendors to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Brand and Marketing Coordination: Work with the corporate marketing team to ensure brand compliance and consistency in event materials, promotional items, and branding.
• Build and manage event websites using platforms like Cvent.
• Travel and On-Site Support: Travel to event locations (approximately 50% travel required) to oversee on-site execution, including vendor coordination and attendee management. This role may include International Travel and event support.
• Corporate Gifting and Sponsorship Support: Assist with corporate gifting programs.
• Manage sponsorship responsibilities, including table coordination and guest list management.
• Conference Production: Oversee audiovisual and production elements for corporate conferences.

What you'll bring:

• Education: Bachelor's degree (hospitality-related degree or BBA preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years' experience, preferably 10+ years, of corporate event planning experience as an in-house event planner.
• Prior experience in the insurance or financial services industry is preferred.
• Proven project management expertise.
• Certifications (Preferred): Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), Certification of Meeting Management (CMM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or other relevant industry certifications.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with event planning technology (e.g., Cvent) is a plus.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Key competencies and skills:

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with a focus on prioritizing critical tasks.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, managing time constraints and evolving schedules effectively.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives.
• Strategic thinker with a creative approach to problem-solving and event planning.
• Proven leadership in managing on-site event staff and logistics.
• Financial acumen, including experience with forecasting and budget management in the hospitality industry.
• Expertise in contract negotiation and understanding of event-related terms, such as attrition and concessions.
• Strong customer service orientation and relationship management skills.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.

Salary Range: $130,000 - $215,000 Actual compensation for this role will depend on several factors including the cost of living associated with your work location, your qualifications, skills, competencies, and relevant experience.

At Sompo, we recognize that the talent, skills, and commitment of our employees drive our success. This is why we offer competitive, high-quality compensation and benefit programs to eligible employees.

Our compensation program is built on a foundation that promotes a pay-for-performance culture, resulting in higher incentive awards, on average, when the Company does well and lower incentive awards when the Company underperforms. The total compensation opportunity for all regular, full-time employees is a combination of base salary and incentives that get adjusted upfront based on overall Company performance with final awards based on individual performance.

We continuously evaluate and update our benefit programs to ensure that our plans remain competitive and meet the needs of our employees and their dependents. Below is a summary of our current comprehensive U.S. benefit programs:

• Two medical plans to choose from, including a Traditional PPO & a Consumer Driven Health Plan with a Health Savings account providing a competitive employer contribution
• Pharmacy benefits with mail order options
• Dental benefits including orthodontia benefits for adults and children
• Vision benefits
• Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Company-paid Life & AD&D benefits, including the option to purchase Supplemental life coverage for employee, spouse & children
• Company-paid Disability benefits with very competitive salary continuation payments
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with competitive employer contributions
• Competitive paid-time-off programs, including company-paid holidays
• Competitive Parental Leave Benefits & Adoption Assistance program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tax-Free Commuter Benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Qualification benefits

In today's world, what do we stand for?

Ethics and integrity are the foundation of delivering on our commitment to you. We believe that core values drive success, and that when relationships are held in the highest regard, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. At Sompo, our ring is more than a logo; it is a symbol of our promise. To learn more about life at Sompo, visit here.

Sompo is an equal opportunity employer, and we intentionally value inclusion and diversity. Above all, we want you to work in an environment that respects everyone's unique contributions we are passionately committed to equal opportunities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex orientation, national origin, or age.