Global GDS Meetings and Events Leader

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Job title: Global GDS Meetings and Events Leader

Function: (category for job posting) - Ernst & Young Global Services – Supply Chain Services

Sub-function:Travel, Meetings & Event Services

Summary:

As GDS Meetings and Events Manager, you will oversee all GDS M&E related spend and activities for all GDS locations globally. This position will be the key day to day point of contact for the various GDS-based stakeholders in relation to program management, operational and reporting requirements as well as work closely with the relevant suppliers to monitor key performance indicators and implement operational efficiencies to support the Global GDS M&E program initiatives.

You will be expected to work independently, with support from Travel and M&E colleagues to enhance and promote Meetings and Events policies, guidelines and procedures, while continuously reviewing operational processes for strategic enhancement and simplification.

You will be part of the global Travel, Meetings and Events team, under Supply Chain Services with a purpose to champion the strategy and objectives of EY’s Travel, Meetings & Events (TME) program, which requires high degrees of compliance to ensure governance requirements are met from an organizational and regulatory standpoint.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support key senior contacts/stakeholders across all GDS locations
• Have strong influencing skills to instigate change and support the Global Travel M&E Strategy
• Work by and promote the values of the Travel, M&E program
• Individual must be an effective communicator who is self-motivated and result oriented
• Influence policy and standards for M&E spend (including group air, venue, ground transportation, meals, agencies, etc.)
• Lead M&E projects for GDS and drive process efficiency and optimization in all aspects of the design and execution
• Be the primary point of escalation for all Global GDS M&E related matters
• Drive increase in customer satisfaction ratings and champion customer issue escalation and resolution processes
• Drive implementation of viable processes and solutions meeting GDS requirements while being aligned with global standards
• Drive behavorial changes to improve the GDS M&E processes along with other GDS support functions
• Identify cost saving opportunities to support the firm’s objective to drive down indirect costs
• Project work with Global Team colleagues to harmonize all processes worldwide
• Drive performance, by managing and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs), to be reviewed through a quarterly business review process with senior GDS stakeholders and leaders.
• Continuously build strong relationship with key M&E partners/suppliers for GDS events and identify opportunities to work with new suppliers
• Support with any other procurement activity such as Travel and M&E related RFP’s
• Ensure EY businesses’ compliance to overall program including but not limited to BRIDGE, Independence, Finance and Procurement
• Ensure strong reputation among M&E suppliers through demonstrated ability to drive volume, control policy, monitor performance and deliver on contractual targets
• Network with industry peers and participate in industry events to understand trends to bring in knowledge and best practices to enhance the M&E program
• Build a strong network across functional and service line business units to help drive strategic improvements to the M&E program. This would include Finance, Talent, BMC and all Service Lines as well as other senior leadership roles

Supervision responsibilities:

This role will have management responsibility for GDS TME team members, currently located in India and is also expected to work closely with the extended global M&E colleagues.

Job Requirements:

• Due to the global nature of EY, the role will require the candidate to have a flexible work approach and a strong team development skillset with colleagues in-person, and virtually, including across multiple time zones. The right candidate will be personable and able to work well with stakeholders of all levels of seniority. A calm under pressure mentality is key, with a passion for event delivery and an ambitious nature.
• To effectively team remotely, a stable and reliable home internet connection is required.
• To effectively team in person, you will be expected to work from the EY GDS office as per local policy requirements which may outline set days of the week in an office location.
• Periodic domestic and some international travel will be required as part of this role therefore, you must have a valid passport, or the ability to obtain one.
• When working across multiple time zones, there may be occasions where you’ll be required to work outside of regular business hours.

Other requirements:

• Previous team management skills are necessary as the successful candidate will have some direct reports, so a proven track record as an accomplished people manager is a key requirement.

Education:

• Fluent written and spoken English language skills are required.
• While not mandatory, a degree in Business and/or Procurement will be highly regarded
• Alternative language skills such as Spanish, while not essential, would be an advantage to the successful candidate.

Experience:

• A minimum of more than 10 years of relevant industry and corporate experience managing travel/M&E programs including event management knowledge and experience
• Must be experienced with all Microsoft Office Tools with competency in the use of Excel and PowerPoint and able to build and deliver presentations to senior stakeholders and functional leaders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, must be able to communicate clearly and with authenticity to senior leadership, stakeholders and colleagues
• Must be confident to work autonomously while driving the strategies of our global M&E deliverables.
• High level of attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential, with the ability to prioritise effectively
• Experience working in a cross-cultural, service-focused environment is required

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