*This position is remote/work from home. You need to reside within the Central or Eastern Time Zones. If near the Atlanta office, the role will be hybrid.
The Manager, Industry Events & Trade Shows leads the strategy, planning, execution, and measurement of a high impact segment of Cox Automotive's portfolio of industry events and trade shows. This role is responsible for maximizing the value of event investments by driving client engagement, lead generation, brand visibility, and market leadership.
Working closely with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders, the manager develops and executes event strategies that align with business objectives and deliver measurable results. Key responsibilities include sponsorship strategy and negotiation, vendor and partner management, budget oversight, event operations, project management, and post-event reporting and ROI analysis.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-oriented leader with strong relationship-building, analytical, and communication skills, capable of influencing stakeholders, driving operational excellence, and successfully managing multiple high-priority initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in trade shows, exhibit management, and the automotive industry is preferred.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and execute event strategies that align with organizational priorities, business objectives, and growth initiatives.
- Provide strategic recommendations on event investments, sponsorship opportunities, audience engagement, and activation approaches.
- Partner with business leaders and key stakeholders to align messaging, target audiences, and event objectives.
- Leverage data, industry insights, and performance metrics to guide sponsorship and industry event participation decisions.
Event Strategy and Execution:
- Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of industry events and trade shows to ensure successful delivery and measurable outcomes.
- Negotiate sponsorship agreements and manage relationships with event organizers, vendors, and external partners.
- Oversee all event logistics, production elements, registrations, and deliverables to ensure seamless attendee and client experience.
- Ensure alignment of event strategy, execution, and stakeholder expectations throughout the event lifecycle.
Operational Excellence:
- Manage event budgets, contracts, invoices, and financial reporting, ensuring effective stewardship of company resources.
- Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and execution plans to ensure events are delivered on time and within budget.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational best practices to enhance efficiency, scalability, and event effectiveness.
- Adapt processes and execution strategies to meet evolving business needs and organizational priorities.
Measurement and Insights:
- Develop and deliver post-event reporting, including performance analysis, ROI measurement, and actionable recommendations.
- Monitor event outcomes and key success metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and future investment decisions.
- Translate event data and insights into strategic recommendations that improve program performance and business impact.
Stakeholder and Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including sales, marketing, and product teams, to ensure alignment and successful event execution.
- Cultivate productive partnerships with industry associations, event organizers, publishers, agencies, and vendors.
- Influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive collaboration, accountability, and achievement of shared objectives.
- Lead through influence, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment across internal and external partners.
What’s in It for You?
Here’s a sneak peek at the benefits you could experience as a Cox employee:
- A competitive salary and top-notch bonus/incentive plans.
- Exceptional work-life balance, flexible time-off policies and accommodating work schedules.
- Comprehensive healthcare, with multiple options for individuals and families.
- Generous 401(k) retirement plans with company match.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Inclusive parental leave policies, plus comprehensive fertility coverage and adoption assistance.
- Extra perks like pet insurance, employee discounts and much more.
Who You Are
Minimum:
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 6 years of progressive experience in marketing, event management, trade shows, sponsorships, or related industries, with experience in trade show management. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and 4 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 1 year of experience; or 10 years’ experience in a related field.
- Demonstrated success operating in fast-paced, highly collaborative, and deadline-driven environments while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate, develop, and optimize processes that enhance operational efficiency and business outcomes.
- Customer-focused mindset with a strong understanding of audience needs and the ability to translate insights into impactful event strategies.
- Experience successfully navigating change and delivering results in dynamic, evolving organizational environments.
- Exceptional project management, organizational, and execution skills with strong attention to detail and a results-oriented approach.
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while managing complex initiatives and deadlines.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the role and meet business requirements in a professional and timely manner.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%, including occasional overnight and weekend travel in support of industry events and trade shows.
Preferred:
- Degree in Business, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field.
- Automotive industry experience.
Join the Cox family of businesses and make your mark today!
Drug Testing:
To be employed in this role, you'll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.
Compensation:
Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $92,300.00 - $153,900.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.
Benefits:
The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
EOE, including disability/vets
