Grainger is hiring: Senior Event Planner in Lake Forest

Work Location Type:Hybrid As a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom, We Keep The World Working by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we're dedicated to providing value for customers, fostering an engaging culture for team members and driving strong financial results. Our welcoming workplace enables you to learn, grow and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe. As a 2024 Glassdoor Best Place to Work and a Great Place to Work-Certified company, we're looking for passionate people to join our team as we continue leading the industry over our next 100 years. Position Details: As Senior Event Planner you will be responsible for full service event planning from project inception through execution and reconciliation to ensure event objectives are met, supporting production of National, Regional, and Internal meetings, including Grainger's Flagship events such as Grainger Show, NSSM, Regional Customer Shows, PIP and others as assigned. You will report to the Director, Meetings and Events. You Will: Support meeting strategy across large and complex (10,000+ attendees) events with varying goals, providing expertise and industry best practice to maximize value (cost savings, return on investment, attendee satisfaction etc.) Ability to work alongside other M&E team members or independently for planning and execution of all components of the event to include, but not limited to budget management, event registration, travel and accommodations, vendor negotiations, food and beverage, audio visual and transportation, creating unique experiences, and general event logistics, as required. Develop and maintain strong relationships with Business Partners and other cross functional teams, communicate throughout the planning process including event progress, budget and post event follow-up and reconciliation. Maintain the highest level of quality and integrity when negotiating with suppliers and working with team members Engage in project management initiatives with the aptitude to understand and produce timely deliverables. Provide on-site program assistance if needed; oversee all arranged details of program. Monitor and review supplier billing and ensure payment and reconciliation You Have: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, Operations or Management or equivalent work experience. 3 or more years of large (10,000+ attendees), event management experience required. Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and creative capabilities. Demonstrated project management skills & ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Experience establishing productive relationships with the field and headquarters employees. Experience with virtual or hybrid events is preferred Willingness to travel up to 30% annually, and work outside of traditional office hours. Rewards and Benefits: With benefits starting day one, Grainger is committed to your safety, health and wellbeing. Our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet our team members' individual needs. Check out some of the rewards available to you at Grainger Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans Paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year Automatic 6% 401(k) company contribution each pay period Employee discounts, parental leave, 3:1 match on donations and tuition reimbursement A comprehensive set of emotional, financial, physical and social wellbeing programs #LI-LE1 #LI-hybrid We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment. With this in mind, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.