Location:
Ottawa, Ontario
Introduction:
Position: Manager, Events and Meetings
Reports to: VP, Communications, Marketing and Member Services
Direct reports: Coordinator, Events and Meetings
About the role:
The Manager, Events and Meetings plays a key role in supporting the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) mission by leading the planning, coordination and delivery of high-quality meetings, conferences and events that strengthen member engagement and support the organization’s strategic priorities.
This role oversees the operational and financial management of CCA’s national events portfolio, including event logistics, venue sourcing, supplier relationships, budgets and on-site execution. Working closely with internal teams, senior leadership and external partners, the Manager ensures events are delivered seamlessly, provide an exceptional attendee experience, and reflect CCA’s commitment to excellence.
The Manager also leads and supports the Events and Meetings team, identifies opportunities to improve processes and efficiencies, and contributes to the continued success of CCA’s events.
If you thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment, enjoy bringing people together, have strong organizational and leadership skills, and take pride in creating memorable event experiences, we encourage you to apply.
About:
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is the national voice for Canada’s construction industry, giving voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, our industry.
Construction is the backbone of the Canadian economy, employing some 1.6 million Canadians, pumping about $161 billion annually into the national economy, and accounting for nearly 7.4 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). Its impact is immense and the life we enjoy – from the schools we send our kids to; the hospitals that care for us; to the roads and bridges that connect our communities – is all possible because of construction.
Responsibilities:
Event planning and delivery
- Lead the planning and execution of CCA’s meetings, conferences, retreats and events, including the Annual Conference, Board meetings and retreat, Best Practices in Construction Symposium, Hill Day events and other assigned activities.
- Develop event work plans, timelines, critical paths, budgets and operational requirements.
- Oversee event logistics, including venues, accommodation, food and beverage, audiovisual production, transportation, registration, entertainment and on-site delivery.
- Work with internal teams to coordinate the logistical requirements of event programs, speakers and activities.
- Identify operational risks, develop contingency plans and resolve event-related challenges, escalating significant issues when required.
- Ensure events meet established service standards and provide a professional and positive experience for delegates.
- Oversee post-event evaluations and recommend improvements.
Budget and supplier management
- Develop, manage and monitor event budgets, maintaining accurate forecasts and track financial commitments, expenses, deposits, supplier payments and budget variances.
- Lead venue and supplier sourcing, including requests for proposals, site inspections, evaluations and negotiations.
- Lead destination and venue research, requests for proposals, site inspections, supplier evaluations and negotiations.
- Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, deliverables, payment schedules and service standards.
- Monitor contractual obligations, including room blocks, food and beverage minimums, cancellation provisions and payment schedules.
- Identify opportunities to manage costs, improve efficiency and reduce financial risks.
- Provide regular financial updates and post-event reconciliations to leadership.
- Maintain positive relationships with hotels, venues and other event suppliers.
Internal coordination and stakeholder relationships
- Work collaboratively with internal departments to coordinate event requirements and ensure successful delivery.
- Coordinate with Marketing and Communications on event promotion timelines, registration information, branding requirements and attendee communications.
- Work with designated sponsorship leads to ensure agreed sponsorship benefits, recognition and on-site deliverables are incorporated into event plans.
- Coordinate speaker requirements, travel, accommodation, audiovisual needs and presentation logistics.
- Support senior leadership and volunteer leaders with the operational requirements of Board, committee and governance-related meetings.
Team leadership and delegation
- Supervise, coach and develop the Coordinator, Events and Meetings.
- Assign responsibility for appropriate meetings, events and operational workstreams, establishing clear expectations, timelines and deliverables.
- Provide oversight and support while enabling the Coordinator to independently manage assigned responsibilities.
- Manage team priorities, workloads and timelines to ensure successful event delivery.
- Coordinate additional internal staff, contractors and external resources as required.
- Foster a collaborative, supportive and service-oriented team environment.
Event systems and continuous improvement
- Oversee event registration platforms, planning tools and reporting systems.
- Maintain event planning processes, templates, checklists and documentation.
- Ensure accurate event records, registration information, supplier agreements and financial documentation.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency and enhance the attendee experience.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in event management, hospitality, business administration or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five to seven years of progressive experience managing conferences, Events and Meetings, preferably within a national association, membership organization or comparable environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-day conferences and executive-level meetings.
- Strong experience with event budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, supplier negotiations and contract management.
- Experience supervising staff and coordinating internal and external resources.
- Strong project management, organizational, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including experience working with senior executives, Board members and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency with event registration platforms, Microsoft Office and project management tools.
- Ability to independently manage multiple events, priorities and deadlines.
- Availability for domestic and occasional international travel, including evenings and weekends when required.
Assets: CMP designation, bilingualism in English and French, and experience planning national or international association conferences.
What we offer:
- A hybrid work environment based in Ottawa, with core office days – allowing you the best of both working from home and in-person, in a collaborative team environment.
- Employer-paid health and dental benefits upon completion of a three-month probationary period.
- A competitive vacation package, with an annual holiday office closure.
- Opportunities for professional development and organization-wide social events.
- A meaningful career, supporting one of Canada’s most important and impactful industries.
Salary range
Compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected], with the subject line: Manager, Events and Meetings.