NexlintoEvent Planning Manager
Company : Stryker
Location : Chicago, IL, 60602
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 17 February 2026
Job Description
The Event Planning Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of events from concept to completion. This role manages logistics, budgets, vendors, and event teams to ensure successful, high-quality experiences that meet organizational goals. The ideal candidate is highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate, and execute events such as conferences, meetings, corporate functions, and special programs
- Develop event timelines, schedules, and project plans to ensure smooth execution
- Manage event budgets, track expenses, and ensure cost efficiency
- Source, negotiate, and manage contracts with vendors, venues, and service providers
- Coordinate logistics including transportation, catering, equipment, and materials
- Lead and supervise event staff, volunteers, and support teams
- Ensure events meet brand standards, quality expectations, and organizational objectives
- Conduct site visits and oversee on-site event operations
- Identify potential risks and implement contingency plans
- Evaluate event success through feedback, reporting, and performance metrics
Success Factors:
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Excellent leadership and team coordination skills
- Creative problem-solving and adaptability under pressure
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality execution
- Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively
Required Skills:
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with event management software and productivity tools
- Budget planning and financial tracking abilities
- Project management and logistics coordination expertise
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or travel as needed
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or related field preferred
- 3+ years of experience in event planning or program coordination
- Experience managing large-scale or multi-day events preferred
- Professional certification in event planning is a plus
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand and move for extended periods during events
- Capability to lift or transport event materials up to 30 lbs
- Ability to travel and work on-site at event locations
Work Environment:
Hybrid work environment involving office planning time and on-site event execution. The role may require travel, extended hours during event periods, and coordination with multiple teams, vendors, and stakeholders in dynamic settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Handling multi-day corporate conferences demands meticulous scheduling by an Event Planning Manager. They juggle vendor coordination, session timings, and attendee logistics across days, ensuring seamless transitions and consistent quality. Their role expands beyond single events to strategic oversight, adapting plans dynamically to maintain engagement and operational flow.
Chicago's event planning sector favors candidates demonstrating strong negotiation skills, budget management expertise, and adaptability to last-minute changes. Proficiency with event management software paired with an ability to lead diverse teams and creatively solve unforeseen challenges marks top performers in this bustling urban environment.
The robust demand for event planners in Chicago opens pathways from assistant roles to managerial positions rapidly. Networking with local vendors and gaining experience in large-scale events are pivotal for climbing the career ladder, given the city's vibrant corporate and social event scene.
At Stryker, an Event Planning Manager must align events closely with healthcare industry standards and brand integrity, often navigating complex regulatory environments. Leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful, compliant events differentiates this role from more generic corporate event planning.
Stryker emphasizes innovation and precision, expecting Event Planning Managers to execute flawlessly while embracing continuous improvement. Managers must demonstrate agility and collaborative leadership to meet the company's high standards for event quality and stakeholder engagement.
Event Planning Managers in Chicago typically earn between $70,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on experience and event scale. Specialized sectors like healthcare can command salaries at the higher end due to complexity and compliance demands, reflecting the local market's competitive nature.
Certifications such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) are highly valued in Chicago’s event industry. These credentials demonstrate expertise and commitment, often giving candidates an edge in meeting the city’s rigorous event standards.
Navigating Chicago’s traffic patterns and public transit schedules plays a crucial role in event logistics. Event managers must factor in variable commute times for vendors, staff, and attendees to ensure punctual setup and seamless event flow across diverse venues.
Event Planning Managers excel through strategic oversight, budget control, vendor negotiations, and leading cross-functional teams. They balance creative vision with operational execution, unlike coordinators who often focus on singular event components, making managerial roles integral to overall success.
Managing concurrent events requires prioritization and multitasking prowess. Daily duties shift from vendor liaison and budget tracking to on-site supervision and troubleshooting, demanding flexibility and decisive problem-solving to keep all events on track without compromising quality.