NexlintoEvent Planning Manager
Company : Stryker
Location : Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089
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
Buffalo Grove offers a growing but less saturated market for event planners compared to Chicago’s bustling scene. This means more opportunities for hands-on leadership roles like Event Planning Manager, with less competition but still access to corporate clients in the greater Chicago area.
Local employers around Buffalo Grove, including Stryker, often value certifications such as CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional). These credentials signal advanced expertise in managing complex events and can boost your profile in this competitive Illinois market.
Mastering vendor negotiations, budget control, and multi-event coordination is key. In Buffalo Grove’s corporate sphere, emphasizing strong logistical planning combined with creative problem-solving ensures seamless, impactful events that align with business goals.
By breaking down each event into phases—planning, procurement, execution—and assigning clear deadlines, managers can prioritize tasks effectively. Utilizing project management tools tailored for event logistics also helps track progress and avoid last-minute surprises.
Stryker values innovation and precision, so event managers are expected to deliver high-quality, brand-consistent experiences while fostering teamwork. Flexibility during event peaks and proactive stakeholder communication are integral to thriving in their hybrid work environment.
At Stryker, the emphasis on healthcare-related events demands meticulous compliance and a collaborative approach with diverse teams. The role blends corporate sophistication with hands-on execution, often requiring adaptability to fast-changing healthcare industry standards.
Event Planning Managers in Buffalo Grove typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, reflecting regional cost of living and industry standards. Compensation often includes bonuses tied to event success and budget management efficiency.
Absolutely, excelling in vendor negotiations not only optimizes event budgets but also builds strategic partnerships. This skill enhances your leadership value and can open doors to senior roles overseeing larger-scale or corporate-wide event programs.
Managing overlapping schedules, ensuring resource availability, and mitigating unforeseen risks like last-minute cancellations require agility and meticulous contingency planning. Effective communication across cross-functional teams becomes critical to maintaining smooth event flow.
Highly critical. Events often extend beyond regular office hours, including evenings or weekends. Being open to travel and on-site presence ensures leadership continuity and aligns with Stryker’s dynamic event execution needs.