ITA Group is a leading provider of engagement solutions — incentives, recognition, meetings and events, and loyalty programs. We create meaningful experiences that inspire and motivate people to do great things.
Position Description
The Buyer, Event Purchasing leads strategic sourcing, contracting, and production budget development for domestic and international events by integrating strong production expertise with disciplined purchasing practices. Serving as the primary client liaison during presale, this role evaluates production scope, feasibility, risk, and cost by coordinating input from internal subject matter experts and external partners across audiovisual, staging, lighting, scenic, labor, rigging, and technical services.
Key Accountabilities
Client Management & Presale
- Serve as the primary client liaison in presale, advising on feasibility, production suppliers, event requirements, venue options, and value-driven alternatives
- Design and develop client presentations including financial investment documents, cost analysis, and negotiated savings
- Lead presentations in a sales capacity with the Account Executive (AE)
- Collaborate with AEs, Strategy team, SMEs, and operations counterparts to present production and programme options
Sourcing, Negotiation & Contracting
- Secure best payment terms with suppliers and facilitate initial supplier payments
- Oversee quality control of all third-party suppliers, ensuring accuracy, alignment with scope, and technical feasibility
- Develop, negotiate, and finalise terms of client SOWs
- Source and contract events involving production elements: exhibitor/tradeshow components, large-scale entertainment, general sessions, hands-on labs, speaker and session management
Financial Management
- Develop detailed event budgets inclusive of production elements, cost comparisons, and presale estimates
- Maintain a strong focus on achieving contribution margin goals throughout negotiations
- Track and report cost savings on a programme-by-programme and annual basis
- Maintain accurate and timely account information in Salesforce throughout the presale lifecycle
Internal Collaboration & Supplier Engagement
- Collaborate with all Event Solutions team members across strategy, technology, creative, communications, amenities, and supplier relations
- Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships across destination, conference centres, hotel categories, and production-specific vendors
- Actively participate in supplier presentations, production technology demos, and industry events
Position Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business or related field, or equivalent work experience
- 5+ years of related work experience in a production, negotiator role, or similar position within the hospitality/incentive industry
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM/event technology platforms (Salesforce and Cvent preferred)
- Strong analytical skills including ability to evaluate venue capabilities and develop accurate budgets and cost analyses
- Excellent negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to secure favourable terms
- Experience with large-scale event production; destination and hotel sourcing experience a plus
- Strong written and verbal communication skills including technical writing and client presentation experience
- Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, site inspections, production assessments, and presentations
