Program Manager

Office Location: 635 West Highway 50, Suite B, Clermont, Florida 34711
Experience: Minimum five years of corporate event planning experience
Compensation: Salary based on experience
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, plus travel

Percent of Travel: 25–40% (varies based on program calendar)
Language: English (read, speak, and write)
Benefits: PTO, 401k, Health insurance (dental and vision not included)

Position Overview

The Program Manager is the operational leader of assigned programs and assumes full ownership once a contract is secured. This role is responsible for driving strategy, financial performance, logistics, management of hotel services, destination services, and onsite execution from kickoff through final reconciliation.

This is a senior-level leadership position within Blue Spark Event Design. The Program Manager does not assist, they lead. They set the pace, drive timelines, manage budgets, direct vendors, and command onsite execution with authority and composure.

The ideal candidate is confident in high-level client environments, deeply experienced in corporate meetings and incentive programs, and comfortable making critical decisions in fast-moving situations. This role requires strong business acumen, operational precision, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams onsite.

The Program Manager reports directly to the CEO and Executive Producer and plays a key role in protecting client relationships, profitability, and the Blue Spark brand reputation.

Core Responsibilities

Program Ownership & Strategic Execution

• Assume full accountability for program execution immediately following the sales transition.
• Lead strategic planning, production timelines, financial management, and operational execution.
• Own program budgets, margin management, forecasting, and financial reconciliation.
• Negotiate and execute contracts with hotels, venues, and vendors to ensure optimal value and risk mitigation.
• Maintain executive-level communication with clients, serving as the primary operational authority throughout the lifecycle of the program.
• Identify risks early and implement proactive solutions that protect client experience and company profitability.

Hotel & Accommodation Leadership

• Direct all hotel-related operations including:
  • Food and beverage strategy and BEO leadership
  • Concessions tracking and negotiation
  • Room block strategy, rooming list management, and attrition mitigation
  • Meeting space planning and flow optimization
• Partner with hotel leadership teams to ensure flawless execution of all contracted services.
• Oversee registration strategy, attendee tracking, reporting, and onsite check-in execution with precision and professionalism.

Destination Management & Experiential Oversight

• Lead the design and execution of destination management services including:
  • Transportation logistics
  • Offsite events and venue management
  • Local vendor management and contract negotiation
  • Entertainment and experiential programming
  • Execution of event design for all elements in the program from centerpieces to fully customized décor environments
• Ensure all destination elements align with client brand standards and program objectives.
• Direct onsite teams, vendors, and partners to execute seamlessly under your leadership.

Onsite Leadership

• Serve as the senior operational authority onsite.
• Direct internal staff, production teams, hotel partners, and vendors with clarity and confidence.
• Manage real-time decision-making under pressure while maintaining professionalism and composure.
• Ensure run-of-show precision and always protect the client experience.

Internal Collaboration

• Partner with the CEO/Executive Producer on strategic transitions from sales to execution.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of operational systems and execution standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of corporate event planning experience with demonstrated program ownership
• Proven leadership in managing hotel services including food & beverage, concessions, room blocks, attrition, and meeting space strategy
• Strong experience with registration platforms and onsite attendee management
• Demonstrated success executing destination management services and offsite programming
• Experience managing multi-six-figure program budgets with margin accountability
• Strong contract negotiation skills
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally as needed (25–40%)
• Exceptional executive-level communication skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, marketing, or related field preferred

Who You Are

• You take ownership without being asked.
• You lead calmly in high-pressure environments.
• You understand both the creative and the financial sides of event production.
• You think like a business leader, not a task manager.
• You are committed to long-term growth within a high-performance team.
• You communicate effectively and provide solutions.

How To Apply

Please email your cover letter and resume to talent@bluesparkeventdesign.com with the subject “Program Manager”. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

It is the policy of Blue Spark Event Design to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.