Manager, Events Operations

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Manager, Events Operations to join our Firm. This position will be based in our New York office (hybrid).

The Manager, Events Operations role is responsible for leading sourcing and contracting activities across the Firm’s events and sponsorship portfolio. This individual will collaborate with event planners and cross-functional stakeholders to drive efficient processes, manage risk, and support cost-effective outcomes.

• Manages event sourcing and contracting processes for the Firm, serving as a central resource on commercial terms and as a key point of coordination for contract and vendor matters.
• Supports Events leadership in developing, implementing, and improving sourcing and contracting standards, tools, and workflows, including engagement models, RFP templates, approval processes, playbooks, and related documentation.
• Manages end-to-end sourcing and contracting for complex events and supports Events leadership on the Firm’s highest-profile or most sensitive programs, including negotiation of commercial terms across hotels, restaurants, unique venues, destination management companies, audiovisual, production, and other event-related suppliers.
• Delivers training and professional development programs to support planner growth, with a focus on commercial terms and best practices for venue and vendor negotiations.
• Builds and maintains supplier relationships across venue and service categories to support favorable pricing, strong service levels, and reliable access for Firm events.
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen preferred supplier programs, volume leverage, and sourcing consistency across the event portfolio.
• Captures, consolidates, and maintains event spend data and related reporting, helping provide visibility into supplier costs, contractual commitments, savings, ROI and overall performance.
• Tracks and reports cost savings, cost avoidance, negotiated value-adds, and other sourcing outcomes against established benchmarks and budget goals.
• Partners with the Office of General Counsel and Events leadership to support approved contracting standards, including preferred language, fallback positions, and redline guidance for more efficient and consistent contract review.
• Collaborates with Risk, Insurance, and other internal stakeholders to help ensure appropriate event-related coverage, vendor compliance, and contractual requirements are met.
• Supports the resolution of vendor performance issues, billing discrepancies, service failures, and force majeure matters, escalating and partnering with Events leadership as appropriate to protect the Firm’s interests.
• Advises event planners and internal stakeholders throughout the sourcing and contracting lifecycle on supplier options, commercial terms, risk considerations, and process requirements.
• Collaborates with Business Development, Events, and other stakeholders on client-facing events to align sourcing and contracting decisions with business, relationship, and brand objectives.
• Maintains current knowledge of Firm policies, practices, and industry trends, and performs other related duties as assigned or needed.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience in event sourcing, venue contracting, or strategic procurement in a corporate events, hospitality, professional services, or agency environment.
• Experience managing sourcing and contracting across complex event portfolios, including supplier negotiations and vendor coordination.
• Strong contract negotiation skills, including key commercial terms such as attrition, cancellation, force majeure, indemnification, and liability.
• Experience improving processes, tools, and standards to enhance efficiency, consistency, and cost control.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including spend tracking, savings analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledge of event suppliers and market practices, plus experience working with Legal, Risk, and Insurance on compliance and risk mitigation.
• Proficiency in Cvent or similar platforms and strong project management, communication, and judgment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience in event sourcing, venue contracting, strategic procurement, or event management in a corporate events, professional services, or agency environment

Culture & Life at Skadden

What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you

achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses. Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits. Generous paid time off. Paid leave options, including parental. In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities. Robust well-being classes and programs. Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at (212) 735-2176.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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