CDS Full Time Event Manager - Product Demonstration

Club Demonstration Services (CDS) is a leading sales and marketing agency in North America specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services. The company caters to a broad spectrum of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. CDS is recognized as the preferred in-house event marketing provider to Costco, delivering the best person-to-person marketing services within the industry. This not only drives significant sales growth for their customers but also enhances Costco’s retail experience by providing excellent product demonstrations and customer interaction. CDS prides itself on creating a bridge between manufacturers and retailers, ensuring consumers have access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

The Full-Time Event Manager role at CDS involves overseeing in-store product demonstrations, focusing on recruiting, hiring, and supervising part-time product demonstrators. The Event Manager plays a crucial role in coordinating between warehouse managers, vendors, and demonstrators to guarantee successful events that boost sales and maximize customer satisfaction. This position demands strong communication skills and proactive participation in notable events, such as new location grand openings. The role offers a set schedule from Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with some flexibility based on business needs. Besides a competitive salary, the position comes with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid time off, facilitating a healthy work-life balance.

As an Event Manager, you will be responsible for directing all activities related to the successful execution of events, promotions, and sales of vendor products at store locations. Your duties will include implementing strategies to achieve sales, service, and operational excellence, while supporting corporate governance policies and procedures. Collaboration with district management is essential to assess performance metrics like sales data, labor hours, and operational costs, and to refine processes accordingly. The role requires a leadership presence capable of hiring, training, coaching, and developing staff, ensuring all demonstrations are conducted adhering to food safety and sanitation standards. Furthermore, the position demands the ability to work under minimal supervision, manage teams effectively, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced retail environment.

The Event Manager must have a minimum education of an associate’s degree or equivalent experience, preferably a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field. Candidates should possess three to five years of experience in client-side branded consumer-packaged goods or similar supplier-side roles. Strong leadership skills combined with excellent written and verbal communication are critical. The role also mandates obtaining a NEHA Professional Food Handler Certification owing to the food demonstration aspect. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in diverse conditions including refrigerated or freezer environments. The ability to travel and drive is also part of the job. This role is ideal for those who thrive in dynamic settings, enjoy customer interaction, and are motivated to lead high-performing teams driving retailer and vendor success.