CDS Full Time Event Manager - Product Demonstration

Club Demonstration Services (CDS) is a leading event marketing provider specializing in in-store product demonstrations and experiential marketing services. CDS is recognized as the preferred in-house event marketing provider to Costco, one of the largest wholesale retailers in North America. CDS excels in delivering person-to-person marketing strategies that drive sales growth for its clients and Costco members by showcasing products directly to consumers in retail environments through engaging demonstrations and presentations.

As a full-time Event Manager at CDS, you will play a pivotal role in the recruitment, hiring, and supervision of part-time product demonstrators within Costco stores. This hands-on leadership position requires overseeing the entire product demonstration process, from preparation and presentation to maintaining food safety and sanitation standards. Collaboration is key, as you will work closely with warehouse managers, vendors, and product demonstrators to ensure smooth event operations and high customer satisfaction.

Your day-to-day responsibilities also include participating in new location grand openings, training staff to provide excellent customer service, and managing communication between various stakeholders to optimize event success. You will be expected to manage teams effectively, exercising independent judgment and leadership skills to coach and mentor employees, helping them improve their performance while achieving operational and sales goals.

This role offers a structured work schedule, typically Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, which may vary based on business needs. CDS emphasizes work-life balance while providing competitive full-time benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid time off. The company fosters a supportive culture that values effective communication, leadership, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment.

CDS serves a broad range of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. The company bridges the gap between manufacturers and retailers, ensuring consumers have access to the best products available. The Event Manager role directly contributes to this mission by enabling the successful execution of product promotions and events that enhance consumer awareness and loyalty.

Essential job duties include directing all promotional activities for vendor products, communicating strategies to achieve sales and operational excellence, supporting corporate governance policies, and evaluating event performance metrics to implement necessary improvements. The role demands a proactive approach to meeting revenue and net income objectives through strategic sales activation and expense management, as well as optimizing customer satisfaction through improved operational processes.

Supervisory responsibilities involve hiring, coaching, training, and developing direct reports within the product demonstration team, using company-wide processes and tools. This position is office, field, and retail-based, requiring physical activity such as lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working in various temperature environments including refrigerated areas. The role also involves travel and driving, with an emphasis on safety practices when handling products and food preparation.

Minimum qualifications include an associate's degree or equivalent experience, with a preference for a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field. Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in branded consumer-packaged goods companies or a combination of supplier and client-side experiences. Strong written and verbal communication skills, supervisory capabilities, adaptability to change, and basic computer proficiency are essential. Certification as a NEHA Professional Food Handler is required.

CDS is committed to equal opportunity employment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. This role offers a valuable chance for driven individuals to join a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in event marketing and consumer engagement.