CDS Full Time Event Manager - Product Demonstration

Club Demonstration Services (CDS) is a leading event marketing provider, known as the preferred in-house marketing partner to Costco. CDS specializes in providing top-notch person-to-person marketing services that effectively drive sales for both customers and Costco. The company operates within the sales and marketing industry, chiefly focusing on outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services. Their clientele primarily includes manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods, serving multiple trade channels such as grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. CDS plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between manufacturers and retailers to bring the best products available in the marketplace to consumers today.

The Event Manager position at CDS is a full-time role with a set schedule from Tuesday to Saturday, generally from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, although some variation may occur depending on business needs. This position offers excellent work-life balance complemented by comprehensive 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 Event Manager will be responsible for overseeing the recruitment, hiring, and supervision of in-store Product Demonstrators who conduct product demonstrations at Costco stores. This role requires strong communication and coordination skills to effectively liaise between warehouse managers, vendors, and Product Demonstrators. Key responsibilities include managing product preparation and presentation while ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. The Event Manager is also tasked with training and mentoring Product Demonstrators to deliver excellent demonstration preparation and customer service. Participation in grand opening events for new Costco locations is another important part of this role.

Working in this dynamic environment, the Event Manager must direct all activities related to successful events, promotions, and sales activations of vendor products. They must communicate strategic plans to meet sales, service, and operational goals, while supporting corporate governance efforts through adherence to policies and procedures. Collaboration with the District Manager is vital for reviewing event performance metrics such as sales results, labor hours, and operational costs to make informed adjustments. Achieving revenue and net income targets through sales activation, effective strategy execution, and expense management is essential to the role. The Event Manager also focuses on optimizing customer satisfaction and loyalty by improving operational efficiencies.

This position carries supervisory responsibilities including hiring, retaining, training, coaching, and guiding direct reports using company-wide tools and processes. The role does not include mentoring for indirect reports at this time. The work environment varies and includes office, retail, warehouse, and field locations, requiring physical stamina to handle activities such as standing for extended periods, lifting or pushing up to 50 pounds, food preparation, and working in refrigerated or freezer conditions. Travel and driving are also part of the job requirements.

CDS values flexibility, detailed-oriented leadership, and effective communication to maintain high-performing teams. With a commitment to equal employment opportunity, they ensure reasonable accommodations for applicants or employees with disabilities as required by law.