CDS Full Time Event Manager - Product Demonstration

Club Demonstration Services (CDS) is a premier event marketing agency known for its specialized in-house marketing services, particularly for Costco, one of the largest wholesale club retailers in North America. As the preferred event marketing provider to Costco, CDS excels at providing person-to-person marketing solutions that help drive sales for both their customers and Costco itself. CDS's core mission is to bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, ensuring that consumers gain access to the best products available in the marketplace today. Operating across various trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers, CDS is widely respected for its comprehensive sales and marketing services which include outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services tailored to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods.

The role of Event Manager at CDS is a full-time position centered around strategically managing product demonstration events within retail club environments, primarily Costco locations. This position offers a consistent work schedule, typically Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and may vary slightly depending on operational needs. The Event Manager’s primary responsibility is to recruit, hire, train, and supervise part-time Product Demonstrators who engage with club members to showcase products effectively and elevate customer experience. This involves overseeing every facet of product demonstration including product preparation, presentation, food safety and sanitation compliance, and exceptional customer service standards.

An Event Manager at CDS operates as the pivotal link between warehouse managers, vendors, and in-store Product Demonstrators, maintaining seamless communication and coordination to ensure successful promotional activities. The role requires hands-on participation in grand openings for new store locations, highlighting the strategic importance of these events in expanding market presence and driving sales boosts. The success of this role relies on effective leadership, keen attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Moreover, this position involves evaluating event performance through metrics such as sales results, execution rates, labor hours, and operational costs. Collaboration with the District Manager is essential to adjusting strategies that align with revenue and net income goals while optimizing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The Event Manager must also uphold corporate governance, policies, and procedures, ensuring adherence to company standards while guiding direct reports through coaching, training, and development initiatives.

Candidates for this role typically possess an Associate's Degree or equivalent experience, with a preference for those holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related fields. A combination of 3-5 years of experience in branded consumer-packaged goods companies or sales marketing environments is highly valuable. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong supervisory skills, is highly adaptable, and proficient in computer tools including Microsoft Office applications. Certification such as the NEHA Professional Food Handler is required to ensure compliance with food handling protocols.

In summary, the Event Manager position at CDS offers a unique opportunity to be an integral part of a leading sales and marketing agency shaping product visibility and consumer engagement in a large retail environment. With comprehensive benefits, career growth potential, and a strong team-oriented culture, this is a role suited for those passionate about people leadership, marketing strategy, and retail event execution.