CDS Full Time Event Manager - Product Demonstration

Club Demonstration Services (CDS) is a leading marketing and sales agency specializing in providing in-store product demonstration services, primarily catering to Costco. As the preferred in-house event marketing provider for Costco, CDS prides itself on offering the best person-to-person marketing services in the industry. Their core mission is to drive sales for their clients and Costco through engaging, informative, and effective product demonstrations. With a strong presence across North America, CDS bridges the gap between manufacturers and retailers, ensuring consumers have access to the highest quality products in grocery, specialty, convenience, and other retail channels.

This full-time Event Manager role at CDS is a pivotal position responsible for overseeing the recruitment, training, and supervision of part-time in-store Product Demonstrators. These demonstrators are key to delivering exceptional product presentations, ensuring food safety, sanitation, and superior customer service to all Costco club members. The Event Manager works closely with warehouse managers, vendors, and demonstrators to coordinate smooth operations and maintain high standards during events. Additionally, this role includes participating in new Costco location grand openings, highlighting the importance of a strong operational presence and leadership.

CDS offers a structured, predictable schedule from Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, although hours may fluctuate based on business needs. The company fosters a healthy work-life balance and provides comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid time off. This role is suited for a detail-oriented, communicative leader with at least two to four years of experience in retail, hospitality, or food service environments. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to lead high-performing teams, coach employees effectively, and handle multiple stakeholders from vendors to warehouse and store managers.

The Event Manager is also responsible for strategic execution of promotional events, aligning with sales objectives and ensuring operational excellence. Responsibilities involve managing event and sales promotions, communicating effective strategies, supporting corporate governance, and collaborating with district management to evaluate and optimize event performance metrics including sales results, labor hours, and operational costs. The role demands strong leadership to direct and develop team members, ensuring excellent customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Applicants should possess an associate's degree or equivalent experience, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or related fields. Additionally, candidates must have 3-5 years of relevant experience in client-side branded consumer-packaged goods or a combination of supplier and client-side roles. Skills required include independence, prioritization, supervisory expertise, excellent communication, flexibility, relationship-building, leadership, and basic computer proficiency. A NEHA Professional Food Handler Certification is mandatory due to the food-related nature of the demonstrator's role.

Physical demands of this role include the ability to work in various environments such as office, field, retail stores, and warehouses. The candidate must be capable of performing physical tasks like standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, handling and preparing food products safely, and working in cold storage areas. Travel and driving are also essential components of the job. The company is committed to equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, maintaining a respectful and inclusive work environment.