Group Director, Events (US)

SME is a prominent organization specializing in the manufacturing industry, known for hosting major trade shows and events that bring together key industry stakeholders. As a leader in this niche, SME offers robust platforms for networking, learning, and business development, cultivating a dynamic environment for professionals in the manufacturing sector. The company values innovation, strategic planning, and operational excellence, all aimed at delivering high-impact events that advance the industry and create measurable value for participants and sponsors alike. SME operates from Southfield, MI, with a hybrid working model allowing flexibility while maintaining strong connections to the office culture. This blend of onsite and remote work fosters a balanced approach to productivity and collaboration.

The Group Director, Events at SME plays an essential role in shaping and executing the company’s event strategy within its SME Events group. This exempt, salaried position offers a salary range between $122,000 and $153,000 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications. The role is designed for a seasoned leader who thrives in a fast-paced and multifaceted environment, adept at managing teams and overseeing all elements of event delivery from conception through execution and evaluation. The Group Director, Events is responsible for developing strategic event solutions that align with overarching business objectives, ensuring high-performance standards across cross-functional teams. The responsibilities include leadership in event financials, marketing coordination, content strategy, and operational management, all targeted at enhancing attendance, revenue, and client satisfaction metrics.

This position requires an individual with at least 8 years of experience managing major trade shows and events, with a proven record of growing revenue and impact within the manufacturing sector. A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or communications is mandatory, while an MBA is preferred. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership capabilities including direct people management experience of 3-5 years, financial acumen, marketing strategy development, and excellent interpersonal communication skills. The Group Director, Events ensures collaboration among marketing, content development, operations, and sales teams, creating cohesive event plans that support strategic outcomes. They also lead talent development initiatives, succession planning, operational process improvements, and foster collaborative relationships internally and externally.

Key functions of the role include defining event goals and measurable KPIs, creating and monitoring event budgets, managing event teams, and conducting after-action reviews to assess performance and capture learnings. The role demands excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to travel approximately 25 percent of the time for industry events and meetings. The position supports SME’s commitment to equal opportunity employment and requires candidates to reside in the United States with legal authorization to work without sponsorship. SME's benefits package complements the role with medical, dental, vision insurance, 403(b) retirement plans with company match, paid time off, professional development, and wellness programs. Note that SME is currently not hiring employees residing in California, Colorado, Oregon, or Washington.