Event Operations Manager

Department: Meeting & Event Operations

Reports To: Senior Manager, Event OperationsFLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Chicago, Illinois (Hybrid – 3 Days/Week in Office)

Company Overview: Founded in 1991, Americas’ SAP Users’ Group (ASUG) is the world’s largest SAP user group, serving 2,300-plus businesses via company-wide memberships. ASUG is a Chicago-based organization that helps people and organizations get the most value from their investments in SAP technologies. We believe in the power of community and offer our members a wide range of in-person experiences, insightful webcasts, and member-told stories with endless opportunities for networking, education, and research. You’ll feel right at home in our community.

Our Values: Inspire Trust: We build trust through transparency, integrity, and respect. Join us to be part of a team that values honesty and ethical behavior. Lead the Charge: We are pioneers in our field, always striving for innovation and excellence. Be a part of a forward-thinking organization that encourages leadership at all levels. Join Together: Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Work with a diverse group of professionals who support and uplift each other. Work Fearlessly: We embrace challenges and are not afraid to take risks. If you are bold and ambitious, you will thrive here. Celebrate Customers: Our members are our top priority. Help us create exceptional experiences and celebrate their successes.

Job Summary: The Manager, Event Operations is accountable for the end-to-end operational planning and delivery of an assigned portfolio of ASUG in-person and hybrid meetings and events. The initial portfolio includes ASUG Tech Connect, SAP Connect, and in-person Community meetings, with the potential to support Annual Conference and Executive Exchange and other programs as the portfolio evolves. Serving as the primary operational owner for assigned events, this position develops and manages integrated project plans, coordinates cross-functional and functional workstreams, maintains meeting-level budgets, oversees operational readiness, and leads onsite execution. The Manager ensures that internal teams, venues, and vendors deliver against established timelines, budgets, service standards, and event objectives. The Manager owns the overall event logistics, while designated functional team members retain responsibility for registration, housing, food and beverage, special events, and trade show operations. The position reports to the Senior Manager, Event Operations and escalates significant financial, contractual, venue, vendor, or organizational risks through the established leadership structure.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Minimum of 6–8 years of progressively responsible event operations experience, including independent ownership of complex multi-track in-person events. Demonstrated success managing multiple concurrent meetings or events from initial planning through onsite execution and financial closeout. Proven success delivering live events with audiences of up to 2,000 attendees. Experience building and managing integrated project plans with multiple cross-functional dependencies. Demonstrated ability to lead contributors, establish accountability, and influence outcomes without direct supervisory authority. Experience managing meeting-level budgets, forecasts, expense commitments, invoice review, and financial reconciliation. Experience directing venue and vendor performance within established contracts and scopes of work. Working knowledge of event logistics, registration, housing, food and beverage, sponsorship fulfillment, trade show operations, event technology, and project management. Basic working knowledge of tabletop displays and small booth development, including branding coordination, furnishings, signage, shipping, setup, and onsite execution. Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Sound judgment and the ability to make timely decisions during live events and other high-pressure situations. Ability to identify operational risks, develop mitigation plans, and escalate issues appropriately. Strong written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with executives, colleagues, customers, partners, and vendors. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with event project management and shared documentation platforms. Proficiency in Cvent or a similar event registration platform recommended, not required. Experience in an association, membership organization, or similarly matrixed environment preferred. Hospitality or customer service experience preferred. Ability to travel nationally approximately 8–10 times annually and work nontraditional hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, during events.

Compensation: The anticipated base salary range for this position is $82,000–$85,000 annually, depending on the candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with the role’s responsibilities. Why ASUG?Join a dynamic, mission-driven organization that values innovation, inclusivity, and growth. Enjoy a hybrid work environment with a supportive team, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional development. ASUG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.