About the Position
Walton Enterprises is seeking an enthusiastic candidate with fresh ideas and strong organizational skills to join the Bentonville office as Senior Planner, Events and Experiences. This position is responsible for designing, planning, coordinating and implementing various meetings, events and services, for family members and their entities. The successful applicant will provide new, creative ideas and outstanding customer service to organize memorable, educational, engaging and/or fun events and experiences for family members from toddlers to seniors.
What you will do
Lead planning, coordinating and managing various family related meetings, activities, special events and conferences from small, intimate gatherings to 300 person, multi-day offsite events (local, domestic, international)
Plan all aspects of event logistics, including venue, lodging, audio visual, food and beverage, entertainment, transportation, childrens activities
Oversee network of third-party vendors, set clear expectations, effectively negotiate terms and conditions, manage expenses and build strong relationship with individual vendors and the vendor community
Coordinate event related collateral development, such as agendas, briefings, swag
Handle issues and troubleshoot emerging problems that arise
Utilize ongoing feedback from clients to drive continuous improvement
Build a team-based work environment, collaborating seamlessly with our legal, administration, technology, property management, and executive teams
Build a high performing events and experiences team to deliver exceptional family experiences
Maintain flexible and emotionally unflappable in stressful situations
Ability to travel for work, sometimes internationally
Other duties as requested based on department and/or organizational need
Expected Hours of Work
This opportunity is a career-oriented position. 75% of your time you will be working standard operating hours from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday. During events, working hours will likely involve evening and weekend work, sometimes during holidays.
Travel
Some airline and international travel will be required, but most work will be based in Bentonville, AR.
Who we are looking for
Qualifications required for your success
At least 10 years event planning experience
5+ years managing people and leading cross-functional teams
Ability to work with a high level of confidentiality and discretion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Network of suppliers to cover all aspects of events
Proficiency with MS Office Suite
Must be able to drive a vehicle
Must have an up to date Passport
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelors Degree in Business, Hospitality or related field
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
Creative or Human-Centered Design background
Personal attributes that support your success
Creative mindset and ability to think outside of the box to create inspiring and meaningful experiences for all ages
Solid organizational and problem-solving skills and the capacity to work under pressure
Strong commitment to customer service to ensure world class experiences
Capacity to take initiative, prioritize duties, and work independently while functioning as a member of a team
Organized, detail-oriented, with a demonstrated capacity to meet deadlines
Proactive orientation; ability to maximize efficiency in processes and team needs
Can do mentality; willingness and capacity to take on additional projects, based on the need
Unquestionable ethics and integrity
Comfortable working in both high-end or camping-type environments
Ability to work long hours on occasion
About Walton Enterprises
Walton Enterprises supports the personal, philanthropic and business activity for the Walton family. We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam & Helen Waltons family.
Walton Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Basic Qualifications
At least 10 years event planning experience
5+ years managing people and leading cross-functional teams
Ability to work with a high level of confidentiality and discretion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Network of suppliers to cover all aspects of events
Proficiency with MS Office Suite
Must be able to drive a vehicle
Must have an up to date Passport
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds