Planner

Job DescriptionJob Description

DCi, a global leader in Corporate Event Planning, is seeking a Planner to join our dynamic Design and Development team. If you have prior DMC experience and are looking for a supportive, creative, and collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you!

At DCi, we offer:

• Excellent benefits
• A dog-friendly office
• A team-oriented culture
• Leadership that truly listens

We believe in a Work Hard, Pay Hard philosophy and are committed to treating our people with respect. Our goal is to be an employer of choice in the industry—and we work every day to make that a reality.

If you're ready to be part of a company that values its team and fosters innovation, apply today!

Primary Objectives of Position:

The Planner’s focus is to keep DCi on the cutting edge of program offerings making DCi the most creative DMC and building upon its industry reputation for delivering unique local offerings to its clients. The position is responsible for advising the sales team on what program elements best fit the client needs and producing a visually appealing proposal complete with details along with a corresponding budget with strategic pricing. The Planner is also responsible for product development and exercising judgement as to what new elements are suitable for DCi to include in its cadre of offerings.

Major Areas of Accountability:

• Develop creative proposals and budget summaries for all cities per clients’ request. This may include performing research to customize DCi’s existing core template with new or additional proposal elements that best fit the client program and brand objectives
• During the proposal and research process, obtain information and costing for all regions and additional locations as needed, in the areas of (but not limited to) transportation, activities, venues, entertainment, and teambuilding
• Negotiate pricing and other inclusions during proposal process
• Utilize P&L pricing sheets for all proposed items, ensuring targeted margins are strategically maintained throughout proposal development, and keeping within outlined client budgets.
• Collaborate with Marketing and advise what new program elements are needed to enhance marketing collateral, client presentations, email newsletters and social media campaigns to effectively promote and sell DCi’s services.
• Brainstorming creative proposal concepts with other team members
• Maintain partnership and relationship with our existing supplier partners
• Place venue and vendor holds for programs during proposal development to ensure DCi has first option for clients, update Access database with all holds and appropriate vendor information. Save all vendor confirmations and pertinent details in program folder.

Vendor Relationships/Negotiation

• Work with vendors regarding negotiations and ensuring DCi receives the best discounts and rates available.
• Further negotiate current rates on an as-needed basis for specific requests or programs, to meet targeted program or client budgets.
• Continue the partnerships with our existing supplier partners

New Product Development

• Actively seek out new vendors for new, creative, cutting-edge products, including negotiating best prices/inclusions to keep offerings fresh and different from competitors
• Continually and proactively seek to improve, modify and enhance DCi’s current systems and make recommendations to Creative Director and Product Development Director. Where appropriate, assist in implementing such changes.

Professional Development

• Attend DCi events to increase knowledge base to support DCi proposals and offerings
• Industry Event attendance and networking (ISES, MPI, HSMAI, Industry Mixers) to introduce as well as sustain DCi’s reputation within the industry resulting in ROI
• Conference and trade show attendance for professional growth and potential client networking resulting in ROI

Knowledge and Skill Required

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience, in related field such as the hotel or event planning industries
• 3 years related experience in DMC, hotels, event planning, incentive program planning and trip destinations
• DMC experience a plus
• Must also have a solid track record of researching venues, vendors and suppliers and developing comparative reports
• Must be able to effectively multitask, have very strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and possess a professional appearance and demeanor.

Judgment Required:

• Ability to interface effectively with personnel critical to ensure the efficient development of a proposal, which meets the clients’ specifications
• Ability to prioritize workload of venue requirements, client needs, and business development guidelines

Benefits:

• 401(k) (upon eligibility)
• 401(k) matching (upon eligibility)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance