Director, Operations - Strategic Meetings Management (SMM)

Where Human Connection Fuels Possibility At Maritz, decades of innovation and perseverance have built more than just a strong reputation — they’ve shaped a culture where human connection and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. Joining Maritz means becoming part of a workplace grounded in a critical truth; people and their potential is our greatest resource. Maritz helps companies achieve their business goals by inspiring people to perform their best. We design experiences, incentives, and recognition programs that spark action and deliver measurable impact. And we’ve brought this human‑first design inward – intentionally building teams that care for each other and collaborate powerfully. In our most recent employee survey, nearly 90% of respondents said that their managers care about their concerns and 82% said they feel genuinely appreciated. We know that when employees feel seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are, they thrive and so does our business. That’s why we’ve created a flexible, environment that empowers you to do your best work without sacrificing what matters most to you. In fact, in that same survey, nearly 90% of respondents said they have the flexibility they need to balance work and personal life and nearly 80% said Maritz does a great job prioritizing employee well being. We have a passion for excellence and genuine care for the people making it possible. The Director of Operations (SMM) is a transformational leader who shapes the strategic direction of staffing, resourcing, and data-enabled decision‑making to elevate sourcing and event programming. Serving as the central catalyst for operational innovation, this role aligns customer experience, employee engagement, and organizational efficiency to drive long‑term value. By forging deep client partnerships and unifying cross‑functional teams, the director creates scalable, future‑ready program strategies that strengthen organizational impact and sustain industry leadership. What You’ll Be Doing 25% Team Leadership, Staffing & Workforce Optimization Sets the vision for workforce planning and team capability development across the operation. Champions a culture of performance, continuous learning, and operational discipline through targeted coaching, competency‑building, and leadership development. Establishes scalable staffing models, ensuring the right talent is deployed at the right time. Oversees workforce planning, variable labor strategies, and productivity metrics that directly influence organizational agility and client success. 25% Financial & Operational Oversight Provides strategic oversight of program economics, shaping financial decision‑making through GAAP reviews, budget governance, and analysis of cost structures. Drives enterprise profitability by aligning resourcing, labor forecasting, and funding management with organizational objectives. Leads financial strategy discussions, translating complex data into insights that inform senior‑level decision‑making, long‑range planning, and operational optimization. 25% Strategic Planning, Program Design & Operational Excellence Leads the development and enhancement of operational frameworks, forecasting models, and delivery methodologies that drive program excellence. Shapes program strategy by translating client needs and organizational goals into scalable solutions. Partners in proposal development, program design, and long‑term strategic initiatives that advance enterprise capabilities. Drives the evolution of MSAs, SOWs, and operational standards to support sustainable growth. 25% Cross‑Functional Alignment, Client Partnership & Business Growth Acts as a senior strategic partner to Sales, Client Services, and operational support teams, ensuring unified execution and future‑ready program design. Cultivates high‑trust client relationships through insights, collaboration, and operational leadership. Drives growth by leading renewal costings, proposal strategy, and operational readiness for new business. Facilitates strategic alignment across departments, strengthens communication channels, and ensures organizational priorities translate into client and business value. What You’ll Bring Bachelor degree or equivalent experience required. Minimum 5 - 7 years of experience in Meeting, Events and/or Incentive Travel pre‑sale and/or post‑sale activities required. At least 3 - 5 years of proven supervisory and/or leadership experience required. Strong financial acumen, including budget governance, forecasting, cost modeling, and data‑driven decision‑making. Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills, with experience partnering closely with clients, Sales, and cross‑functional teams. Demonstrated expertise in workforce planning, staffing optimization, and building high‑performing teams. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into scalable operational frameworks and long‑term initiatives. High degree of adaptability and sound judgment, with the capability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced, client‑driven environment. Ability to lead change and foster continuous improvement, including process optimization and productivity enhancement. Cvent experience required. Things You Should Know This role is required to co‑locate on client’s campus in East Hanover, NJ two days per week (Tuesdays & Thursdays). The total compensation range for this position is $100,000 - 150,000, determined based on experience and qualifications. Compensation for internal candidates will be reviewed in accordance with our internal compensation practices DISCLAIMER: This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by associates within this classification. It is not designed to confirm or be interpreted as a comprehensive summary of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Maritz offers a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, paid parental leave, 401k, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, year end holiday closure, and more! View all details at: Maritz will only employ applicants who have authorization to work permanently in the U.S. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Those who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future are not eligible for hire. No calls or agencies please. Maritz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io or by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Engagement Solutions by Maritz