VP, Education, Shows and Events

JOB TITLE: VP, Education, Shows and Events

REPORTS TO: SVP, Brand Strategy and Development

LOCATION: Clearwater, Florida

OVERVIEW: The VP of Education will spearhead the strategic vision, development, and implementation of a comprehensive education strategy across all customer-facing touchpoints, including all major shows and events, internal events and field education. This role will drive innovation in educational programming, ensuring alignment with SalonCentric’s broader business objectives and market demand. The VP Education will work closely with the SVP of Zone Education, PPD to align with and execute the Zone Education strategy, priorities and KPIs . The VP of Education will cultivate high-level relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and key industry leaders to position SalonCentric as a leader in professional beauty education and events. This position requires a visionary leader capable of shaping the future of education within the professional beauty sector.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate a visionary brand-agnostic and brand immersive education strategy that not only supports sales and brand initiatives but also anticipates future industry trends and customer needs across all channels (in-salon, in store, digital). This includes comprehensive oversight of all educational programming, brand launches, promotions, activations, and major shows and events.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Education Team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This includes direct management of senior leadership within the team and strategic oversight of a broader team of educators and specialists who engage directly with brands, customers, sales teams, and marketing.
• Collaborate strategically with all Education Brand partners, as well as external industry experts, to design and implement cutting-edge, effective stylist/salon, esthetician, and nail technician training programs.
• Direct and optimize the overarching education strategy and planning processes, providing robust brand support and ensuring seamless communication of all critical information to key business partners, both internal and external, including strategic event planning and execution.
• Drive In Salon, In Store and Digital education KPIs through strategic partnerships with Channel leads providing all tools, resources and reporting needed to meet attendance and reach objectives.
• Serve as a key interface with information technology and digital marketing teams, championing the development of innovative resources and platforms for automating education support, enhancing the customer experience, and maximizing operational efficiency across all educational initiatives and events.
• Work closely with the finance department to meticulously manage the annual education department budget, drive strategic investments, and identify opportunities for continuous operational efficiency improvements as well as revenue streams within educational events and programming.
• Lead market analysis and competitive intelligence efforts, actively engaging with education and key opinion leaders to identify evolving customer needs, emerging trends, and territory growth opportunities, with a focus on both specific brand needs and overarching industry education.
• Ensure the timely delivery of executive-level reporting requests, including detailed sales, budget, and ad hoc reports to senior sales management and internal departments as needed, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
• Oversee all aspects of educational and industry shows and events, from concept development and budgeting to execution and post-event analysis, ensuring maximum impact and alignment with SalonCentric’s strategic objectives.
• Other duties as may be assigned by SVP, Brand Strategy and Development

Qualifications & Requirements

• At least 10+ years of progressive professional experience in the professional beauty industry, with a significant focus on marketing, education, and/or event management at a senior leadership level.
• A dynamic, inspiring, and motivating leader with a proven track record of building, developing, and leading high-performing teams to achieve ambitious goals.
• Exceptional ability to strategically prioritize, manage complex projects, and balance competing demands and priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and cultivate trusted relationships across all business functions, levels, and departments, facilitating cross-functional collaboration and achievement of shared strategic objectives.
• Superior interpersonal, communication, and executive-level presentation skills.
• Profound expertise in departmental budgeting, financial forecasting, and strategic reporting.
• High level of proficiency in MS Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and advanced working knowledge of CRM systems like Salesforce.com.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed, up to 30%.

Physical Demands

• Travel for shows, corporate or brand planning meetings, educational classes, and other special events is frequently required and may result in extensive overnight travel and/or weekends.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk on level surfaces for long periods, travel in a car and airplane, use hands and fingers to grasp, type, pick up, and manipulate items. On an infrequent basis, the employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Able to constantly operate a computer and other office equipment throughout the day.

What’s In It For You

• Competitive Benefit Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K)
• Hybrid Work Policy (3 Days in Office, 2 Days Work from Home)
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
• Learning & Development Opportunities for Career Progression (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

SalonCentric is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.