Lead Event Planning Specialist (Hybrid)

Work Flexibility: Hybrid The Lead Event Planning Specialist is responsible for planning and executing a wide range of high-impact meetings and events that align with divisional goals and budgets. The role owns end-to-end event management from strategy, budgeting and logistics to stakeholder engagement and post-event evaluation, delivering seamless, engaging experiences for audiences of 20 to 500 participants. This individual collaborates cross-functionally, manages vendors and multiple concurrent programs and ensures compliance with processes while driving continuous improvement in meeting planning practices. Additionally, the role serves as a liaison for major organizational events and enhances internal platforms to elevate the overall meetings and events experience. Essential duties & responsibilities: (detailed description) Execute meeting planning strategy and cadence in alignment with divisional goals and budget. Develop and manage all aspects for assigned divisional meetings. Meetings could range from 20 to 500 people and include leadership meetings, product launches, area meetings, council meetings, special events, etc. Coordinate all event details, which include but are not limited to: event budgeting, attendee communications, invitations, registration, air and ground travel, hotel accommodations, rooming list management, agenda development, food and beverage, audio visual, amenity selection, site inspections and selection, billing reconciliation, program evaluations and follow-up with minimal direction. Create program budgets, control documents and tracking information for every program. Complete all required documents and follow policies and procedures to ensure compliance and continuity of all programs. \ Define appropriate budget with financial partners and execute within that established budget. Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of all invoices. Collaborate across groups, divisions and business units for division meetings (i.e. national sales meeting, mid-year meetings, etc.) as instructed by leadership. Partner with stakeholders on their event planning needs and budgets, working with internal partners to execute. Deliver attendee experiences that generate high levels of engagement, in-person and/or virtually. Manage multiple meetings simultaneously that may be occurring at the same timeframe. Willingly support other team members in the execution of meetings, and pitch in where needed to support with pre-event tasks and assistance onsite. Manage vendors and external partners with clear communication and instructions to support event execution. Contribute to processes, systems and tools for effective meeting planning and evaluation across the division. Assist in event planning, execution, and facilitation, as needed, for all other Customer and Employee Engagement functions (Internal Meetings and Events, Employee Engagement, Customer Engagement) Evaluate attendee and stakeholder feedback to provide recommendations for future program enhancements or changes. Keep current with internal and external meeting trends to foster high attendee engagement and interaction. Medical liaison, planning and execution for cross-divisional meetings Manage additional strategic projects as assigned by manager Mentorship of admins supporting the DLT. Instruct on how to plan meetings of 20 or fewer for the DLT. What you need (required): Bachelor’s degree required 4+ years of experience in meeting, conference, or special event planning Proven experience managing multiple, concurrent meetings, including back-to-back programs Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50% Strong verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with Marketo, SharePoint 365, Zoom, Teams, or similar platforms preferred Preferred: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time management skills Experience negotiating contracts with hotels and external vendors Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, colleagues, and external partners United States of America Pay Ranges: USN: $69,500 - $110,900 USD Annual View the U.S. work location and transparency guide to find the pay range for your location. Travel Percentage: 50% Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. We offer innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. We are proud to be named one of the World’s Best Workplaces! For more information, visit: Work Flexibility Remote – Role allows you to work the majority to 100% of time from an alternate workplace. These roles could have travel expectations, and you must work within the country of the job requisition location. Field-based – You can expect to regularly work a majority to 100% of time at customer facilities and has a set territory or expectation to travel within a set boundary. Almost all sales roles would likely be qualified as field-based. Onsite – Role is 100% located at a Stryker facility. Some ad hoc flexibility may be available depending on role, level, and job requirements. Manufacturing roles and any role that requires physical presence at the office would qualify under this category. Hybrid – You can expect to regularly work in both an alternate workplace and a Stryker facility. Roles that are partially remote or co-located would qualify as hybrid, and the expectation to be onsite would be defined and agreed upon by your manager/supervisor.