The Manager, Industry Events & Trade Shows leads the strategy, planning, execution, and measurement of a high impact segment of Cox Automotive's portfolio of industry events and trade shows. This role is responsible for maximizing the value of event investments by driving client engagement, lead generation, brand visibility, and market leadership.
Working closely with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders, the manager develops and executes event strategies that align with business objectives and deliver measurable results. Key responsibilities include sponsorship strategy and negotiation, vendor and partner management, budget oversight, event operations, project management, and post-event reporting and ROI analysis.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-oriented leader with strong relationship-building, analytical, and communication skills, capable of influencing stakeholders, driving operational excellence, and successfully managing multiple high-priority initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in trade shows, exhibit management, and the automotive industry is preferred.
What You'll Do
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and execute event strategies that align with organizational priorities, business objectives, and growth initiatives.
- Provide strategic recommendations on event investments, sponsorship opportunities, audience engagement, and activation approaches.
- Partner with business leaders and key stakeholders to align messaging, target audiences, and event objectives.
- Leverage data, industry insights, and performance metrics to guide sponsorship and industry event participation decisions.
Event Strategy and Execution:
- Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of industry events and trade shows to ensure successful delivery and measurable outcomes.
- Negotiate sponsorship agreements and manage relationships with event organizers, vendors, and external partners.
- Oversee all event logistics, production elements, registrations, and deliverables to ensure seamless attendee and client experience.
- Ensure alignment of event strategy, execution, and stakeholder expectations throughout the event lifecycle.
Operational Excellence:
- Manage event budgets, contracts, invoices, and financial reporting, ensuring effective stewardship of company resources.
- Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and execution plans to ensure events are delivered on time and within budget.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational best practices to enhance efficiency, scalability, and event effectiveness.
- Adapt processes and execution strategies to meet evolving business needs and organizational priorities.
Measurement and Insights:
- Develop and deliver post-event reporting, including performance analysis, ROI measurement, and actionable recommendations.
- Monitor event outcomes and key success metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and future investment decisions.
- Translate event data and insights into strategic recommendations that improve program performance and business impact.
Stakeholder and Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including sales, marketing, and product teams, to ensure alignment and successful event execution.
- Cultivate productive partnerships with industry associations, event organizers, publishers, agencies, and vendors.
- Influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive collaboration, accountability, and achievement of shared objectives.
- Lead through influence, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment across internal and external partners.
What's in It for You?
Here's a sneak peek at the benefits you could experience as a Cox employee:
- A competitive salary and top-notch bonus/incentive plans.
- Exceptional work-life balance, flexible time-off policies and accommodating work schedules.
- Comprehensive healthcare, with multiple options for individuals and families.
- Generous 401(k) retirement plans with company match.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Inclusive parental leave policies, plus comprehensive fertility coverage and adoption assistance.
- Extra perks like pet insurance, employee discounts and much more.
Who You Are
Minimum:
- Bachelor's degree in related discipline and 6 years of progressive experience in marketing, event management, trade shows, sponsorships, or related industries, with experience in trade show management. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 4 years' experience; a Ph.D. and 1 year of experience; or 10 years' experience in a related field.
- Demonstrated success operating in fast-paced, highly collaborative, and deadline-driven environments while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate, develop, and optimize processes that enhance operational efficiency and business outcomes.
- Customer-focused mindset with a strong understanding of audience needs and the ability to translate insights into impactful event strategies.
- Experience successfully navigating change and delivering results in dynamic, evolving organizational environments.
- Exceptional project management, organizational, and execution skills with strong attention to detail and a results-oriented approach.
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while managing complex initiatives and deadlines.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the role and meet business requirements in a professional and timely manner.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%, including occasional overnight and weekend travel in support of industry events and trade shows.
Preferred:
- Degree in Business, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field.
- Automotive industry experience.
Join the Cox family of businesses and make your mark today!
USD 92,300.00 - 153,900.00 per year
Compensation:
Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $92,300.00 - $153,900.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.
Benefits:
The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company's needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
EOE, including disability/vets
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and 6 years of progressive experience in marketing, event management, trade shows, sponsorships, or related industries, including trade show management
- Alternative qualification: master's degree and 4 years of experience, Ph.D. and 1 year of experience, or 10 years of related experience
- Experience managing multiple priorities in fast-paced, collaborative, deadline-driven environments
- Ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence stakeholders across organizational levels
- Strong business acumen and ability to optimize processes for operational efficiency and business outcomes
- Customer-focused mindset and ability to translate audience insights into event strategies
- Experience navigating organizational change and delivering results in dynamic environments
- Strong project management, organization, execution, and attention-to-detail skills
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills for complex initiatives and deadlines
- Ability to perform essential job functions and meet business requirements professionally and timely
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%, including occasional overnight and weekend travel
- Degree in Business, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field
- Automotive industry experience
Cox Enterprises Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Medical coverage is presented as robust, with multiple plan options, in‑network preventive care covered in full, and added programs for telehealth, mental health, and chronic conditions. Materials also highlight ongoing enhancements and vendor partnerships that broaden access and support.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-building benefits are emphasized, including paid parental leave, fertility support via specialized partners, adoption assistance, lactation resources, and childcare discounts. Feedback suggests these offerings help employees navigate key life stages with practical support.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs feature a company‑matched 401(k) alongside financial coaching tools and student‑debt assistance. Feedback suggests the retirement match and savings resources are viewed as meaningful components of total compensation.
Cox Enterprises Insights
What We Do
Cox Enterprises is a family-owned enterprise spanning 125+ years of innovation. Through our diverse network of businesses, our people are shaping the future with bold thinking, cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Across a range of industries — including automotive, agriculture, cleantech, journalism and more — we’re building a better future for this generation and the next. Make your mark at Cox!
Why Work With Us
Founded in 1898, Cox Enterprises is a community of kind, grounded individuals who work together to drive positive change across vital industries. At Cox, employees experience meaningful work, great benefits, work-life balance and a supportive team environment, plus ample opportunities for career growth across our family of businesses.
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