Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Job Purpose
The Director of Events & Brand Activation reports to the Group Vice President, Creative Services and Visual Brand, and is based out of Atlanta, Georgia. This role oversees the creation, planning and execution of world-class events to promote Smurfit Westrock as a global leader in sustainable packaging.
The director leads a team of event project managers and is responsible for developing the strategy and goals to support our business, commercial and marketing teams in the planning and execution of impactful events, including trade shows, conferences, and customer events, primarily in North America. This role requires a strong executive presence to bring strategy to life and partner closely with senior-level business, commercial and marketing leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Events & Experience
- Develop, lead, and implement an Events strategy that aligns with Smurfit Westrock’s business, commercial, and marketing objectives (primarily in North America), aiming to optimize outcomes and return on investment while maintaining consistency with the company's content strategy and visual brand identity.
- Partner with senior-level leaders to identify KPI’s to measure event success, provide event leads and continually improve event ROI.
- Analyze event data and provide reports to senior leaders using insights to improve future event planning and execution.
- Manage event budgets for cost efficiency, establish processes to define objectives and analyze needs, create performance scorecards to assess impact, and implement standardized operating procedures and policies for events.
- Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in events and experiential marketing, and incorporate them into our event strategies and tactics.
Brand Activation
- Partner with Creative Services to develop event assets that elevate brand awareness and distinguish us from competitors by overseeing the production and visual design of materials—including booth displays and components, brochures, websites, email campaigns, and social media.
- Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create integrated event campaign materials to target audiences, increasing event visibility and engagement.
- Foster relationships with key industry partners and vendors to enhance event experiences and broaden Smurfit Westrock’s presence and brand in the marketplace.
- Be a strategic partner with our Business, Commercial and Marketing teams and their designated agencies.
Team
- Lead a team of event managers in planning and executing a range of events, including conferences, trade shows and customer events.
- Communicate strategy, goals and expectations to team members, plan for team growth opportunities, monitor performance and provide timely feedback.
- Drive performance and growth through ongoing feedback, coaching and development.
- Facilitate open communication among team members and resolve any issues in a professional, and transparent manner.
- Recognize and celebrate team member excellence.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, or hospitality required.
- CMP or CTSM certification preferred.
- 15+ years of experience in corporate event planning and execution, with a track record of delivering successful events and experiences that drive business results.
- Proven leadership experience, with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams.
- Experience working in a B2B enterprise environment, with a deep understanding of the complex sales cycle and buying process.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with senior-level leaders, internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Proficient in event management software and relevant tools.
- Proficient in Microsoft programs including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint and Teams.
- Knowledge of Monday.com is a plus (or similar project management software such as Asana or Slack).
- Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software a plus (Salesforce).
- Ability to travel (~30-40%) and flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
