EY is seeking a dynamic Assistant Director to lead strategic sourcing for Meetings & Events across GDS. This role offers the opportunity to shape a unique career within a global, inclusive culture, leveraging EY's scale and technology. Join us to build an exceptional experience for yourself and contribute to a better working world.

As the primary sourcing leader for M&E services, including hotels, venues, and event management agencies, you will drive sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, and market intelligence. You'll collaborate closely with the Meetings & Events Program Manager to achieve broader program objectives. The ideal candidate possesses deep hospitality and procurement expertise, coupled with strong leadership to optimize costs, enhance supplier partnerships, and deliver value-aligned solutions.

Key responsibilities include leading the GDS Meetings & Events sourcing function, developing strategic sourcing plans, and providing direction to sourcing specialists. You will oversee commercial reviews, lead negotiations for complex engagements, and drive competitive bidding processes (RFPs, RFQs). Maintaining comprehensive knowledge of hospitality and event industry trends, conducting market research, and developing supplier intelligence are crucial. You will also build strategic supplier relationships, act as an escalation point for disputes, and lead supplier governance reviews.

Ensuring compliance with EY policies and procurement standards, while promoting approved sourcing processes, is essential. You will collaborate with stakeholders to provide strategic sourcing guidance and manage escalations. Additionally, leading, coaching, and developing the Meetings & Events Sourcing Specialists, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and reviewing sourcing activities through meaningful reporting and analytics are key duties.

We are looking for a commercially minded sourcing professional with extensive expertise in hospitality industry sourcing and a proven track record in negotiating complex event agreements. Essential skills include deep market knowledge, strong supplier relationship management, and strategic thinking capabilities. Candidates should possess 10+ years of experience in venue sourcing, hospitality procurement, or strategic sourcing, with at least 5 years of team management experience. A Graduate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Strong experience in negotiating hotel contracts and managing large-scale venue sourcing projects is required, alongside demonstrated knowledge of meetings and events operations and procurement practices. The ability to drive cost optimization, manage budgets effectively, and make data-driven sourcing decisions is paramount. Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills across all organizational levels are necessary. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities with meticulous attention to detail are also expected.