[Hiring] Procurement Director, Production Operations @Emerald

Role Description

The Procurement Director, Production Operations is responsible for executing best in class procurement across Emerald’s diverse portfolio of live events within its operations team. This individual will drive significant value by delivering savings, implementing innovative sourcing and standardizing event vendor engagement. The Director will manage a substantial spend portfolio across common production categories, ensuring a balance of cost discipline, quality and operational excellence. This role requires a hands-on approach to building strong vendor partnerships and collaborating effectively across the operations team.

• Implement strategic sourcing initiatives across all event production related categories, including AV, logistics and many general services to achieve an annual cost savings target of 8-12%.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and negotiations to support a robust and competitive supplier base across multiple geographies.
• Establish and manage category strategies to optimize total cost of ownership and mitigate supply chain risks.

• Oversee relationships with major show production vendors along with show leaders and managing a portfolio of over 200 active suppliers.
• Lead contract negotiations and ensure compliance with all contractual obligations, including service level agreements and performance metrics.

• Champion the adoption and optimization of Emerald’s procurement technology stack, including our new Procure-to-Pay system.
• Utilize our technology partner to manage show-level contract workflows, ensuring proper routing, approvals, and compliance with corporate governance.
• Provide training and support to internal stakeholders on procurement policies, processes, and systems.

• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Business leaders to ensure contract visibility, budget alignment, and accurate invoicing.
• Analyze vendor spend data to identify trends, track key performance indicators, and recommend operational and financial improvements.
• Prepare and present quarterly business reviews to senior leadership on Operations’ procurement performance and initiatives.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive procurement or sourcing experience, ideally within events, Travel, media, or large multi-vendor and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong negotiation, vendor management, and contract governance expertise.
• Proven ability to collaborate across Finance, Legal, and Operations teams.
• Occasional travel is required.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Target Compensation: $125,000-175,000 (bonus eligible)
• Unlimited vacation for exempt employees
• Flexible working locations
• 401(k) plan with a company match
• Medical/dental/vision coverage with inclusive provisions including transgender services and fertility benefits
• Parental and caregiver leave
• Dependent, commuter and FSA benefits
• Professional development programs like Toastmasters
• Mental wellness tools