Assistant Director - GDS Meetings and Events

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Job Description: GDS Meetings & Events Sourcing Manager Job Title: Assistant Director – Sourcing – GDS Meetings & Events   The Opportunity The Manager – Sourcing – GDS Meetings & Events is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing function for Meetings & Events across GDS, providing oversight and direction to the sourcing team while ensuring best-in-class commercial outcomes, supplier performance and stakeholder satisfaction. This role serves as the primary sourcing leader for hotels, venues, event management agencies, destination management companies, audio-visual providers, production companies, and other M&E service providers. The individual will drive sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, market intelligence and governance while collaborating closely with the Meetings & Events Program Manager to support broader program objectives. The successful candidate will combine deep hospitality and procurement expertise with strong leadership capabilities to drive service excellence, optimize costs, strengthen supplier partnerships and deliver value-driven sourcing solutions that align with EY policies, risk requirements and Meetings & Events standards.   Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing Leadership

Lead and manage the Meetings & Events sourcing function across GDS. Develop sourcing strategies aligned with business requirements, stakeholder needs and program objectives. Provide oversight and direction to sourcing specialists on venue sourcing projects and supplier engagements. Establish sourcing best practices, governance standards and operational procedures. Partner with the Meetings & Events Program Manager to support strategic initiatives and operational priorities. Ensure sourcing activities align with global Meetings & Events program objectives and procurement requirements.

Commercial Review & Negotiations

Review and approve supplier proposals, quotations, contracts and commercial recommendations submitted by the sourcing team. Lead negotiations for strategic, high-value and complex sourcing engagements. Drive competitive bidding processes, RFPs, RFQs and supplier evaluations. Secure advantageous commercial terms, concessions, value-added benefits and contractual protections. Identify opportunities for cost avoidance, cost reduction and supplier consolidation. Support supplier renewals and strategic contract reviews while maximizing commercial value for the firm.

Market Intelligence & Industry Expertise

Maintain comprehensive knowledge of hospitality and event industry trends across key markets. Conduct ongoing market research covering: Hotels and resorts Convention centers and event venues Event management companies Destination management companies Audio Visual providers Production and creative agencies Transportation and logistics providers Benchmark market pricing, supplier capabilities and contracting practices. Develop and maintain supplier intelligence databases and preferred supplier resources. Provide strategic market insights and sourcing recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.

Supplier Relationship Management

Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and hospitality partners. Serve as the escalation point for supplier-related issues and commercial disputes. Lead supplier governance reviews and performance discussions. Monitor supplier service levels, contract compliance and stakeholder feedback. Drive supplier improvement plans where required. Support supplier onboarding, due diligence and risk management activities.

Program