Job Summary The GDS Meetings and Events Program Manager is a highly responsible role who will oversee Meetings and Events related spend and support M&E; program activities across GDS locations globally. The role will act as a key day-to-day point of contact for GDS stakeholders on program management, operational requirements, reporting, supplier performance, and process improvement initiatives supporting the Global M&E; program.

The role will work closely with Meetings & Events colleagues, suppliers, internal business stakeholders, procurement, finance and other enabling teams to promote M&E; policies, guidelines and procedures, drive compliance, improve stakeholder experience and support cost-saving opportunities.

The successful candidate will be expected to operate independently, influence stakeholders across levels and geographies, and contribute to the broader purpose and objectives of EYs Travel, Meetings & Events program.

Key responsibilities Program management and stakeholder partnership

- Be the primary point of contact for GDS stakeholders on M&E; program management, operational queries, reporting requirements and policy guidance.
- Support senior stakeholders across GDS locations and provide guidance on Meetings & Events related matters, ensuring alignment with global program objectives.
- Promote the values, objectives and strategy of the Meetings & Events program and broader procurement function in all stakeholder interactions.
- Influence change and support the implementation of the Global M&E; strategy across relevant GDS locations and business groups.

Event operations, sourcing and supplier management

- Oversee and support venue sourcing, event planning and supplier engagement for GDS meetings and events, ensuring solutions are aligned to stakeholder requirements and business needs.
- Be the escalation point for supplier-related matters and help maintain solid supplier relationships through performance monitoring, policy alignment and contractual delivery.
- Support M&E; related RFPs, vendor onboarding, supplier renewals and other procurement activities as required.

Policy, compliance and governance

- Promote and support compliance with EYs Meetings & Events policies, Supply Chain Services policy, corporate meetings policy,



procurement policy and related procedures.
- Ensure compliance with EY standardised meeting contracts, addendums, framework agreements and relevant internal processes.
- Review business compliance with the overall M&E; program, including BRIDGE, Independence, Finance and Procurement processes.
- Influence policy and standards relating to M&E; spend, including venue, meals, agencies and related event categories.
- Support adoption of viable process solutions aligned with global standards, including process governance and operational controls.

Financial management, reporting and performance

- Help prepare initial and final event or meeting budgets and support cost management throughout the event lifecycle.
- Drive cost efficiencies and supplier negotiations, ensuring value-add opportunities are reviewed and exhausted where applicable.
- Review data reporting, identify cost-saving opportunities and present relevant insights to stakeholders.
- Manage and report key performance indicators to monitor program effectiveness, supplier performance and operational efficiency

Process improvement and global alignment

- Lead and support GDS M&E; projects, including expansion of the M&E; catalogue across GDS locations and harmonisation of processes with global teams
- Identify and recommend best practices by networking with Travel Management Company colleagues, venue sourcing teams, suppliers and industry peers.
- Contribute ideas and best practices to improve M&E; processes, stakeholder experience and program efficiency.
- Support use of relevant M&E; tools and intake channels, including Cvent and other internal systems, to ensure event requests are accurately assigned and managed.

Teaming and leadership

- Work closely with direct reports, M&E; support personnel and extended support teams to deliver consistent program outcomes.
- Provide guidance to meeting requestors,



meeting planners, third-party providers and internal stakeholders on program requirements and event execution
- Demonstrate solid communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills when working with senior leaders, suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Supervision responsibilities This role will have responsibility for M&E; support personnel and will work closely with the extended M&E; support team to support program delivery across GDS locations.

Skills and attributes for success

- The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator, self-motivated, detail-oriented and results-driven, with the ability to work independently and engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
- The candidate should demonstrate strong organisational skills, the ability to prioritise effectively, commercial awareness, attention to detail, calmness under pressure and a passion for delivering high-quality event and program outcomes
- The role requires strong stakeholder management, supplier management, analytical thinking, process improvement orientation and the ability to support change across a complex, global and cross-cultural environment.

Education

- Fluent written and spoken English language skills are required
- A degree in Business, Hospitality, Travel, Procurement or a related discipline is preferred but not mandatory.

- Additional Asian language skills may be beneficial for broader regional stakeholder engagement, although they are not mandatory.

Experience

- Minimum 58 years of relevant corporate experience managing Meetings & Events programs or working in a senior role in the travel, hospitality, meeting planning, venue sourcing, destination management or travel management industry.

- Experience managing large, complex events or M&E; programs in a multinational, service-focused or cross-cultural environment is highly beneficial.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, is required.
- Experience with Cvent, meeting intake tools, data reporting, Power BI, Power Platform, Ariba or related procurement and event technology platforms will be an added advantage.

Location - Bengaluru, KA, IN, 560048

📌 GDS Meetings and Events - M and E Program Manager (Bengaluru)
🏢 EY
📍 Bengaluru