Manager, Events (1-Year Maternity Leave Contract) at Retail Council of Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

31 Jul, 26

Salary

70000.0

Posted On

02 May, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Event planning, Content management, Team leadership, Budget management, Project management, Vendor coordination, Strategic planning, Marketing, Communication skills, Interpersonal skills, Microsoft Office Suite, Event management software, Financial acumen, Cost optimization, Contract negotiation

Industry

Industry Associations

Description

If you are interested in joining a dynamic and growing non-profit organization, Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is for you. We are an energetic and progressive trade association that’s moving fast and looking forward. Our commitment to our members and high-quality customer service are our top priorities. For more than 50 years, RCC has been the Voice of Retail, marked by leadership in exceptional member benefit programs, government advocacy, public affairs, education and training, and thought leadership. RCC is looking for a Manager, Events based in Toronto (GTA), reporting to the Vice President, Partnerships and Education. POSITION SUMMARY This is a full-time, 12-month contract role covering a maternity leave. The Manager, Events will oversee the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of RCC's conferences, events, webinars, and special programs. This role is pivotal in ensuring the success of our events - from content development and financial oversight to team leadership and vendor coordination. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for creating memorable experiences and leading high-performing teams, this is an excellent opportunity to make an impact within a collaborative and fast-paced environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Content Management: Lead the development and curation of event content, in collaboration with committees, speakers, and sponsors, ensuring alignment with RCC's strategic goals and member needs. Manage the creation and marketing of event-related content, including agendas, session descriptions, speaker prep calls, and post-event evaluations. Conduct research to identify trending topics and industry insights to incorporate into event programming. Facilitate rehearsals and provide support to speakers to ensure smooth delivery of presentations. Events Management: Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of RCC's conferences, events, webinars, and special programs. Develop and implement event logistics timelines and critical paths, ensuring all tasks are completed on time and within budget. Manage relationships with event suppliers, venues, and third-party vendors, including contract negotiations and onsite services (e.g., exhibit management, F&B, AV, IT, security, and staffing). Oversee the event evaluation process, preparing post-event analysis to identify areas for improvement and enhance future events. Drive innovation in event planning processes, marketing strategies, and attendee experiences. Budget Management: Develop and manage operational budgets for all RCC events, ensuring financial goals are met. Monitor and update budgets throughout the year, providing regular reports to the Vice President, Education & Partnerships. Negotiate with vendors and suppliers to optimize costs while maintaining high-quality standards. Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop the Events team, including the Coordinator, Events and any temporary staff or student interns. Assign roles and responsibilities, ensuring a balanced workload and effective collaboration within the team. Provide ongoing training and support to team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Manage temporary and onsite staff, ensuring they are well-prepared to support event execution. Collaboration & Strategic Support: Collaborate with senior management to support RCC's strategic plans and goals. Work closely with the Sponsorship team to ensure all sponsor and exhibitor requirements are met. Liaise with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all events. WHAT YOU BRING A post-secondary degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in event planning, content management, and team leadership. Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and cost optimization. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to lead and motivate a team. Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and event management software. A passion for creating exceptional event experiences and a commitment to continuous improvement. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for events. Experience in the retail industry or association environment is an asset. WHAT WE OFFER Hybrid work environment Opportunity to lead impactful national conferences, events, and educational programs Collaborative and supportive team culture Dynamic, fast-paced work environment with high visibility across the organization Opportunity to contribute to one of Canada’s leading national retail associations DEADLINE: Friday, May 22nd, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST We thank you for your interest in this job opportunity, however only candidates under consideration will be contacted. For information about RCC, visit our website at www.retailcouncil.org. Retail Council of Canada is an equal opportunity employer. It is the company’s policy to recruit and select applicants for employment solely on the basis of their qualifications, with emphasis on selecting the best-qualified person for the job. Retail Council of Canada does not discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, or disability, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, provincial or municipal law. Retail Council of Canada is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment practices. If you require an accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Responsibilities

The Manager, Events will oversee the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of conferences, webinars, and special programs. This role involves managing event content, budgets, vendor relationships, and leading the events team to ensure successful delivery.