Associate, Event Operations

WHAT MAKES US A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

We are proud to be consistently recognized as one of the world’s best places to work. We are currently the top ranked consulting firm on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work list and have earned the #1 overall spot a record seven times. Extraordinary teams are at the heart of our business strategy, but these don’t happen by chance. They require intentional focus on bringing together a broad set of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, perspectives, and skills in a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We hire people with exceptional talent and create an environment in which every individual can thrive professionally and personally.

Join our business operations team which keeps Bain in excellent shape, functionally, financially, and otherwise. We work on budgets, buildings, travel, and legal questions to channel resources and improve processes to help the business see and achieve its commercial ambitions.

The Associate, Business Operations & Events plays a key role on Bain’s Chicago Events team, supporting the planning and execution of in‑office and offsite events that bring our local community together. This position is responsible for a range of administrative and operational activities, including event coordination, management of the Chicago events calendar and budget, and close collaboration with internal partners and external vendors.

The role requires an understanding of Bain Chicago’s office culture and how events support it. Occasional local travel is required for site selection and on‑site event support. The Associate will report day‑to‑day to the Senior Manager, Business Operations & Events, and work closely with the Business Operations & Events Specialist, Chicago Office Services, and Executive and Management Assistants.

• Order catering for small‑medium events ensuring adequate food/beverages are present and in‑line with company policies and team protocols
• Build and maintain an approved list of local area vendors
• Manage small‑medium event communications, including invitations, reminders, and any event requirements including sending and analyzing post‑event feedback surveys, etc.
• Plan, execute, and support multiple events, in collaboration with supervisor, throughout the year, often times overlapping, applying event logistics knowledge, policies and practices effectively to a wide variety of business groups with differing needs
• Liaise regularly with key stakeholders; develop strong and productive working relationships; become known as a “go to” person for all areas of event planning for small in-office events
• Event preparation for small in-office events
  • Lead vendor selection and contract negotiation
  • Lead calls with key stakeholders to help assess event objectives and goals
  • Recommend “paths to success” based on event experience and best demonstrated practices
• On-site event management for small in-office events
  • Make decisions within purview, display sound judgement and know when to elevate issues
  • Delegate responsibilities and tasks based on event needs with EA’s, Chicago Office Services, and event volunteers
• Event wrap‑up for small in-office events
  • Debrief with Senior Manager, Business Operations & Events, key stakeholders and coordinate/analyze feedback identifying efficiency and performance gaps
  • Consolidate files for future reference
• Provide diversified administrative support with the Chicago events and office culture initiatives listed below (non-exhaustive)
  • Small through large scale events including office lunches and overnight company offsites
  • Office Strategy Pillar
  • Major Recruiting Events
  • Event Calendar
  • Event Newsletter
  • Office Connectivity Budget Management
• Events team SOP’s/BDP’s

This role follows a hybrid model, requiring in-office presence at least 3 days per week.

• BA/BS degree
• Minimum 1 year of experience in administrative support, event planning, or hospitality operations roles preferred
• Ability to be present in the Chicago office 3 days a week, plus onsite/in-office for events, with light nights and weekends as needed for events
• Strong interpersonal, written and…