GDS Meetings and Events - Sourcing Specialist

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GDS Meetings & Events Sourcing Manager     The Opportunity   The GDS Meetings & Events (M&E) Sourcing Manager will be responsible for the strategic sourcing, contracting and supplier management of hotels, venues, destination management companies (DMCs), event agencies, production houses, transportation providers and other event-related suppliers supporting EY meetings and events globally.   This role will serve as the subject matter expert for venue and event sourcing, providing commercial guidance and market intelligence to stakeholders while driving value, compliance, cost optimisation and service excellence. The successful candidate will possess strong hospitality industry knowledge, a deep understanding of hotel operations and contracting terminology, and the ability to negotiate complex event agreements across multiple markets. The role will work closely with internal stakeholders, procurement teams, meeting planners and suppliers to deliver sourcing solutions that align with EY's Meetings & Events strategy and policies.     Key Responsibilities   Strategic Venue & Supplier Sourcing

Lead venue sourcing activities for meetings, conferences, leadership events, training programmes, offsites and client-facing events. Analyse event requirements and develop sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, budget and attendee experience expectations. Source and evaluate hotels, convention centres, resorts, event venues, destination management companies (DMCs), event agencies and other event suppliers. Conduct market research and benchmark venue rates, supplier capabilities and industry trends to support decision-making. Provide venue recommendations based on location suitability, contractual terms, operational feasibility, attendee experience and commercial value.

Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management

Lead RFP, RFQ and proposal evaluation processes for hotels, venues and event suppliers. Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, concessions and contractual protections to maximise value and mitigate risk. Ensure all supplier agreements comply with EY procurement policies, legal requirements and standard contract templates. Drive savings initiatives through strategic sourcing, preferred supplier utilisation and volume-based negotiations. Support supplier renewals and contract reviews while maintaining a strong supplier governance framework.

Hospitality & Industry Expertise

Serve as the M&E team's subject matter expert on hotel operations, venue management and hospitality contracting. Demonstrate strong knowledge of hotel industry terminology including:

Guest room blocks and pickup analysis Attrition and cancellation clauses Food & Beverage minimum commitments Meeting room rental structures Complimentary ratios and concession strategies Revenue displacement and peak period pricing Force majeure and risk mitigation clauses Commission and non-commission models, and negotiated rate structures

Advise stakeholders on hotel operational considerations that impact cost, attendee experience and event success. Maintain knowledge of regional and global hospitality market trends, supplier capabilities and emerging venue solutions.

Stakeholder Management

Partner with meeting sponsors, event planners and business stakeholders to understand sourcing requirements and event objectives. Provide sourcing guidance and recommendations throughout the meeting and event lifecycle. Act as the primary escalation point for venue and supplier-related issues during sourcing and contracting phases. Build strong