Director Events Operations

Position Overview Autodesk is seeking a Director, Event Operations to lead the operational strategy, governance, and delivery model that powers Autodesk's most visible customer, partner, employee, and executive experiences. This role is responsible for establishing the operational foundation that enables Autodesk's strategic events portfolio to scale efficiently, execute consistently, and deliver exceptional experiences. Key Responsibilities Event Operations Strategy & Portfolio Leadership - Define and evolve Autodesk's event operations strategy, operating model, standards, and governance framework. - Establish scalable operational processes, playbooks, and delivery models. - Partner with program leads to translate business objectives into executable operational plans. - Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce duplication. Portfolio Planning, Governance & Program Delivery - Oversee operational planning and execution across the strategic event portfolio. - Establish program governance models, readiness reviews, decision frameworks, and escalation paths. - Ensure operational consistency across venue strategy, registration, housing, transportation, food and beverage, and production. - Drive continuous improvement through post-event reviews and benchmarking. Vendor Strategy, Procurement & Contract Management - Own the event operations vendor ecosystem, including agency partners, production vendors, and suppliers. - Lead vendor selection, RFP processes, contract negotiations, and supplier evaluations. - Partner with Procurement and Legal to negotiate commercial terms, concessions, and risk protections. Financial Stewardship & Budget Governance - Oversee operational budget planning, forecasting models, and financial reporting standards. - Ensure responsible stewardship of company resources and provide executive-level financial reporting. Risk Management, Safety & Operational Readiness - Establish operational risk management frameworks. - Lead contingency planning, crisis management preparation, and business continuity efforts. - Ensure operational readiness through structured reviews and compliance/safety testing. Team Leadership & Organizational Excellence - Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of event operations professionals. - Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Executive Partnership & Business Leadership - Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on operational strategy and risks. - Build strong cross-functional relationships across Marketing, Sales, Finance, IT, and Security. Qualifications & Experience - 10-15+ years leading large-scale event operations, experiential marketing operations, or enterprise program delivery. - Experience overseeing complex event portfolios including customer conferences, executive programs, and sales meetings. - Proven experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and driving financial accountability. - Deep expertise in venue strategy, supplier management, and large-scale event execution. - Demonstrated success managing complex vendor ecosystems and negotiating commercial agreements.