Partner Relations and Performance Solutions Specialist

Position Summary: This role supports the development and management of a global supplier network across Creative Group’s ecosystem. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate partner data, facilitating meaningful engagement opportunities, and assisting with strategic initiatives that strengthen partner relationships and drive business value. This position also provides customer service for performance solutions programs. The specialist is responsible for providing exceptional customer service support to program participants and contributing to the overall success of the participant experience. This role works closely with Performance Solutions program management and technology partners to launch and support client initiatives and programs. This position is hybrid with 2 days in our Schaumburg, IL or Appleton, WI office and remote the rest of the week. Essential Functions: Partner Database and Reporting Manage and maintain a centralized database of supplier partners in database or CRM platforms, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and accessibility of information Monitor and update partner profiles, including key contacts, services, geographic coverage, and specialties Generate and analyze reports on partner activity, engagement, and performance to support sourcing and strategic decision-making Maintain updates related to Global Sales Offices (GSOs) and National Sales Offices (NSOs) within Cvent or other sourcing tools Partner Engagement and Communications Manage the Partner Relations inbox, ensuring timely, professional responses to partner inquiries and requests Identify, vet, and distribute partner engagement opportunities across internal teams and outcomes of partner engagement initiatives and maintain related documentation Maintain and update a database of current partner promotions, offers, and value-added opportunities for internal visibility Curate and share partner news, updates, and highlights through internal communication platforms Industry and Event Coordination Maintain and manage the industry engagement calendar, including trade shows, conferences, and partner events and track participation. Coordinate logistics and internal alignment for key industry events, including IMEX, in partnership with the Director of Partner Relations Support sponsorship execution, including coordinating partner communications and on-site coordination Coordinate partner-facing webinars, office visits, and engagement experiences Content, Insights, and Strategic Support Gather and synthesize partner insights, market trends, and industry updates to inform internal teams and enhance sourcing strategies Support the development and maintenance of partner presentations, including sponsorship materials and annual partner review decks Contribute to the continuous improvement of partner programs, processes, and engagement strategies Operational and Cross-Functional Support Manage annual holiday gift raffles Manage Creative Group’s hotel points accounts and redemptions Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on partner communications, engagements, and opportunities Assist with staff uniform requests, manages inventory Contribute to special projects and perform additional duties as assigned Performance Solutions Attendee Support Provide professional service to clients and partners via telephone and email correspondence. Interacts directly with attendees on program related inquires contributing to the overall positive attendee experience Collect, gather and validate all reported program defects to Performance Solutions program management/technology partner. Log all customer reported issues into a tracking system. Manage all open issues and report any technical or business related defects to management for review. Manage order uploads as applicable for transactional partners and maintain detailed records of each order for easy reconciliation; validate upload. Manages program database to maintain data integrity Produces and maintains reports as needed, with an understanding of how this data affects the program integrity Collaborates closely with Performance Solutions program management and other internal team members to ensure data is continually aligned with program needs Assist with creating client and internal employee training materials. Manage partnerships with retailers in our catalogs and provide recommendations to clients regarding best merchandise to include in catalog. Maintain catalogs in all open programs. May be responsible for invoicing and reconciliation for catalog and transactional programs. Process gift card orders for internal and customer orders Provide support when needed for sales team. Minimum Requirements/Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required Minimum of 2 years previous experience in a service industry; event experience is preferred Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and Internet Browsers a must Intermediate skills with salesforce or other CRM systems is a plus. Benefits Onboard In addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits Direct Travel offers an employee rewards and recognitions program, Total Rewards Package which includes Wellness, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support. Our Brand Voyage: About Direct Travel and Creative Group A subsidiary of Direct Travel, Creative Group designs global programs and experiences that reward excellence and inspire people to reach their full potential – we call it Thrivability. Creative Group is a full-service performance improvement company specializing in meetings and events, group incentive travel, employee engagement and recognition, sales incentives and channel loyalty programs. Creative Group serves a client roster of Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries. Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings. The company is led by CEO Christal Bemont and Executive Chairman Steve Singh, noted business investor and founder of Concur. Direct Travel has offices in over 80 locations and is currently ranked among the top providers of travel on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com . Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer If you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel. #LI-Hybrid