What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at City Museum?
Operations Manager
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time / Exempt
Schedule: Varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Reports To: Director of Operations
The Role
City Museum is whimsy, wonder, and experiential play at its finest — and someone has to make sure it runs like a well-oiled, weirdly wonderful machine. That someone is you.
As Operations Manager, you'll work alongside the Director of Operations to keep the full spectrum of park departments humming: directly overseeing Ride and Slide Operations, Parking, Guest Entry, and Housekeeping. and indirectly supporting Admissions, Security, and Risk Management/First Aid/Safety. You're the connective tissue between big-picture vision and day-to-day reality — equal parts strategist, problem-solver, and culture-keeper.
What You'll Do
- Shape the operation. Partner with the Director of Operations and other leaders to develop and implement the policies and standards that keep every team in Operations running at its best.
- Build something worth coming to work for. Champion a culture that is safe, efficient, professional, respectful, and genuinely enjoyable — for staff and guests alike.
- Hold the bar high. Help maintain outstanding service and product standards across all museum operating departments, because "good enough" isn't the City Museum way.
- Get into the details of ride, slides, and facilities. Assist with training and execution of ride, slide, and facility maintenance procedures, best practices, and safety standards — the stuff that keeps the magic running safely.
- Be the eyes on the floor. Observe operational conditions throughout the museum and keep the Director of Operations informed and ahead of any emerging situations.
- Set the goals, then follow through. Establish clear objectives for department managers and track progress — because a goal without follow-through is just a wish.
- Be a student of the operation. Research, analyze, and monitor projects to ensure we're always adopting best practices and improving how we do things.
- Build bridges in the community. Maintain positive, productive relationships with community officials and business leaders who share our corner of St. Louis.
- Support the Duty Manager program. Help manage and develop the program that keeps daily operations running smoothly when you're not the one holding the clipboard.
- Other duties as assigned — and at City Museum, that line always delivers.
What You Bring
- At least 2 years of operations management experience. Theme park, high-volume museums, or attractions experience is a major plus
- A track record of getting things done — through motivation, smart delegation, and solid systems
- A sharp eye for process: you can look at how something works, spot the inefficiency, and propose a better way
- Exceptional organizational skills and a genuine passion for guest experience
- Strong leadership instincts and the ability to build and inspire a team
- Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills
- Solid computer proficiency — you're comfortable with the tools that keep operations organized
- Flexibility to work varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Willingness and ability to travel as needed
- A valid driver's license
The Physical Reality
This is an active, on-your-feet role in a very active, on-your-feet place. You should be prepared to:
- Stand, sit, or walk for extended periods throughout the day
- Work outdoors across all seasons (St. Louis will test you)
- Use full range of motion — reaching, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending — with manual dexterity and solid coordination
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 60 pounds
- Move loads up to 100 pounds with the assistance of a hand truck when needed
City Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We believe the best operations teams — like the best museums — are built from diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.