Event Operations Manager

Summary

The Manager, B&G - Event Operations, is responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of temporary setup, event setup, and event breakdown activities within the Buildings and Grounds department. Reporting to the Director, B&G - Event Operations, this position oversees setup logistics, temporary infrastructure deployment, labor coordination, equipment and material readiness, and onsite operational support to ensure events are delivered in a safe, timely, and compliant manner. The Manager collaborates with internal departments, contractors, vendors, volunteers, and venue partners to execute approved operational plans, maintain regulatory compliance, and support an efficient and consistent event setup process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited the following:

• Manage and oversee all temporary setup, event setup, and event breakdown activities for Buildings and Grounds event operations, ensuring execution aligns with approved timelines, operational requirements, and safety standards.
• Direct the planning, scheduling, and deployment of temporary labor, seasonal personnel, contractors, volunteers, and support teams assigned to setup and event operations.
• Coordinate the procurement, delivery, staging, distribution, and recovery of equipment, materials, supplies, and consumables required to support temporary event infrastructure and setup operations.
• Implement setup plans and operational procedures established by department leadership, ensuring event spaces, grounds, and support areas are prepared in accordance with approved layouts and service expectations.
• Monitor setup progress across assigned venues and grounds, identify operational issues, and take appropriate corrective action to maintain schedule adherence and readiness for event opening.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers supporting temporary event infrastructure, including tents, fencing, barricades, rentals, and other setup-related services.
• Conduct routine site inspections before, during, and after setup activities to verify readiness, equipment placement, compliance with operational standards, and adherence to applicable safety requirements.
• Support the permit and compliance process for temporary structures and setup-related activities, including coordination associated with tent permits and other required operational approvals.
• Collaborate with Exhibits and Attractions, Event Services, and other internal stakeholders to ensure setup execution is coordinated, properly resourced, and consistent with event operational needs.
• Track setup-related labor, contractor services, material usage, and expenditures, and assist with purchasing activities, vendor quotes, and cost control measures.
• Serve as the operational point of contact for setup-related issues during pre-event preparation and event execution, coordinating timely resolution with internal departments, venue personnel, and external partners.
• Works as Management Coordinator for assigned committees to include overseeing budgets and other aspects of the committee operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has supervisory responsibilities over full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employees.

Responsibilities include training employees, coordinating schedules, assigning daily work, monitoring performance, enforcing operational and safety standards, addressing employee concerns, and supporting problem resolution in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree from four-year College or university and two to four years of operational experience.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee may be required to sit, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

During the Show, the employee may be required to frequently walk to various places on the grounds. The employee may be required to lift and/or move 40 or more pounds. The employee may be on feet for up to ten hours during shift. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Extended work hours expected and required especially during peak periods. Employee may be on feet for up to 16 hours per day during set-up and the Show.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.