What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at National Event Connection?
Operations Manager
National Event Connection
Ronkonkoma, NY | Full-Time
About National Event Connection
National Event Connection is a full-service event management, production, and fabrication company producing corporate events, brand activations, collegiate programming, social celebrations, and large-scale experiences throughout the Northeast and beyond. Our team handles everything from fabrication and logistics to entertainment, production, and on-site execution.
We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the overall production side of the company. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys leading teams, and understands how to keep large-scale event operations running efficiently.
Position Overview
The Operations Manager will oversee day-to-day production operations across National Event Connection. This individual will manage production staffing, scheduling, logistics, warehouse coordination, and event execution while serving as a key member of the leadership team.
This role requires strong operational leadership, communication skills, and hands-on event production experience. The ideal candidate understands both the strategic and executional sides of live events and can confidently lead teams in high-pressure environments.
This is a full-time, in-person position based in Ronkonkoma, NY with flexibility for evenings and weekends when event schedules require.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations & Production Leadership
- Lead the overall operational execution of NEC events and productions
- Maintain NEC’s standards and communicate its core values to all production staff
- Oversee event logistics, staffing coordination, scheduling, and deployment of resources
- Ensure events are properly staffed with the appropriate personnel and skill sets
- Manage operational timelines and maintain accountability across departments
- Monitor event execution standards and troubleshoot operational issues as they arise
- Support continuous improvement of workflows, systems, and operational processes
- Team Management
- Oversee the Warehouse Manager, production team members, event staff, and freelancers
- Conduct recurring one-on-one meetings with warehouse and production staff
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management
- Build and maintain a reliable freelance staffing network
- Foster a strong team culture centered around professionalism, accountability, and execution
- Warehouse & Logistics Oversight
- Ensure warehouse operations remain organized, efficient, and event-ready
- Coordinate inventory movement, equipment preparation, transportation, and load schedules with the warehouse manager and team
- Work closely with warehouse leadership to maintain operational readiness for all events
- Leadership & Communication
- Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to operational planning
- Collaborate with sales, creative, fabrication, and production departments to ensure seamless execution
- Maintain clear communication between internal teams and field staff
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience in the events industry
- Strong background in live event production, logistics, or operations management
- Experience managing teams, schedules, and large-scale operational workflows
- Ability to problem solve quickly in fast-paced environments
- Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends when necessary
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Valid driver's license
Preferred experience in:
- Audio/visual production services
- Brand activations and experiential marketing
- Creative services production
What We’re Looking For
- A proactive leader who takes ownership of operations
- Someone who can balance high-level oversight with hands-on execution
- Strong communicator who can lead teams calmly under pressure
- A team-first mentality with a passion for live events and production