Director of Operations Live Events & Production

Director of Operations - Live Events & Production Confidential Worcester, MA Job Details Full-time $125,000 - $160,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Fuel card Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Flexible schedule Qualifications Term negotiation Teamwork Operations management Customer service Team leadership Workplace dispute resolution Employee relationship building Team development Organizational skills Leading team collaboration initiatives Productivity software Project leadership Team building

Full Job Description Job Title:

Director of Operations Position Overview The Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership, alignment, accountability, and execution of all operational functions across the organization. This individual serves as the bridge between sales, account management, warehouse operations, labor coordination, and on-site execution while preserving and strengthening the company's relationship-driven culture. The Director of Operations is not only responsible for ensuring successful event execution, but also for developing operational systems, accountability standards, communication structures, staffing strategies, and leadership development initiatives that create long-term organizational stability and consistency. This role requires a calm, decisive, and highly organized leader capable of operating effectively in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments while maintaining professionalism, empathy, and operational excellence. Organizational Status The Director of Operations reports directly to the Vice President. Operational Leadership Responsibilities Responsible for the overall oversight of all event operations and operational execution. Acts as the primary liaison between operations, warehouse, sales, account management, labor partners, and executive leadership. Establish and maintain operational accountability standards across all departments involved in event execution. Develop and implement operational systems and processes that improve communication, execution readiness, staffing consistency, and organizational efficiency. Responsible for operational preplanning standards and ensuring all events are execution-ready prior to move-in. Create and enforce operational policies, procedures, and communication expectations. Lead and develop operational managers, supervisors, foremen, and support staff while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, empathy, and teamwork. Mentor and develop future operational leaders within the organization. Conduct annual performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and leadership development. Collaborate with executive leadership on long-term operational strategy, organizational structure, staffing models, and growth initiatives. Identify operational inefficiencies and proactively implement solutions. Maintain alignment between operational capabilities and company growth objectives. Preserve and strengthen the company's relationship-driven culture while improving operational performance and consistency. Serve as a calm and decisive leader during high-pressure operational situations. Operational Responsibilities Responsible for reviewing, editing, and signing labor agreements. Acts as the company liaison to labor sources and subcontractors. Stay current on all labor agreements, rules, and regulations and communicate them to appropriate staff. Advise and manage operations managers, operations supervisors, foremen, and staff for each event and day-to-day operations. Review and collaborate as necessary on the layout and procurement of operational needs. Keep travel staff current on all expenses, per diems, and travel arrangements. Maintain proficiency in freight documentation, bills of lading, material handling agreements, accident forms, receiving reports, and operational paperwork while ensuring proper staff training. Forecast employment needs and assist in developing job descriptions and hiring strategies aligned with operational growth. Work with the President on developing long-term operational strategies to meet company goals. Provide feedback and constructive solutions to Warehouse Manager(s) on production inefficiencies encountered during operations. Develop and execute operational growth directives. Travel required up to 20% of time. Financial Acumen & Responsibilities Oversee labor planning, labor calls, staffing levels, and adherence to operational budgets. Create and/or review operational purchases as needed. Oversee shipping logistics and associated costs to and from show sites. Collaborate with executive leadership and Warehouse Manager(s) on purchases and operational improvements. Assist in identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce avoidable costs, and improve profitability through stronger planning and execution. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required Excellent leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills. Strong sense of empathy and professionalism toward co-workers, customers, labor partners, and vendors. High level of emotional intelligence and ability to remain calm under pressure. Proven ability to lead operational teams in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments. Strong organizational skills and operational discipline. Excellent communication and conflict-resolution abilities. Ability to establish accountability while maintaining strong working relationships. Independent thinker with the ability to manage time and priorities effectively with limited oversight. Strong customer-service mindset with a relationship-driven approach. Ability to solve problems quickly and decisively in high-pressure operational environments. Excellent negotiation skills. Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively on a daily basis. Strong understanding that successful event execution requires collaboration across all departments. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and operational systems. Working holidays, nights, and weekends are a mandatory condition of employment. Preferred Background & Experience Experience in live events, event production, convention services, logistics, hospitality operations, or related operational industries. Experience managing labor, subcontractors, union environments, and large operational teams. Demonstrated success leading operational improvement initiatives. Proven ability to build structure and consistency without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. Experience balancing operational excellence with high-touch customer service. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance. Car allowance. Company-paid cell phone. Fuel card. Paid time off progression beginning at two weeks in year one with progression opportunities.

Pay:

$125,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Describe your experience managing operations within the event production, experiential marketing, convention services, or a similarly project-based field.

Work Location:

In person