Director of Operations- Tradeshow and Event Industry

GES is a global leader in the tradeshow, event, and experiential marketing industry, providing comprehensive services that support the successful execution of tradeshows, live events, and exhibitions worldwide. With decades of experience, GES has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions that enhance event experiences, streamline operations, and ensure client satisfaction. The company prides itself on its dedication to excellence, safety, and sustainability, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that values its employees as essential contributors to its success.

The Director of Operations at GES plays a critical role in overseeing and optimizing all operational aspects of tradeshow and event execution to ensure seamless delivery from start to finish. This full-time position offers a competitive salary starting at $115,000, with potential additional earnings through bonuses, incentives, or commissions based on individual performance and company factors. The Director of Operations is responsible for managing labor planning, show-site execution, warehouse operations, freight coordination, installation and dismantle processes (I&D), safety compliance, and maintaining operational profitability.

In this leadership role, the Director will develop and implement operational standards, workflows, and best practices to drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on labor productivity, margin enhancement, and client satisfaction. They will oversee project timelines, coordinate labor schedules and transportation, and ensure installation deadlines are met without compromising on service quality. This role requires a proactive problem-solver who can rapidly address operational challenges while maintaining a high level of service excellence. Additionally, the Director will collaborate closely with Business Development and Client Service teams to ensure alignment between operational capabilities and client expectations. Partnerships with facilities, vendors, and service providers are also vital for mutual success and seamless event execution.

The role demands strong team management skills, including leading, mentoring, and developing operations staff, warehouse personnel, and field teams. Creating a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement is a key focus. The Director will develop staffing plans to ensure adequate coverage for trade shows and peak periods, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently.

From a financial perspective, the Director of Operations will monitor labor utilization, project costs, overtime, and profitability targets. They are expected to identify cost-saving opportunities that do not compromise on quality or service standards. Ensuring compliance with GES safety standards, Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, venue requirements, and union labor rules is a critical responsibility, alongside maintaining safe warehouse and show-site operations.

Candidates for this role typically hold a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent relevant experience in Operations Management, Event Management, or related fields. They bring 7 to 10-plus years of operational leadership experience specifically within the tradeshow, exhibit, experiential marketing, or live events industry. Experience managing union labor relationships and warehouse operations is essential, alongside a proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. Strong financial acumen and budget management skills complement excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred skills include experience working with union labor and convention centers, familiarity with lean operations or process improvement methodologies, and the flexibility to travel and work outside standard business hours including evenings and weekends during peak event periods.

GES offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees, including competitive salaries, 401K with company match, healthcare, vision, and dental insurance, wellness benefits, career development programs, employee assistance programs, vacation time, community involvement opportunities, and team activities. The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity.