Operations Manager | Full-Time | Iowa Events Center

Des Moines, IA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Salary

Range $44,000.00 - $47,000.00

Work Schedule

Day Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) savings plan

401(k) matching

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Oak View Group (OVG) is a global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, specializing in venue development and comprehensive operational capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, OVG manages a portfolio of seven world-class owned venues and collaborates with iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions across four continents. The company's innovative approach strategically enhances the live entertainment experience by providing end-to-end venue solutions that combine operational excellence with a commitment to community and sustainability.

OVG fosters an inclusive work environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly valued, believing these principles drive innovation, strengthen their people, improve service, and elevate excellence. The company is committed to offering equal employment opportunities without discrimination on any legally protected basis, reflecting its dedication to creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities it serves.

The role of Operations Manager at the Iowa Events Center is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing all services and operational activities across arena and convention spaces. This includes direct supervision of full-time and part-time hourly employees in areas such as housekeeping, room setups, show care, and event conversions. The Operations Manager plays a vital role in maintaining a high level of operational efficiency, safety, and service quality in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

This full-time position offers an annual salary ranging from $44,000 to $47,000 and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with matching, and paid time off that includes vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays. The position remains open until September 11, 2026, inviting qualified candidates to join a forward-thinking company known for its leadership in the live entertainment industry.

The Operations Manager will have broad responsibilities, from planning and coordinating work plans for facility operations to ensuring appropriate staffing and equipment needs for events. This role requires effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders including event managers, food services, IT, engineering, and external vendors. The manager will enforce health and safety standards in compliance with local, state, federal, and OSHA regulations, foster a positive work environment, and oversee training and professional development of staff and temporary workers.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, proven experience in event operations or facility management within arenas or convention centers, and a comprehensive understanding of labor management, budgeting, and union relations. They will be responsible for managing labor costs, interviewing and hiring building attendants, enforcing discipline, and maintaining strong professional relationships both inside and outside the company. This role demands excellent organizational skills and the ability to adapt to an event-driven, variable schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays.

By joining Oak View Group, the Operations Manager becomes part of a global team that is dedicated to positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry through innovative solutions and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor’s Degree in facility management, event management, or related field
experience will be considered in lieu of education
3-5 years of experience in an operations/facility position in an arena, convention center, public facility or similar environment
knowledge of setup/housekeeping and event coordination
Proficient computer skills in a Windows format
Experience with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, internet-based programs, and basic typing skills preferred
Ability to effectively be available via a company-provided cell phone, email, text
Ability to effectively lead a large team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Knowledge of OSHA and other local/state/federal safety standards/requirements
Forklift certification or ability to acquire within 90 days of employment
Possess superior interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, professionally in-person and in-writing
Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and with a team
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to work an event-driven schedule, including shifts of 8 hours or more on varying days, nights, weekends and holidays

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor's Degree in facility management, event management, or related field
experience will be considered in lieu of education
3-5 years of experience in an operations/facility position in an arena, convention center, public facility or similar environment
knowledge of setup/housekeeping and event coordination
Proficient computer skills in a Windows format
Experience with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, internet-based programs, and basic typing skills preferred
Ability to effectively be available via a company-provided cell phone, email, text
Ability to effectively lead a large team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Knowledge of OSHA and other local/state/federal safety standards/requirements
Forklift certification or ability to acquire within 90 days of employment
Possess superior interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, professionally in-person and in-writing
Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and with a team
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to work an event-driven schedule, including shifts of 8 hours or more on varying days, nights, weekends and holidays

Job Duties

Management in areas of planning, coordinating and review of work plans for facility operations
Review, interpret and communicate with other management staff on complex event documents to forecast staffing and equipment needs for all arena and convention events
Responsible for the coordination and communication of a complex department schedule to ensure proper facility coverage, monitoring labor costs
Oversee and monitor changeover and housekeeping crews, providing team support
Maintain a healthy and safe work environment in accordance with company, local, state, federal and OSHA regulations/laws
Report unsafe working conditions, injuries, employee concerns, or escalated situations to management
Represent the company with temporary agencies, contractors, and vendors in a professional manner
Communicate with temporary agencies on staffing
schedule and monitor on-site labor
Interview applicants for part-time Building Attendant, independently make hiring decisions and onboard
Coach, evaluate, mentor employees to correct deficiencies
present/discuss discipline procedures timely
Partner with Operations leaders and Human Resources as needed
Suspend employees, recommend employees for termination, and deliver termination as required
Manage DNR (Do Not Return) situations with temporary staff members and agency as required
Provide and oversee training for all Operations employees and temporary workers
Responsible for understanding, comply with, and supervise employees within parameters of any Collective Bargaining Agreement
Maintain positive, professional relations with any Union representatives
Coordinate/lead staff training and safety programs
Maintains departmental equipment, notifying management when repairs are needed
Ensure staff is working safely, monitoring any approved restrictions/reasonable accommodations
Participate in the development and administration of the Operations budget
forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies
monitor and approve expenditures
and implement adjustments as necessary within assigned responsibilities. Provide recommendations/improvements
Coordinate/collaborate on events with Event Managers, Food Services, A/V, I.T., Engineering, etc.
Maintain superior interpersonal relations with vendors, contractors, employees, management and temporary employees
Work on-site, maintain excellent attendance, and contribute to a safe and healthy work environment