Operations Manager | Full Time | Iowa Events Center

Des Moines, IA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $44,000.00 - $47,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K Savings Plan

401K Matching

Paid Time Off

vacation days

Job Description

Oak View Group (OVG) is a global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, OVG serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions across four continents. Known for its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and inclusivity, Oak View Group strives to create memorable and seamless experiences in the live entertainment industry. The Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the prominent venues managed by OVG, offering versatile arena and convention spaces for a wide range of events including concerts, sports, conventions, and exhibitions.

The Operations Manager role at Iowa Events Center is a full-time, regular position responsible for overseeing all services and activities involved in the operations of the arena and convention spaces. This leadership position provides direct supervision to both full-time and part-time hourly employees within the Operations Department, specifically focusing on housekeeping, room setups, show care, and space conversions. The role requires effective management of staffing schedules, labor costs, safety compliance, equipment maintenance, and interdepartmental collaboration to ensure smooth event execution and facility operations. The salary range for this position is $44,000 - $47,000 annually, reflecting the responsibilities and expectations for a manager capable of excelling in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

This position involves comprehensive duties that include planning, coordinating, and reviewing facility work plans, interpreting complex event requirements to forecast needs, managing teams responsible for changeovers and housekeeping, and maintaining a safe work environment complying with OSHA and other regulations. The Operations Manager also handles employee hiring, training, coaching, mentoring, and disciplinary processes, as well as interacting professionally with vendors, contractors, temporary staffing agencies, and union representatives. Budget management, event coordination with other departments such as Food Services, Audio/Visual, IT, and Engineering, and maintaining excellent attendance and safety standards are key aspects of this role. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, knowledge of safety standards, and the capacity to work an event-driven schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. Oak View Group is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce drives innovation and excellence in the live entertainment industry.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor’s degree in facility management, event management, or related field preferred but experience will be considered
3-5 years of experience in operations or facility management in arenas, convention centers, or public facilities
Proficient computer skills, including Windows, MS Word, Excel, Outlook
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both in writing and verbally
Ability to lead a large team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Knowledge of OSHA and other safety standards
Forklift certification or ability to acquire within 90 days
Ability to work event-driven schedules including nights, weekends and holidays
Excellent organizational skills
Self-motivated with ability to work independently and with a team
Ability to be available via company-provided cell phone, email and text

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
Bachelor’s degree in facility management, event management or related field preferred
3-5 years of experience in operations or facility management in arenas, convention centers, or similar environments
Computer proficiency in Windows environment including MS Word, Excel, Outlook
Strong leadership and team management skills
Knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations
Forklift certification or ability to obtain
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to manage complex scheduling and labor costs
Ability to train and mentor staff
Ability to work varied event-driven hours including weekends and holidays
Self-motivated and organized

Job Duties

Manage planning, coordinating and review of work plans for facility operations
Review, interpret and communicate complex event documents to forecast staffing and equipment needs
Coordinate and communicate department schedules to ensure facilities coverage and labor cost monitoring
Oversee changeover and housekeeping crews providing team support
Maintain compliance with OSHA and other safety regulations
Report unsafe conditions, injuries, and employee concerns promptly
Represent the company in dealings with temporary agencies, contractors, and vendors
Interview, hire and onboard part-time building attendants independently
Coach, evaluate and mentor employees, handle disciplinary actions
Collaborate with Human Resources and Operations leaders
Manage suspensions, terminations and Do Not Return (DNR) situations with temporary staff
Provide training and oversee safety programs for employees and temporary workers
Comply with Collective Bargaining Agreements and maintain relations with union representatives
Maintain and report on departmental equipment status
Ensure staff work safely respecting restrictions and accommodations
Participate in budget administration including staffing and supply forecasts
Coordinate and collaborate on events with Event Managers and ancillary departments
Maintain positive relations with vendors, contractors, management and temporary employees
Work on-site, maintain excellent attendance and contribute to a safe work environment