Operations Manager, WCE

The IRONMAN Group is a globally renowned leader in mass participation sports, committed to inspiring individuals to reach their greatest potential through the power of sport. With a vision to build the most loved brands and produce the world's most inspiring events, the company delivers over 200 events annually across more than 55 countries. These events foster highly engaged communities that positively change lives, embodying the spirit of human achievement and pushing the boundaries of endurance and performance. By 2028, The IRONMAN Group aims to empower over a million athletes annually to cross finish lines worldwide and to inspire a billion people through the strength of the human spirit. The organization boasts a high-performance culture characterized by care, innovation, and a strong sense of community, where achievements—large and small—are celebrated. Joining The IRONMAN Group means becoming part of a global movement dedicated to creating moments that last a lifetime.

The role of Operations Manager – World Championship Events is pivotal within the World Championship team. This position is responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of operational planning, execution, and delivery of the prestigious IRONMAN World Championship events and associated side events. Acting as the primary liaison between the VP Operations, Race Directors, activation teams, various vendors, partners, and volunteers, the Operations Manager ensures these events meet the highest standards of quality, safety, efficiency, and budget compliance expected by IRONMAN. This role requires a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on leadership, embracing responsibilities such as designing course layouts, venue management, budget control, staffing, and coordinating logistics.

The Operations Manager leads the operational efforts on the ground during event week, ensuring seamless collaboration among all stakeholders and contributing to the success of globally recognized endurance sporting events. They also play a critical role in the development and refinement of operational manuals, safety protocols, race readiness schedules, and emergency response plans. By fostering a positive and high-performance team culture aligned with IRONMAN's BE ICONIC vision, the Operations Manager helps cultivate an inclusive environment that supports teamwork, respect, and psychological safety.

In addition to managing day-to-day operations, this role supports the financial accountability of each event by working closely with finance partners to develop and maintain budgets, ensuring cost discipline, timely processing of invoices, and comprehensive post-event financial reporting. The Operations Manager is also involved in the logistical planning and management of event assets, partner activations, and supply chain coordination. Collaboration extends to city and state agencies to secure necessary permits and operational agreements, reinforcing the company's commitment to community relations and stakeholder engagement.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional with experience managing large-scale, multi-venue events—preferably within endurance or mass-participation sports—to join a dynamic, global organization that values operational excellence, safety, leadership, and continuous improvement. The position demands a proactive individual with strong organizational and communication skills, capable of performing under pressure and adapting to dynamic conditions. Frequent travel and non-traditional working hours will be required, including weekends and holidays, reflecting the nature of world-class event management. If you aspire to make a meaningful impact in the world of sports and event operations, The IRONMAN Group invites you to contribute your expertise to a team passionate about making a lasting difference.