Sr. Event Operations Manager

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
flexible schedule
remote work

Job Description

This Destination Management Company (DMC) is a premier strategic partner for meeting and event planners across the globe, specializing in delivering exceptional group experiences in over 350 destinations worldwide. Renowned for their expertise as local authorities in event design and production, their dedicated team combines creativity with purposeful intent to craft memorable, impactful moments. Their services include event design, team-building programs, and comprehensive logistics, ensuring each client’s vision is realized flawlessly from start to finish.

The company is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Operations Professional to join their expanding Nashville team. As a critical member of the organization, this position is responsible for managing all aspects of program execution with a focus on operational excellence, financial management, and superior client service. The role requires a candidate who thrives in the logistics and problem-solving aspects of event planning, demonstrating strong business acumen and a passion for delivering seamless, high-impact experiences.

This remote role requires candidates to reside in Nashville to facilitate pre-convention meetings, site visits, and client interactions. Candidates with a background in Destination Management are strongly preferred due to the specialized nature of the work. The Operations Professional will act as the quarterback of the planning process, leading programs from contract initiation through to execution. This includes overseeing special events, transportation, tours, venue buyouts, dine-arounds, and large convention-related programs that range from 50 to over 20,000 attendees.

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and adept at balancing creativity with operational practicality, ensuring every program meets client expectations within budget. Managing a revenue portfolio of approximately $2 million, the professional must display strong financial discipline, margin awareness, and the ability to identify upsell opportunities. Building trusted relationships with clients and suppliers is essential, alongside demonstrating professionalism, patience, and a positive attitude under pressure.

In this role, the Operations Professional will take full responsibility for assigned programs, including coordinating transportation, venues, food and beverage, VIP services, registration staffing, and other logistics. They will develop detailed schedules and documentation, lead onsite execution, and serve as a visible and reliable client contact throughout the program duration. Proactive problem-solving and anticipation of potential challenges are key components of success.

Additionally, this position involves budget management duties such as vendor selection aligned with client and budget requirements, controlling costs, managing change notices, and overseeing operational expenses. The Operations Professional will ensure all financial processes, including invoicing and petty cash reconciliation, are handled promptly and accurately.

Beyond logistics and financial oversight, the role also involves supporting proposal development alongside sales and creative teams, participating in site inspections, providing training and mentorship to field staff, and supporting supplier partnership development. Internal responsibilities include managing company-wide system implementations like budgeting tools and CRM platforms, enforcing company policies, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration within the Nashville office.

To succeed in this position, candidates must have 5 to 7 years of relevant operations experience within Destination Management, special events, hospitality, or a related industry. A bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality, or event management is required, with certifications such as CMP or DMCP considered a strong advantage. Candidates must demonstrate a thorough understanding of corporate and association meetings, proven experience handling complex logistics and event budgets, and excellent communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is mandatory, and familiarity with Canva and HubSpot will be considered beneficial.

This role demands the ability to manage events lasting from 1 to 7 days while meeting the physical requirements necessary to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations are available to ensure qualified individuals with disabilities can perform these duties effectively. The overall job description captures the primary responsibilities and expectations but is not exhaustive, with additional duties assigned as necessary to support the company’s ongoing success and growth.

Job Requirements

  • 5 to 7 years of operations experience in DMC special events hospitality or related industry
  • Bachelor’s degree in tourism hospitality event management or equivalent experience
  • CMP or DMCP certification preferred
  • Strong understanding of corporate and association meetings
  • Proven experience managing complex logistics and event budgets
  • Financial acumen and understanding of pricing models and gross profit margins
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple programs in high-pressure environments
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Canva and HubSpot a plus
  • Established supplier relationships preferred
  • Ability to work well under pressure exercising good judgment as well as good interpersonal skills

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in tourism hospitality event management or equivalent experience
  • 5 to 7 years of operations experience in DMC special events hospitality or related industry
  • CMP or DMCP certification preferred
  • Strong understanding of corporate and association meetings
  • Proven experience managing complex logistics and event budgets
  • Financial acumen and understanding of pricing models and gross profit margins
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple programs in high-pressure environments
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Canva and HubSpot a plus
  • Established supplier relationships preferred

Job Duties

  • Assume full responsibility of assigned programs including transportation venues tours F&B VIP services registration staffing and related services
  • Develop a detailed Schedule of Services and supporting documentation
  • Brief schedule and oversee field staff for each program
  • Lead onsite execution and maintain visible client presence
  • Anticipate challenges and implement proactive solutions
  • Maintain awareness of competitive landscape and pricing models
  • Partner closely with Sales Managers from turnover through execution
  • Coordinate with venues and hotel managers transportation providers security and suppliers to ensure seamless operations
  • Lead pre-convention meetings and client reviews
  • Select and secure vendors aligned with client expectations and budget requirements
  • Control costs protect margin and identify upsell opportunities
  • Manage Program Change Notices PCNs and obtain client approvals
  • Oversee operational expenses including time sheets invoices petty cash and advance deposits
  • Prepare final invoice and Program Cost Analysis within 10 business days post-program
  • Reconcile petty cash and ensure all vendor invoices are paid promptly
  • Identify future sales opportunities with existing clients
  • Support proposal development alongside Sales and Creative teams
  • Attend site inspections and vendor presentations as needed
  • Provide biannual field staff training and operational guidance
  • Assist with recruiting onboarding and mentoring operations team members
  • Support the development of strategic supplier partnerships
  • Manage the effective implementation and utilization of company-wide systems including budgeting tools staffing software and CRM platforms
  • Uphold company policies and procedures
  • Embrace cross-departmental collaboration
  • Perform additional duties as needed to support the Nashville office
  • Train Field Staff every 6 months on policies and procedures

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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