Title Director of Operations | Full-Time | Olmsted County Exhibition Center

Oak View Group (OVG) stands as a global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services since its founding in 2015. This dynamic company spans a vast platform that includes venue development and management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. With stewardship over seven world-class owned venues and partnerships with iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, and cultural institutions across four continents, Oak View Group is at the forefront of the live entertainment industry. Their expertise ensures best-in-class operations capable of delivering unforgettable guest experiences and driving business success in diverse live event settings.

The Olmsted County Exhibition Center, located in Rochester, MN, is a newly constructed 82,000 square foot venue managed by Oak View Group. This state-of-the-art facility hosts a variety of events including trade shows, fundraisers, equine events, concerts, and comedy shows. As a high-profile venue known as the Graham Park Exhibition Center, it epitomizes modern event infrastructure optimized for both community and commercial entertainment needs.

The role of Director of Operations at the Olmsted County Exhibition Center offers an exceptional career opportunity for a seasoned professional in facility and venue management. Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of this complex and multifaceted venue, ensuring operational excellence and high-quality service delivery. This position combines leadership in facility maintenance, event set-up and tear-down, safety compliance, staff management, and budget control.

Specifically, the Director of Operations manages critical systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and workplace safety mechanisms while also coordinating custodial, landscaping, and equipment maintenance services. The role demands active participation in budgeting and fiscal oversight, including forecasting operational and capital expenses, monitoring expenditures, and implementing cost-saving measures. The Director ensures smooth communications and event logistics among departments and direct oversight of event production elements ranging from stage assembly to specialized equine footing.

Influencing the venue's operational strategy, the Director of Operations maintains strong partnerships with county services and acts as the key liaison for compliance regarding permits, licenses, inspections, and regulatory adherence. They are also tasked with advancing a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on streamlining processes, enhancing customer service, and supervising contractors and consultants involved in building projects. This position requires hands-on leadership, staff training, and performance management, emphasizing health and safety compliance, employee engagement, and operational efficiency.

This full-time role offers an annual salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 with eligibility for bonuses. Oak View Group supports employees with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching, and paid time off including vacation, sick days, and eleven holidays.

Joining Oak View Group as the Director of Operations at the Olmsted County Exhibition Center means becoming part of an innovative, diverse, and inclusive team dedicated to transforming the sports and live entertainment experience globally. The role requires a hands-on leader with a strong background in event-driven facility management and the ability to foster teamwork and exceptional guest service in a fast-paced environment. This position remains open until October 23, 2026, inviting qualified professionals to advance their careers in a vibrant and growing company.