Operations Manager

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Operations Manager plans, manages, and coordinates all execution, maintenance, and day-to-day operations for the Fairgrounds and Interim Events. This role is crucial for ensuring facility readiness, successful event delivery, and effective staff management. Duties include direct personnel supervision, managing operations budgets, overseeing facility maintenance standards, and coordinating logistics for all events and fair activities. This position is an exempt management appointed position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Staff Management & Leadership: Directly supervises, manages, and directs the activities of the Fair & Events Supervisory staff assigned to the operations division (including the Fair & Events Supervisor and On-Call Event Staff). This includes hiring assistance, work assignments, training, performance evaluations, and discipline.
2. Event Execution & Logistics: Provides direct on-site supervision during all special events and the annual County Fair. Coordinates internal logistics, scheduling, and labor necessary for successful event execution, facility rentals, and off-season use.
3. Operational Standards: Manages the daily operations of the Fairgrounds and Event facilities, including setting standards for facility cleanliness, presentation, and operational readiness for events.
4. Maintenance Collaboration & Needs: Coordinates closely with the Maintenance Supervisor to communicate event needs, facility readiness standards, and operational timelines. Ensures all necessary maintenance support is scheduled and executed on time to support event operations and patron safety.
5. Technology & Process Improvement: Leads projects to research, evaluate, and implement new technologies and systems that streamline operational processes, ticketing, scheduling, and resource management across the department.
6. Budget Administration: Works with the Fair, Events & Tourism Manager to establish and monitor operational budgets (including labor and supplies) in accordance with county procedures. Oversees and controls event and day-to-day operational expenditures, purchases, and acquisitions.
7. Fair Coordination: Works closely with the Fair Board in the organization, planning, and supervision of the annual County Fair and special events held at the facilities.
8. Team Communication: Conducts staff and project meetings for the operations division. Promotes staff's involvement and contribution of ideas for operational improvement and efficiency.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

1. Supervisory Practices: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage and supervise personnel; ability to apply modern supervisory practices, including scheduling and performance management.
2. Operational Planning: Ability to develop daily, weekly, and short-term operational plans, establish procedures, and evaluate success in meeting execution goals.
3. Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to evaluate operational issues, develop and implement action plans, and take timely corrective actions as needed.
4. Customer Service: Excellent communication and customer service skills when interacting with citizens, event promoters, and staff.
5. Technology Implementation: Demonstrated ability to easily adapt to, implement, and leverage new technology to drive process efficiencies.
6. Financial Knowledge: Knowledge of business accounting principles related to managing operational expenditures and cash handling.

EQUIPMENT OR TOOLS:

1. Operate standard office equipment and safely drive a motor vehicle.
2. Operate a personal computer and effectively use software to include Microsoft Office Suite and specialized scheduling, ticketing, or project management software.
3. Adeptness with diverse technologies (e.g., event management systems, digital signage, inventory software) to facilitate operational streamlining.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field; and four (4) years of managerial or supervisory experience in the Fair, Event, or Facilities industry, specifically focused on operations and execution. AND a minimum of one (1) year of documented project management experience (or PMP/CAPM certification) related to technology implementation or process improvement.
• Or, seven (7) years of equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that would provide the required skills and knowledge.

JOB SCOPE
:

• Level of Supervision Received: This position reports directly to the Fair, Events & Tourism Manager. Work and performance are reviewed through regular conferences, operational reports, and end-results. Required to provide regular status and update reports on division activities and project progress.
• Level of Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides direct personnel management and supervisory responsibility over the operational division staff, including the Fair & Events Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor, and other assigned personnel.
• Contact/Communication with others: Extensive formal, informal, oral, and written communications required with subordinates, department managers, external vendors, event promoters, and contractors. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret operational reports and write professional business documents.
• Decision Making Capacities: Operates with independent judgment and action within the defined scope of operational duties, approved budgets, and established department policies. Must consult with the Fair, Events & Tourism Manager during unusual situations, budget deviations, or decisions impacting policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Due to the nature of event management, this role requires significant flexibility. Work hours will frequently exceed 40 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly surrounding the Annual County Fair and major facility events.
2. Requires occasional local and regional travel for work, training, business development, and representing the department at industry meetings.
3. Must observe, abide by, and set a consistent professional example of all County and Department policies, goals, and objectives.
4. Able to work well and complete duties under stress, deadlines, and while attending to multiple duties simultaneously.
5. Ability to sit or stand at a workstation for prolonged periods.
6. Requires the ability to tolerate prolonged exposure to computer screens and typical office conditions, interspersed with time spent outdoors and within large, sometimes noisy, event facilities. The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an all inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities, and the incumbent may perform other duties as assigned.
7. THIS IS AN IN-PERSON POSITION

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER