Manager, Operations
The Opportunity
We’re looking for an Operations Manager who thrives in fast-paced, live-event environments and excels at bringing structure, discipline, and consistency to complex venue operations. This role serves as a core operational leader within Arena Operations—ensuring FedExForum is event-ready, safe, and operationally excellent every day.
Responsibilities
Lead and oversee all arena conversions/changeovers, ensuring accurate and timely setups for sporting events, concerts, and special events.
Recruit, train, schedule, and develop conversions staff; manage performance, discipline, and recognition in accordance with company policies.
Direct Operations Coordinators responsible for Changeover, Conversions, and Event Operations teams.
Develop and maintain work plans, task assignments, checklists, and standard operating procedures to support efficient conversions and events.
Review and approve timekeeping, labor allocations, and payroll submissions for conversions staff, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Plan, manage, and analyze daily operations schedules to balance service quality, labor efficiency, and material costs.
Maintain inventories of equipment, tools, and supplies; support annual operating and capital budget planning.
Coordinate pest control and related facility services.
Investigate operational issues and complaints and implement corrective actions as needed.
Attend and contribute to Operations and Event planning meetings; foster strong working relationships across departments.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, codes, OSHA regulations, and company safety policies.
Oversee contractor and vendor activities to ensure adherence to safety standards, venue requirements, and contract terms.
Communicate safety expectations and operational directives clearly and consistently across departments.
Care for and coordinate operations activities with internal departments and external partners to ensure seamless event execution.
Serve as Manager on Duty for events as assigned, providing real-time decision-making and issue resolution.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and the guest experience.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college in Hospitality, Management or Maintenance Engineering and/or equivalent work experience in arena, stadium, or amphitheater operations.
Three (3) years of experience in facility management, i.e. arena, convention centers, stadium, amphitheater or other medium-to-large scale public sporting venues.
Demonstrate knowledge of practices and procedures related to event set-up/conversions/changeover; typical methods and techniques for cleaning and maintaining the facility equipment; and proper use and care of hand and power tools.
Keyboarding skills and computer proficiency with software knowledge including MS Office.
Understand, work from, read and comprehend schematics, CAD drawings, and other related materials.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Self-motivated with strong client relations and staff management skills.
Demonstrated ability to carry out tasks in a reliable, productive and expedient manner and be able to adhere to strict deadlines.
Ability to multi-task during moderate to high pressure situations.
Ability to move about inside and outside various areas of the facility before/during/after events to interact with internal/external clients and supervise the work of employees during events.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate equipment such as light trucks, pallet jacks, forklifts, boom lifts or other light power drive equipment.
Ability to work flexible and extended hours, including nights, weekends and holidays, in addition normal business hours.
Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
Preferred
Knowledge and passion of NBA and NCAA Basketball.
Experience in a sports/entertainment venue, arena or large-scale public event setting.
What We Offer
Industry leading health coverage.
Short and Long-term disability.
Team Member and Dependent Life Insurance.
Group Voluntary Benefits.
Wellness programs through EAP and Headspace.
Discounts and Perks.
Matching 401(k).
Employee Assistance Program.
Tuition Reimbursement.
Team Store Discounts.
Happy Hours and other fun activities.
Qualified parking and game night meals.
NBA Sponsored Discount Programs.
Employee Referral Bonuses.
Employee Recognition Programs.
Generous Paid Time Off.
Holiday Pay.
Paid Parental Leave.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Memphis Grizzlies is committed to treating all applicants and team members fairly based on their abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by law.