Operations Manager (Event Production)

About the role

Clutch Creative is looking for a hands-on, decisive Operations Manager for a client of ours in the New York area. We need an operational leader who can oversee daily branch activities, guide team performance, and maintain stability in a high-pressure, fast-moving live events and production environment.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct the day-to-day administration, human resources, front office functions, and overall operations of the New York branch.
• Team Oversight & Accountability: Establish clear performance standards, set expectations, and hold staff accountable for conduct, attendance, and professional excellence.
• Employee Relations & Coaching: Proactively address personnel issues, resolve workplace conflicts, manage performance tracking, and lead disciplinary or corrective actions as needed.
• Talent Lifecycle Management: Partner with leadership on staffing decisions, hiring pipelines, onboarding experiences, performance evaluations, and exits.
• Production Team Guidance: Directly manage the Event Producer and wider event/production department, ensuring teams are adequately staffed, thoroughly prepared, and aligned for live events.
• Real-Time Problem Solving: Exercise strong judgment to make timely decisions, handle operational bottlenecks on the fly, and escalate critical issues to executive leadership when necessary.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience managing personnel within operations, general management, human resources, or live event production environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, performance coaching, policy enforcement, and conflict resolution.
• Proven ability to thrive, make sound decisions, and remain calm under pressure in high-stress, fast-paced industries (live events, entertainment, production, or hospitality preferred).
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership presence.
• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and sound professional discretion.
• Proficiency in standard operational platforms, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, Trello, and Mac environments.