Sr. Event Manager, Operations

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Event Manager who is a detail-driven executor; logistics expert; a process-oriented individual to serve as the Operations function on large-scale events (5,000–15,000+ attendees) and/or own critical workstreams within highly complex programs. You must lead detailed planning efforts across vendors, timelines, and production elements—ensuring every aspect meets specifications, stays on budget, and aligns with program goals - flawless delivery under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of complex workstreams and event logistics for large-scale events (5,000–15,000+ attendees).
• Own detailed operational planning, including but not limited to timelines, production schedules, run-of-show, and vendor coordination.
• Partner closely with the Project Lead to ensure operational execution aligns with overall program strategy, client goals, and budget parameters.
• Manage vendor relationships within assigned workstreams, including sourcing, communication, and ensuring delivery meets scope, timeline, and quality expectations.
• Track and manage workstream-level budgets, ensuring expenses are controlled, accurately documented, and aligned with overall program financials.
• Support cost efficiency by identifying savings opportunities and assisting in vendor negotiations to meet budget goals.
• Maintain strong attention to detail across all deliverables, ensuring high standards of quality, accuracy, and execution.
• Proactively identify and resolve logistical challenges, adapting quickly in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Drive effective communication within assigned workstreams, ensuring all stakeholders understand timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables.
• Build and manage operational tools and systems to support efficient execution and reporting, this could include learning Opus proprietary operational tools.
• Support and guide junior team members within workstreams, sharing knowledge and reinforcing best practices.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency and execution consistency.
• Travel domestically and internationally to lead event execution including overseeing assigned programs on-site and providing leadership support and/or on-site only support for additional events as needed.

Requirements

• 5+ years of project management experience within the event industry.
• 2-3 years team management experience.
• Experience leading programs or managing complex workstreams at a large scale (e.g., 5,000-15,000+ attendees in person).
• Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from four-year institution preferred.
• Passport required.
• Travel Requirements: 25% - 35%.

Competencies

• Operational Project Management & Execution: Leads detailed execution of program workstreams, including planning, logistics, timelines, and production to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery.
• Financial Management: Manages budgets within assigned scope, tracking costs, supporting forecasting, and identifying efficiencies to maintain financial alignment.
• Logistics & Vendor Management: Oversees vendor relationships, negotiations, and deliverables, ensuring all operational components meet scope, budget, and quality standards.
• Process Management & Continuous Improvement: Implements structured processes and tools to improve workflow efficiency, consistency, and executional excellence.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability: Quickly identifies and resolves operational challenges using sound judgment and resourcefulness in fast-paced, changing environments.
• Communication & Coordination: Maintains clear, timely communication within workstreams and across teams, ensuring alignment on responsibilities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Collaboration & Team Contribution: Works collaboratively with Project Lead and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between strategy and execution.
• Quality Control & Attention to Detail: Maintains rigorous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and high standards across all deliverables.
• Accountability & Execution Ownership: Takes ownership of assigned workstreams, driving delivery with reliability, precision, and a commitment to excellence.

Benefits

• Full time position.
• Opportunities for growth and development.
• Health & Dental Insurance (choice of plans).
• 100% Employer paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Opportunity to elect additional life insurance and LTD insurance at employee expense.
• Paid parental leave.
• Opportunity to contribute pre-tax dollars to flexible spending accounts.
• 401(K) with employer match.
• Flexibility in work schedules.
• Generous time off.

Pay

The starting salary for this role is between $75,000 and $90,000. Our salary ranges are based on third-party national average market compensation analysis. The actual salary is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market demands. The salary range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.