VP Operations Labor

About Us

As part of The Freeman Company, Freeman designs and delivers unforgettable moments that create a bond between audiences and our clients. It’s just one reason why we’re the leader in live events.

About the Role

It is the responsibility of the VP Operations – Labor to plan, control, and direct the safe activities of the labor services and labor control functions across their respective region. This includes oversight of workforce planning, scheduling, and fulfillment as well as team member/labor relations and compliance with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). The role implements line of business strategy, manages budgets, and ensures a financially responsible focus across all labor operations within the region. The VP directs all labor activities to achieve optimum efficiency, optimize talent utilization, and maximize profits while building collaborative relationships with Union partners. This position is responsible for the success of the labor function within the company and the communities each branch is located.

This role provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the labor services and labor control functions across a region or multiple locations of significant impact. The VP executes strategic goals based on organizational needs and implements effective labor and workforce strategies to achieve financial success. The position ensures labor requirements are scheduled and fulfilled across all event sites within the region while maintaining adherence to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and positive Union relations. The VP creates an environment of employee engagement and mirrors the company’s mission, vision, and values while ensuring day-to-day labor operations are managed safely, efficiently, and effectively.

This position supports our Event & Exhibit Services team and follows an in-person schedule working full-time in-office and/or show-site based out of Las Vegas, NV.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve regional labor goals and objectives.
• Communicate work plans and priorities derived from the organization’s strategic plan by partnering with senior leaders and team members.
• Plan, develop, and implement labor policies, strategic direction, and goals, making consistent and progressive steps toward organizational consistency across labor services and labor control functions.
• Enhance organizational excellence by establishing operational benchmarks, timelines, and applicable resource needs to achieve strategic labor goals; recommend and drive improvements as necessary.
• Set standards for accountability and measurements of success.
• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to the Director of Labor Services, ensuring workforce demand is scheduled and filled across all contracted events while talent is optimally allocated and utilized.
• Direct the development and execution of proactive seasonal staffing and workforce strategies, partnering with operations and labor providers (Unions, temporary agencies, etc.) to validate implementation and readiness.
• Oversee the labor control and team member relations function for the region, ensuring effective labor relations and the consistent administration of labor assignments, labor pool standards, and company policies.
• Manage union contract concerns and grievances as necessary within the region; ensure Collective Bargaining Agreements are appropriately adhered to and partner with Management, Business Agents, and Stewards to resolve issues at the root cause.
• Champion the implementation of labor reporting tools and technology to drive real-time decision-making, process automation, and improved staffing utilization while controlling cost.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze budgets to identify areas in which reductions can be made and to allocate operating budget; ensure Directors reporting to them manage the budget process in the same manner.
• Review activity, operating, and labor reports to determine changes in programs or operations required; direct initiatives so that policy, program, or operations changes can be implemented in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner.
• Promote Freeman with industry, manufacturing, or trade associations; maintain relationships with the local convention bureau, convention center, hotels, and Union partners.
• Work with Directors to ensure hiring, staffing, discipline, and training are accomplished and prioritized; coach, develop, and mentor team members toward career development goals.
• Oversee proper administration of payroll controls, travel, job cost, and expense control within their area of responsibility.
• Conduct meetings with Directors to review schedules, implement programs, and coordinate inter-department activities; review long-range job planning and assignments with department heads.
• Accurately prepare region budget and forecasts and submit to corporate management by established deadlines; prepare capital expenditure list and submit for approval.
• Conduct performance reviews with direct reports; counsel Directors regarding team member problems and consult with Human Resources as necessary.
• Communicate and reinforce the company’s safety vision and strategic objectives; embed safety as a core operational priority across all labor functions and facilities, ensuring all employees understand their responsibilities and work practices consistently meet safety standards.
• Oversee compliance with all applicable safety regulations, standards, and company policies; ensure workplace accidents, near misses, and hazards are promptly investigated and documented with corrective action implemented.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within the live events or hospitality industry, with significant experience in labor relations, workforce management, or labor control.
• Ten or more years of related experience in labor relations, workforce management, or labor control, including experience working under and administering collective bargaining agreements across small to large Union groups, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A successful track record in setting priorities, shaping processes, guiding investment in people and systems, and developing an infrastructure that creates a stronger and more efficient organization.
• Knowledge of industry best practices and operational standards for labor and workforce management.
• Ability to read, interpret, and ensure compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements, including knowledge of arbitration and grievance procedures related to labor agreements.
• Knowledge of federal and state labor laws to ensure compliance with regulations relative to collective bargaining agreements.
• Understand financial statements and the company job cost system.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proven results in process design and continuous improvement.
• Highly organized with the ability to wear multiple hats and manage competing priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines and goals.
• Negotiate contracts and comply with union specifications.
• Effectively manage and motivate union and non-union team members.

Qualifications

• OSHA 30 Certification required; additional safety certifications are a plus.

Schedule

This position follows an in-person schedule working full-time in-office and/or show-site based out of Las Vegas, NV.

Travel 25% to 50%.

Benefits

The Freeman Company provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Accident and Disability Insurance
• Retirement with Company Match
• Paid Time Off