Director of Event Operations

Company: San Diego Convention Center
Location: San Diego
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Coverage (Employee and SDCC share in cost of coverage)
• Retirement: 403(b), 457, and Money Purchase Pension Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 21 accrued days to be used for vacation and sick paid time off
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Plan (Paid in full by SDCC)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance (Paid in full by SDCC, with additional voluntary coverage)
• Disability Insurance (Paid in full by SDCC)
• Supplemental Health Plans
• Employee-Exclusive Discounts (discounts to 250+ retailers through Fun Express & Corporate Shopping)
• Free onsite employee dining during shift at our Tides CafeAbout The Role:The Director of Event Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Event Operations division, including event set-up and cleaning services. They will ensure that all spaces are prepared according to show management specifications while upholding the Corporation's standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and guest experience. They will develop operational strategies, staffing models, and process improvements that support event execution, risk mitigation, and client satisfaction. They will collaborate closely with Event Services, Engineering and Capital Projects, and Sales to ensure alignment of venue readiness and service delivery. They will promote and reinforce a strong culture of workplace safety as a shared responsibility across teams. They will implement data-driven decision-making, industry best practices, and innovative solutions to enhance performance, optimize labor, and drive client value.What You Will Do:
  • Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Event Operations division, including Event Set-up and Cleaning Services, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and event specifications. Serves as a key member of the Leadership Team to optimize operational performance, service delivery, and overall guest satisfaction.
  • Develops, implements, and manages policies and procedures related to event set-up, changeover, facility cleanliness, and safety protocols. Ensures all operational plans are clearly communicated and executed efficiently to meet the needs of clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Oversees daily and event-based scheduling, staffing, and task assignment across all three shifts for the event operations and cleaning teams, ensuring seamless 24/7 coverage and continuity of service. Monitors staffing efficiency and adjusts as needed to meet demand while controlling costs. Leads long-term workforce planning to align staffing levels, training, and succession needs with future operational demands.
  • Coordinates closely with Event Services to interpret event orders, diagrams, and client needs, ensuring layouts and configurations are executed accurately and on schedule.
  • Establishes and enforces cleaning and safety standards that meet or exceed industry expectations for large-scale venues, including public, back-of-house, and support areas.
  • Identifies and implements opportunities for continuous improvement, including workflow enhancements, technology adoption, and sustainable practices in cleaning and event operations.
  • Serves as a liaison (in conjunction with HR) with contracted third-party labor providers as needed. Defines performance expectations, evaluates service levels, and ensures contract compliance.
  • Leads venue readiness for all events. Ensures effective communication and coordination between shifts, maintaining consistency in service delivery and shift handoffs in a 24/7 environment. Directly manages operational support for complex changeovers or compressed timelines to ensure on-time delivery and a high level of readiness.
  • Provides budget oversight for labor, supplies, and capital equipment within the Event Operations division. Identifies cost-saving opportunities and ensures resource accountability.
  • Champions training and professional development within the team, reinforcing safety as a core value and ensuring staff understand and follow safe work practices in their daily responsibilities. Maintains operational readiness through cross-training and proactive skills development.
  • Promotes a culture of excellence, teamwork, and accountability among the Event Operations team and fosters collaborative working relationships across departments.
  • Responsible for ensuring departmental compliance with Corporation policies, procedures, safety standards, and the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Oversees a 24/7/365 operation comprised of three shifts, each with a dedicated shift manager and supervisory team.
  • Manages, mentors and coaches shift managers and subordinate supervisors overseeing full-time and part-time event set-up and cleaning staff across all shifts.
  • Retains ultimate responsibility for performance, service standards, and policy compliance within the division.
  • Responsibilities include hiring, training, work assignments, evaluating performance, and managing disciplinary actions.
  • Provides leadership in labor contract compliance and contributes to collective bargaining agreement discussions as needed.
  • Other duties may be assigned.What You Will Need:
    • Bachelor's degree in business, Hospitality, Operations Management, Facility Management, Event Management, Logistics or Industrial Engineering is preferred.
    • At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in venue operations, event logistics, or facility support services, with at least five (5) years in a management role is required. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
    • Active participation in professional organizations such as the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) or the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) is desirable. OSHA safety training or similar certifications preferred.
    • This role requires frequent engagement with clients and internal and external partners including contractors, vendors, and event personnel. Requires availability to support a 24/7/365 operation, including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays, as needed based on operational activity.
    • Experience with large public venues, convention centers, or hospitality-focused event support is strongly preferred.
    • Demonstrated ability to lead large teams, manage multiple priorities, and execute time-sensitive operational requirements is essential.
    • Proven ability to read and interpret event orders, diagrams, operational schedules, safety protocols, and equipment specifications.
    • Strong written communication skills to draft clear reports, operational procedures, and team communications.
    • Excellent verbal skills to interact with clients, colleagues, and staff in a professional and solution-oriented manner.
    • Proven ability to apply financial and operational concepts such as labor forecasting, timekeeping calculations, inventory management, and cost control.
    • Highly skilled in interpreting schedules, ratios, and percentages for performance and resource analysis.
    • Exceptional, proven ability to assess complex operational challenges, design and implement high-impact solutions, and make decisive, strategic decisions in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
    • Must possess strong analytical skills to interpret written, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions and effectively lead diverse, multi-shift teams through coordinated execution.
    • Proficiency in planning, resource management, and coordination across departments.
    • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel (e.g., VLOOKUP, pivot tables), to support labor planning, scheduling analysis, and operational cost modeling.
    • Familiarity with CAD diagrams, event management software, and work order systems.
    • Strong organizational and time management skills in a deadline-driven environment.
    • Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays in alignment with event activity.
    • Knowledge of custodial best practices and sustainable cleaning programs.
    • Knowledge of labor relations with experience with CBAs and leading union teams collaboratively and effectively.
    • Ability to foster a positive, high-performing, and inclusive workplace culture.
    • Regularly remains at a workstation, but frequently traverse throughout the facility including exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and back-of-house areas.QualificationsSkillsBehaviors:Motivations:EducationExperienceLicenses & CertificationsEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
      This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Keywords: San Diego Convention Center, Chula Vista , Director of Event Operations, Executive , San Diego, California