Event Operations Manager

Compass Group•Bentonville, AR

1d•$55,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Event Operations Manager leads the planning and execution of exceptional hospitality experiences across Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The Momentary, off-site venues, and other locations throughout the AWE portfolio. This role oversees a team of Event Coordinators and serves as the primary operational lead for a diverse range of events, including donor experiences, VIP receptions, executive functions, weddings, museum programs, exhibition celebrations, and large-scale special events. From post-contract planning through final event execution, the Event Operations Manager ensures every detail is thoughtfully managed and every guest experience reflects the creativity, hospitality, and service excellence that define Wolfgang Puck Catering. Partnering closely with clients, culinary teams, venue leadership, and operational stakeholders, this role is responsible for delivering seamless events that inspire connection, celebrate culture, and create lasting memories.

Requirements

Experience leading event operations, catering, hospitality, or venue management teams.
Demonstrated experience supervising, coaching, and developing employees.
Strong knowledge of event logistics and operational execution.
Experience managing multiple events and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to remain adaptable and solutions-oriented while delivering exceptional client service.
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Experience within catering, hospitality, museum, cultural institution, or special events environments.
Experience leading VIP, donor, executive, or large-scale events.
Knowledge of food and beverage operations and hospitality service standards.
Experience with labor planning, scheduling, payroll administration, and workforce management.
Experience overseeing both on-premise and off-premise events.
Familiarity with vendor management and event production logistics.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary operational contact for clients once event agreements are finalized.
Lead event planning and execution from pre-event logistics through post-event wrap-up.
Partner with clients to understand event objectives, timelines, service requirements, and guest expectations.
Coordinate on-premise and off-premise events.
Oversee event logistics including venue setup, staffing plans, transportation, production needs, vendor coordination, and event execution.
Ensure accurate and timely communication of event details to all operational partners.
Lead, coach, and support a team of Event Coordinators.
Manage coordinator assignments, workloads, schedules, and event coverage.
Create staffing plans to support event volume and operational needs.
Provide guidance and support for complex, high-profile, and large-scale events.
Foster a collaborative, service-driven culture focused on hospitality excellence and continuous improvement.
Serve as the operational lead for VIP, donor, executive, and other high-profile events.
Provide on-site leadership to ensure service, presentation, and hospitality standards are consistently achieved.
Address challenges and changing priorities with professionalism and sound judgment.
Partner with culinary and operations leadership to deliver elevated guest experiences.
Maintain event documentation, schedules, and operational records.
Support payroll administration, labor planning, and workforce scheduling.
Conduct post-event evaluations and identify opportunities to improve processes and client satisfaction.
Ensure events are executed efficiently while maintaining quality, safety, and hospitality standards.
Support special events, weddings, and other unique experiences as needed.