National College Leadership Program Trainee - Columbus, Ohio

Encore Global•Columbus, OH

About The Position

Encore is hiring participants for its National College Leadership Program (NCLP), a five-month Manager in Training program that typically starts in July. The program is designed for individuals interested in careers in operations management or sales. After successful completion, trainees are placed immediately into an operations, production, or sales management role within Encore’s nationwide network of venues. The posting is directed to candidates graduating in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Trainees complete Technical, Operations, and Sales rotations; learn hands-on in venues alongside field leaders; attend instructor-led training at Encore’s corporate office in Chicago; and earn certifications through online courses from Encore University’s Leadership, Technical, Operations, Sales, and Service Academies. Training and placement locations may be in major metropolitan markets, and flexibility to relocate is required. In an Operations Manager role, the graduate manages floor operations to achieve service excellence, with a focus on customer service, staff leadership, performance management, and development. The role also supports organizational goals through effective workforce and inventory cost control. In a Sales Manager role, the graduate guides customers through event experiences, identifies solutions aligned with their goals, and uses available tools to maximize event and revenue capture from an assigned customer base. Encore describes its work as providing live-event solutions and production services for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. The company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health insurance and participation in a 401(k) plan. Trainees receive a base salary; following placement, compensation may include base salary plus a bonus incentive.

Requirements

A four-year college degree with a BA/BS is required.
At least one year of related professional work experience, or a combination of employment and internships.
Strong interest in a management career with opportunity for advancement and promotion.
Excellent communication, listening, and presentation skills.
Effective leadership abilities and a focus on customer satisfaction.
Technical aptitude demonstrated through interest in and exposure to new technology.
Ability to work at a hotel location within a major metropolitan market.
Flexibility to relocate.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Preference for a degree in Hospitality, Business/Management, Communications, Event Management, Theater, or a related field.
Prior experience in management, operations, technology, and/or hospitality is a plus.

Responsibilities

Participate in Technical, Operations, and Sales rotations.
Complete hands-on venue learning alongside field leaders and instructor-led corporate training.
Complete online certifications through Encore University’s Leadership, Technical, Operations, Sales, and Service Academies.
Upon placement as an Operations Manager, manage floor operations to achieve service excellence, lead staff, manage performance and development, and control workforce and inventory costs.
Upon placement as a Sales Manager, guide customers through event experiences, identify solutions that meet their goals, and use available tools to maximize event and revenue capture from an assigned customer base.