Operations Manager - Technical and SFX

Beat The Bomb•Charlotte, NC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Beat The Bomb is hiring an Operations Manager - Technical and SFX for its Charlotte location. The role is the primary onsite contact for keeping the venue’s interactive game technology and special effects operating reliably. Systems and equipment include interactive game rooms, laser mazes, projectors, RFID technology, the venue network, and the foam, paint, and slime cannons. The Operations Manager leads and mentors junior staff, acts as the onsite technology and SFX lead during key shifts, and coordinates with Beat The Bomb headquarters’ CTO and Technology Manager. Working with the Charlotte leadership team, the Operations Manager also helps run shifts and deliver a positive guest experience. The role includes maintaining and repairing systems, supporting software updates and testing, managing inventory and vendors, training staff, and leading the technical and SFX team. The manager may open or close the location, cover other operational roles, and assist with guest reservations, check-in, and onboarding. Night, weekend, and holiday availability is required, as is willingness to respond to occasional after-hours emergencies.

Requirements

At least 3 years of IT and/or AV support experience for a venue-based operation, such as an office, school, church, arcade, or family-entertainment center.
At least 1 year of experience working with or in interactive or activated venues, such as laser tag arenas, arcades, go-kart venues, golf or driving ranges, airsoft or paintball venues, modern bowling alleys, or museums.
Working knowledge of Windows systems, PC hardware, and operating-system configuration.
Basic networking literacy, including modems, routers, switches, and IPv4.
Comfort debugging and testing AV and mechanical issues.
Practical aptitude for mechanical, electrical, or plumbing fixes.
Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and willingness to respond to occasional after-hours emergencies.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Strong aptitude for and curiosity about technology.
Clear communication, composure under pressure, and ability to solve problems on the fly.
Enjoyment of working with teammates and guests.
A hands-on approach and willingness to help wherever needed, including in a paint-blast facility.
Track record of motivating talent and leading a team in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience managing venue-based entertainment or food and beverage operations.
Experience with remote desktop tools, especially RustDesk.
Experience with NDI systems.
Experience with VLANs.
Experience with Slack and Google Workspace tools, including Drive, Docs, and Slides.
Experience assembling tower PCs and NUCs.
Experience with networked CCTV cameras and/or Reolink.
Basic maker skills involving LED strips, electronics, audio systems, and soldering.

Responsibilities

Own the day-to-day reliability of technology and special-effects systems, and maintain and repair hardware and equipment, including computers, cabling, laser mazes, compressors, HVAC filters, bomb-room effects, and photo-bomb systems.
Lead onsite technology and SFX support during key shifts and respond to urgent issues, including occasional off-hours emergencies.
Track and report technology and SFX issues through End-of-Day reports.
Manage technology inventory and spare-parts stock.
Maintain the server room and location network.
Support headquarters’ Technology team with software updates, debugging, testing new games and features, and keeping SOPs current.
Lead technology training for managers and staff.
Manage facility vendors, such as pest control and repair services, and oversee in-house laundry for hazmat suits.
Recruit, train, schedule, and coach the technology and SFX team; conduct one-on-ones and performance reviews, and resolve conflicts.
Perform general Operations Manager duties, including opening and closing the location, working in any role as needed, and supporting guest reservations, check-in, and onboarding.
Communicate regularly with the CTO and Technology Manager at headquarters.
Uphold service quality, safety, and guest satisfaction standards.
Pitch in wherever needed, including operating the paint, foam, and slime experiences.