Operations Manager

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment • Detroit, MI

2d

About The Position

The Operations Manager assists in managing, supervising, and coordinating day-to-day operations for the Fox Theatre, Hockeytown Café, and supporting venues across District Detroit. The role covers event cleaning, custodial and housekeeping services, maintenance, event setup and changeovers, and event services. The manager helps direct staff and establish policies to deliver high-quality services that support event bookings and encourage events to return.

The position supports the General Manager and Director of Operations with facility and housekeeping budgets, staffing and payroll, hiring paperwork, inventories, post-event reviews, facility inspections, maintenance, and event coordination. It also includes working as an at-event Operations/Maintenance Manager, assisting with guest experience, and carrying out supervisory responsibilities such as training, assigning work, and resolving colleague concerns.

Work involves irregular and extended hours, including nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays. The role is exposed to high noise levels and requires frequent visual and auditory attention, lifting and carrying 25–50 pounds, standing for long periods, and climbing stairs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least three years of experience providing work direction or performing in a lead capacity.
• At least three years of general labor and/or operations experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Knowledge of event setup and conversion practices and procedures, facility maintenance methods, and proper use and care of equipment and tools.
• Ability to use heavy equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and bobcats with precision and accuracy.
• Working knowledge of safety requirements, public facility and venue standards, building systems, and infrastructure.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet business deadlines and adapt to change.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors, facility users, and hourly staff.
• Knowledge of and compliance with federal and state OSHA regulations, safety practices including first aid, and applicable public-facility safety standards.
• Highest integrity and ethical standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Ability to lift and carry 25–50 pounds, stand for long periods, and climb stairs.
• Availability to work irregular and extended hours, including nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in the sports and entertainment industry.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day operations at the Fox Theatre, Hockeytown Café, and adjacent properties, including identifying repairs and maintenance needs, coordinating outsourced services, and assessing their quality and pricing.
• Support the General Manager and Director of Operations in developing and coordinating facilities and housekeeping budgets.
• Ensure proper and efficient facility cleanup and manage daily custodial operations.
• Schedule and process payroll for staff and third-party colleagues working 313 Presents and private events.
• Coordinate new-hire and rehire paperwork with payroll to ensure timely completion and compliance.
• Prepare housekeeping inventories based on food and beverage impact and event or program genre.
• Coordinate post-event meetings and reports with the Maintenance Supervisor, third-party custodial contractor, and other stakeholders to review strengths and weaknesses.
• Conduct physical facility inspections to check amenities and safety before performances and events.
• Promptly report irregularities, discrepancies, property damage or loss, and safety concerns according to reporting procedures.
• Perform repair and maintenance tasks, including painting, patching, and equipment repair.
• Help develop and implement methods and procedures to maintain and improve operations, minimize expenditures, and use resources effectively.
• Perform heavy lifting, maneuver office and other equipment, and complete work orders as needed.
• Perform Production Lead or Liaison duties as needed.
• Serve as a venue contact for 313 Presents event coordinators and other users.
• Work as the at-event Operations/Maintenance Manager and understand facility layout to maximize usage and efficiency.
• Participate in customer service activities during events, including supporting guest experience functions as needed.
• Assist with preparation and submission of production colleague payroll.
• Train internal colleagues and validate appropriate training with third-party vendors; plan, assign, and direct work; collaborate with the Director of Operations and other managers on colleague rewards and discipline; address complaints and resolve problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager