Operations Manager, Exhibits, HARGROVE Lanham, Maryland

Hargrove from Encore•Lanham, MD

9d•$70,371 - $91,482

About The Position

The Operations Manager (OPM) plans, coordinates, and executes assigned exhibit and event projects in the office and on-site. The role manages exhibit installation and dismantle operations, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and within approved budgets. The OPM leads on-site teams and coordinates resources, labor, logistics, and equipment. They oversee complex in-house and on-site projects requiring advanced technical expertise, mentor team members, support operational best practices and continuous improvement, and may support trade shows, events, and other projects as business needs require. The position reports to the Director of Exhibits. The OPM leads cross-functional project teams, develops production schedules, and works with Event Managers, Executive Producers, clients, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. The role manages pre-show planning and on-site execution, including budgets, inventory, equipment rentals, asset preparation and shipment, transportation, loading and unloading, installation, dismantle, and post-show warehouse recovery. As the primary on-site operational leader, the OPM directs daily activities, supervises union labor, manages staffing and equipment logistics, and serves as the designated Safety Officer. Post-event duties include developing dismantle plans, evaluating project performance, documenting lessons learned, and recommending improvements. Work takes place in both office and hotel/event venue environments, and may involve multiple locations and travel of up to 60%. Conditions can include varying noise levels, outdoor temperatures, dirt, sand, dust, chaotic or high-energy surroundings, and exposure to weather. The work may involve high-end audio-visual equipment, electrical components, and heights accessed by lifts and ladders. Schedules may be irregular and include on-call status, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Appearance guidelines apply in office, travel, and venue settings.

Requirements

Five years of on-site management experience in exhibits, special events, and trade shows.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams at many levels of management, including executive leadership.
Experience monitoring and managing budgets.
Ability to work independently and as a team player in the office and at show sites with little to no supervision.
Fluency in English and excellent written and oral communication skills.
Positive approach to teamwork and problem solving.
Detail-oriented, strong organizational skills, and ability to work well under pressure.
Microsoft Office 365 experience.
Ability to read technical drawings.
Ability to pass a high-level background check.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Willingness to travel up to 60%.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional project teams and align team members around project objectives, strategy, and execution plans.
Lead assigned projects when a Senior Operations Manager is not assigned, assuming comparable responsibilities and ensuring delivery of core project requirements.
Collaborate with Event Managers, Executive Producers, clients, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Participate in planning meetings and attend client meetings, site inspections, and production meetings as required.
Develop and maintain production schedules covering work areas, start and end times, staffing, and labor allocations in line with project scope and budget.
Manage pre-show and on-site operational planning, including budgets, inventory, equipment rentals, asset preparation and shipment, transportation, truck loading and unloading, installation and dismantle, and post-show warehouse recovery and asset management.
Serve as the primary on-site operational leader from installation through dismantle and project completion.
Prepare and submit labor requests to the Planning Office and manage union labor utilization to support operational and financial objectives.
Develop organizational charts showing project staffing structures and reporting relationships.
Prepare and submit equipment load lists to the warehouse team for staging, preparation, and shipment.
Coordinate delivery schedules and transportation requirements with the Transportation Department.
Oversee and verify equipment loading, transportation, and handling to minimize the risk of damage.
Manage rental equipment orders and associated budgets.
Confirm dates, schedules, and logistics for installation, delivery, and dismantle activities.
Attend truck loading operations to coordinate with the Dock Manager and verify that equipment is loaded accurately and safely.
Direct daily on-site operations and hold regular team meetings to communicate priorities, schedules, and safety requirements.
Supervise union labor personnel, including sign-in and sign-out procedures and timesheet approval.
Serve as the on-site Safety Officer by conducting safety briefings and safe work talks, promoting a safe working environment, and enforcing safety standards and Collective Bargaining Agreement requirements.
Ensure work complies with company policies, safety standards, and contractual obligations.
Develop dismantle plans covering labor requirements, transportation logistics, and project-specific materials to retain.
Complete post-show evaluations and reports assessing project performance, documenting successes and challenges, and recommending improvements.
Provide operational feedback and share lessons learned to support continuous improvement.