Job Description:
The Operations Manager is a full-time exempt position with Kilowatt Events, Inc (KWE). The main objective of this role is to be the operational lead on small-to-medium events or a support role to our large and major events, overseeing all operational and logistical elements. This includes but is not limited to: client servicing and communication, site surveys, designing the layouts for event venues and sites utilizing Vectorworks, sourcing, contracting and managing vendors/suppliers (such as scaffolding, office trailers, restrooms, fencing, tents, temporary power), liaising with local stakeholders, and managing the permitting process. This position will report to the Associate Director of Operations and is responsible for taking the lead on making decisions that create the best product possible for both the clients and Kilowatt, in the advance work and on-site.
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Type: Annual Salary + Benefits
Travel Required: 40%
Location and Benefits:
Preference will be given to candidates based in San Diego. Project-related travel is required. Health benefits will be provided after 60 days.
Why You Will Love This Role:
1. Work on High-Profile Events: From sporting events to custom event construction projects, you’ll take the lead or collaborate in delivering memorable, headline-worthy events.
2. Make a Real Impact: As a key decision-maker, you’ll directly shape event success and collaborate with top-tier clients, sponsors, and venues.
3. Travel and Flexibility: Combine your love for creativity and logistics while traveling to exciting event locations.
4. Growth Opportunities: This role provides a direct path to career growth within a company that values innovation, teamwork, and professional development.
Essential Functions:
Event Layout & Design--Create event layouts and floor plans, utilizing software such as CAD or VectorWorks. Prior experience with VectorWorks is a requirement.
- Collaborate with the design and production teams to ensure event spaces are optimized for attendee flow, accessibility, and safety.
- Create plans for access point for vehicles, staff, and fans that contemplates the needs of the events and the requirements for security, accessibility and emergency support.
Supplier Sourcing & Order Management--Source and manage suppliers for key event construction aspects, including heavy equipment, scaffolding, power, internet, staging, carpentry, and fabrication.
- Populate supplier orders, track inventory, and ensure all equipment and materials are sourced on time and meet event requirements.
Staffing & Logistics--Support the creation and distribution of staffing guides, supplier guides, and arrival information.
- Coordinate onsite event staff and work crew, ensuring schedules are created and adhered to.
- Provide support for advance work related to staffing, ensuring the right people are in place for all aspects of the event.
Onsite Management & Coordination--Oversee suppliers and contractors onsite, ensuring timely delivery and quality of work.
- Communicate with the event lead and other stakeholders to resolve issues, track progress, and meet all deadlines.
- Work closely with broadcast, technical teams, and other vendors onsite to ensure successful execution of the event.
Budget Management & Reporting--Track and manage event budgets, providing regular updates to the event lead on any projected changes or variances.
- Manage creation of billback tracking and continuously update and communicate during the planning and execution.
- Ensure all budget-related aspects of the event are adhered to during both the advance planning and onsite execution phases.
Post-Event Analysis & Reporting--Create post-event reports, evaluating successes and identifying areas for improvement.
- Track client feedback and recommendations to improve future events, ensuring continuous improvement in operations.
Health & Safety Compliance--Adhere to all health & safety protocols, ensuring all team members and suppliers comply with site guidelines and safety regulations.
- Monitor onsite safety practices and address any issues in real-time to prevent accidents and delays.
Communication & Collaboration--Serve as the main Event Lead for assigned events by maintaining clear, timely, and positive communication with clients, internal teams, vendors and suppliers to ensure smooth event execution.
- Proactively address potential issues and challenges, keeping all parties informed and aligned throughout the event lifecycle.
Qualifications:
1. 3+ years onsite event experience in operations on major outdoor events, temporary event sites, and/or televised broadcasts.
2. Experience with client servicing.
3. Construction experience building temporary structures for event settings required.
4. The ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
5. Heavy equipment experience with forklifts and aerial lifts (certification will be required).
6. Proficiency in CAD or VectorWorks.
7. Ability to travel frequently and for extended durations (up to 3-4 weeks at a time).
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
9. Strong computer literacy required.
10. The ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at one time in a highly organized and clearly communicated way.
11. A desire to troubleshoot and problem solve with a strong ability to think critically.
12. 3+ Professional References required.
Who We Are:
Kilowatt Events is a woman owned, live event production business that specializes in building and operating temporary event venues, designing custom brand activations, and creating turnkey programs for the fan experience. Our expertise has supported televised world-class sporting productions, Red Carpets, Lifestyle Festivals, Fortune 100 Corporate Events and is proud to have collected a Sports EMMY for our work on the College Football National Championship for ESPN.
Kilowatt is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The annual base salary range for this position is $75,000.00-$82,000.00 The pay scale provided is the range that Kilowatt Events reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All Kilowatt Events compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with Kilowatt Events’ operational business needs and applicable law.
