Operations Manager, Exhibits, HARGROVE Lanham, Maryland

Position Overview

The Operations Manager (OPM) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing assigned exhibit and event projects, both in the office and on-site. This role manages all aspects of exhibit installation and dismantle operations, ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, and within approved budgets. The OPM leads and directs on-site teams, coordinating resources, labor, logistics, and equipment to deliver successful outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

Operations Managers oversee in-house and on-site exhibit projects that require advanced technical expertise due to their size, complexity, scale, and level of customization. In addition to project execution responsibilities, the OPM serves as a mentor and resource to team members, supports the development of operational best practices, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. The OPM may also be assigned to support trade shows, events, and other projects as business needs require. This position reports to the Director of Exhibits.

Key Job Responsibilities 

Project Leadership & Planning

• Provide leadership to cross-functional project teams, building alignment and consensus around project objectives, strategy, and execution plans.

• Lead assigned projects in situations where a Senior Operations Manager is not assigned, assuming comparable responsibilities and ensuring successful delivery of all core project requirements.

• Work collaboratively with Event Managers, Executive Producers, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

• Participate in project planning meetings led by the Event Manager or Producer to gain a comprehensive understanding of project scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables.

• Attend client meetings, site inspections, and production meetings as required.

• Develop and maintain project production schedules, including work areas, start and end times, staffing requirements, and labor allocations aligned with project scope and budget.

Project Execution & Logistics

• Manage all pre-show and on-site operational planning, including: 

o Budget development and management

o Inventory assessment

o Equipment rentals

o Asset preparation and shipment

o Transportation coordination

o Truck loading and unloading

o Installation and dismantle activities

o Post-show warehouse recovery and asset management

• Serve as the primary on-site operational leader from the start of installation through project dismantle and completion.

• Prepare and submit labor requests to the Planning Office and manage the effective utilization of union labor to support operational and financial objectives.

• Develop organizational charts outlining 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 to ensure equipment arrives at the correct location and at the appropriate time.

• Oversee and verify the proper loading, transportation, and handling of equipment to minimize the risk of damage.

• Manage rental equipment orders and associated budgets.

• Confirm all dates, schedules, and logistics related to installation, delivery, and dismantle activities to ensure successful project execution.

• Be available during truck loading operations to coordinate with the Dock Manager and verify that all equipment is loaded accurately and safely.

Site Management & Leadership

• Direct daily on-site operations and conduct regular team meetings to communicate priorities, schedules, and safety requirements.

• Supervise union labor personnel, including sign-in and sign-out procedures and approval of timesheets.

• Serve as the designated on-site Safety Officer by: 

o Conducting safety briefings and safe work talks

o Promoting a safe working environment

o Enforcing applicable safety standards and Collective Bargaining Agreement requirements

• Ensure all work is performed in compliance with company policies, safety standards, and contractual obligations.

Post-Event Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive dismantle plans, including labor requirements, transportation logistics, and identification of project-specific materials to be retained.

• Complete post-show evaluations and reports that assess project performance, identify successes, document challenges, and recommend opportunities for improvement.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives by providing operational feedback and sharing lessons learned.

Job Qualifications

• 5 years of on-site management experience in Exhibits, special events and trade shows

• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work with cross-functional teams across many levels of management, including the executive leadership

• Budget monitoring and management

• Works well both independently and as a team player, both in the office and at show site with little to no supervision

• Fluent using the English language, along with excellent written and oral communication skills

• Positive approach to teamwork and problem solving

• Detail oriented, strong organizational skills, and works well under pressure

• Microsoft Office 365 experience required.

• Ability to read technical drawings

• Ability to pass a high-level background check

• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

• Willingness to travel (Up to 60%)

Competency Group

Deliver World Class Service

• Hospitality

• Ownership

Do The Right Thing

• Demonstrates Self-Awareness

Drive Results

• Ensures Accountability

See The Big Picture

• Decision Quality

• Manages Complexity

Value People

• Collaborates

Work Environment

Event Venue

Work is performed in a hotel/event venue environment with moderate exposure to outdoor temperatures and to dirt, sand and/or dust.  The working conditions will vary between moderately quiet to noisy volumes.  Team members will use high-end audio-visual equipment and electrical components and will be exposed to heights via lifts and ladders.  Team members may be asked to work in multiple locations.  Working times may include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends and holidays.   Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Hargrove based on an individual venue or a representation of venues in that city or area.   

Office

Work is performed in an office environment.  Working times may include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends and holidays.   Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Hargrove based in an office environment and when traveling, on an individual venue or a representation of venues in that city or area.  Most work will take place in a climate-controlled environment.  Surroundings at times can be chaotic, high energy, and noisy, with high traffic volumes, dusty, and exposure to weather conditions.

The above information on this description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job.  While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.