Venue Operations Manager

About Us

Join a Team That’s Anything But Ordinary

At High Spirits Hospitality, we don’t just host events—we create unforgettable experiences. What began in a garage as a small bartending business has evolved into a powerhouse of hospitality brands, including Liquid Catering, Events at Judson Mill, The 405, Bravo1 Protection, and High Spirits Events. With 40 full-time and over 100 part-time team members, we produce more than 1,000 events a year—and we’re just getting started.

We believe in delivering exceptional customer service and building a team culture that’s nothing short of REMARKABLE.

Our Values:

We are...

• Radically Inclusive

• Embracing Individuality

• Making Life Fun

• Active Learners

• Responsible Citizens

• Keepin' It Real

• Ahead of the Curve

• Bold

• Leading with Heart

• Exceeding Expectations Everyday

Our Venue Operations Manager is a high-impact leadership role responsible for operational excellence across our on-site events, facilities, and support teams. This person helps turn plans into reality by leading staff, solving problems quickly, directly managing events when needed, building systems that scale, and making sure every event is executed to a high standard. With 200–300 on-site events per year and multiple departments depending on strong operational leadership, this role is all about ownership, accountability, team development, and creating remarkable guest experiences.

What You’ll Own

• Own operational excellence for all on-site events, including staffing, logistics, facility readiness, and real-time problem solving.

• Own the performance, development, accountability, and scheduling of the venue operations team.

• Own systems, purchasing, inventory, warehouse organization, housekeeping standards, and facility upkeep.

• Own cross-functional coordination with sales, culinary, housekeeping, and leadership to deliver remarkable client experiences.

• Own operational reporting, process improvement, and strategic problem solving for the division.

Key Responsibilities (70% of workload)

• Lead, coach, and hold accountable a team of full-time and part-time operations staff while partnering with HR and the CEO on hiring, performance management, documentation, and legally compliant employee actions. There are typically 5-10 members on the team, it varies by season.

• Provide clear direction to the operations team before, during, and after events, including being available for escalation and decision-making when urgent issues arise.

• Oversee event staffing, scheduling, training, and timecard approval to ensure strong coverage and team readiness.

• Oversee event logistics for on-site events, including rentals, supplies, timelines, culinary coordination, and facility setup, while remaining accountable for overall event success.

• Delegate weekly operational tasks and projects, follow up on execution, and adjust priorities as business needs change.

• Oversee purchasing, vendor relationships, product sourcing, and cost-conscious operational decisions.

• Supervise housekeeping standards, warehouse organization, equipment inventories, facility checklists, repairs, and ongoing maintenance needs.

• Partner with the culinary team to ensure food execution, purchasing, and food cost practices align with company standards.

• Coordinate closely with the sales team, managers, and staff to ensure each event runs smoothly and client expectations are exceeded.

• Personally manage assigned events, serving as a visible on-site leader responsible for execution, problem solving, staff direction, vendor coordination, and client experience.

• Ensure compliance with food safety, alcohol safety, employee safety, and other applicable local and state requirements.

• Prepare reports on labor, cost of goods, market trends, and performance metrics, and contribute to strategic planning for operational growth and efficiency.

• Perform hands-on operational work as needed, including moving equipment, setting spaces, and supporting venue readiness.

Venue & Event Management Expectations (30% of workload)

• Lead assigned venue shifts from setup through breakdown, supervising staff, overseeing front-of-house flow, and helping ensure events run smoothly, safely, and to company standards.

• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for clients, guests, vendors, and contractors, responding calmly and professionally to changing needs, operational issues, and event concerns.

• Monitor vendors, contractors, and staff for safety violations and compliance concerns—particularly in food service, alcohol service, and life safety areas—and address or escalate issues promptly.

• Complete physical event work, including setup, breakdown, resets, and cleaning tasks, while staying attentive, flexible, and responsive throughout the event.

Professional Standards & Company Expectations

• Take ownership of assigned work, follow through on commitments, and communicate proactively when support or clarification is needed.

• Represent High Spirits Hospitality with professionalism and reflect our brand values in your work, communication, decision-making, and service to others.

• Communicate quickly and professionally with clients, guests, teammates, vendors, and partners, recognizing that some work-related communication may occur after hours due to the event-based nature of our business.

• Handle client, vendor, and employee concerns with professionalism, sound judgment, and timely escalation when needed.

• Support a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment that aligns with our company culture and standards.

• Be dependable, solutions-focused, and adaptable as business needs, priorities, and event conditions change.

• Use company technology, communication platforms, and digital systems consistently, accurately, and responsibly to complete your work and stay informed.

• Submit digital documents, reports, checklists, receipts, and other required records accurately and on time.

• Attend required company meetings, trainings, and check-ins as scheduled, and come prepared to actively participate.

• Stay well-versed in company offerings, policies, safety standards, and service expectations, and follow updates as they are communicated.

• Handle company, client, and employee information with professionalism, discretion, and appropriate confidentiality.

• Follow all applicable laws, licensing requirements, and company procedures related to your work, including safety, sanitation, alcohol service, and workplace conduct standards.

• Use company property, equipment, and workspaces responsibly and help maintain them in clean, organized, working condition.

• Support alcohol service or alcohol-related event duties as needed, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

• Maintain a professional appearance and present yourself in a way that reflects our hospitality standards and brand.

• Perform other duties and support additional shifts or assignments as needed based on business needs.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Leads receive fast, professional communication and feel cared for throughout the sales process.

• Tours and consultations are engaging, organized, and effective at converting qualified prospects.

• Contracts, payment schedules, CRM updates, and client records are accurate and current.

• Sales goals are actively pursued, opportunities are followed through, and corporate business development remains consistent. On average you’ll book 15 events a month.

• Client issues are handled with professionalism, sound judgment, and timely escalation when needed.

Typical Schedule

As this is an office and event-based job, our Venue Operations Manager is expected to be present during business hours Tuesday-Friday. You can expect to work 3-6 evening/weekend shifts per month. Office hours have some flexibility, as long as the work is getting done and the schedule is communicated and agreed upon by our CEO.  There is some seasonality to the position, with our high season being March-May and September-December.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Events are staffed, supplied, and executed at a high standard with strong communication and minimal surprises.

• Team members are trained, supported, and held accountable, and operational problems are addressed quickly and thoroughly.

• Facilities, inventory, and warehouse systems stay organized, guest-ready, and financially responsible.

• Clients, vendors, and internal teams experience consistent leadership, professionalism, and follow-through.

• Processes improve over time, reporting is accurate, and the division runs with increasing efficiency and clarity.

Advancement

We are committed to developing our team members and creating clear opportunities for growth. Each position includes a customized Career Road Map that outlines the skills, experience, and performance standards needed to advance. We want every team member to understand what growth can look like here—and exactly what it takes to earn it. The natural progression for this role is to grow into a Director of Operations position, though opportunities in other roles or departments may also be available based on business needs and individual strengths.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is an exempt position with a competitive base salary with a commission and bonus structure. 

• This role is not typically tip-eligible, though managers may occasionally be permitted to retain tips handed directly to them in limited circumstances and in accordance with company policy.

• Health insurance stipend through our Blue Cross ICHRA plan

• Eligible to enroll with Palmetto Proactive Healthcare for just $30 a month.

• Exempt employees enjoy a flextime scheduling option + Discretionary Paid Time Off after your first 60 days.

• One-month paid sabbatical every 4 years.

• $250 Annual Travel Bonus.

• Allowance for personal computers and phones used for business purposes.

• Paid parental leave with a flexible return-to-work program.

• Eligible to participate in our Employee Referral Bonus programs.

• Weekly Pay.

  
  

We’re looking for someone with the experience, drive, and heart to thrive in a fast-paced, people-centered role. To be successful, you should:

• Have 3+ years of experience in a relevant role, specifically in event logistics or hospitality management.

• Lead with respect and inclusivity—we proudly serve clients of all backgrounds, identities, beliefs, and relationships, and team members must be able to support all clients with professionalism and care.

• Bring remarkable leadership skills and the ability to guide clients and teammates with confidence.

• Be comfortable using Microsoft Office tools and other technology to stay organized and efficient.

• Be able to communicate clearly and professionally in English, both verbally and in writing, to perform the essential functions of the role.

• Be highly organized, analytical, and ready to tackle challenges with creative problem-solving.

• Present yourself professionally and confidently in client meetings, venue tours, networking events, and on-site event support roles.

• Have the flexibility to work frequent evenings and weekends to accommodate client needs.

• Be at least 21 years old due to alcohol service.

• Have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle for daily travel between venues and our corporate office.

• Have a cell phone with voice, text, and data capabilities available for work use.

• Be able to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing and walking for extended periods and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs.

• Hold a high school diploma or GED. A college degree is not required—we care more about your experience and attitude.

• Be able to successfully pass a background check consistent with applicable law and the requirements of the role.

• Be able to successfully pass a drug screening consistent with applicable law and company policy.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Maintain a SC Alcohol Server and ServSafe Food Manager Certificate.