Director of Operations | Full-Time | Hamilton Arena

Oak View Group; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a strategic Director of Operations to lead Hamilton Arena. This pivotal role involves overseeing all operational aspects, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, and maintaining venue safety. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and problem-solving skills, managing a dynamic environment while optimizing operational efficiency. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the live event industry. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and inclusivity in every event experience.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pension matching

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 7+ years in arena operations with 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of event production and facility management.

Responsibilities

• Lead all arena operations ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
• Develop operational strategies to enhance efficiency and safety.
• Manage budgets and vendor contracts to optimize service standards.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Event production

Facility management

Budget management

Team management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management

Tools

Venue management software

Operational reporting tools

Job description

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Overview

The Director of Operations is a critical leadership role, responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of Hamilton Arena to ensure exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and venue safety. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to manage a dynamic, high-energy environment.

This role pays an annual salary of $100,000-$130,000 CAD and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, Pension matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until July 4, 2025.

Responsibilities

Venue Operations & Management

• Lead and manage all arena operations, including facility maintenance, event setup, and day-to-day venue functionality.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize efficiency, enhance guest experience, and maintain the highest safety standards.
• Coordinate with event managers, production teams, and vendors to ensure seamless event execution.
• Oversee conversions, housekeeping, and maintenance teams, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Oversee all unionized IUOE 772 Full time staff, IATSE 129 part time staff and third-party contractors

Leadership & Team Management

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all operational departments.
• Work closely with senior leadership to align operational goals with the venue’s overall business strategy.

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage operational budgets, optimizing cost efficiencies while maintaining high service standards.
• Analyze financial reports, track operational expenses, and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Negotiate and manage labor group contracts (IATSE 129, IUOE 772).
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, procurement, and service agreements.

Event Execution & Guest Experience

• Oversee all event-day operations to ensure flawless execution of concerts, sports events, and other live experiences.
• Ensure guest services and front-of-house teams deliver a world-class experience for all attendees.
• Implement venue accessibility and sustainability initiatives to enhance overall inclusivity and environmental responsibility.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all local, provincial, and federal regulations, including fire codes, safety protocols, and labor laws.
• Develop and oversee emergency response plans, ensuring staff are trained and prepared for any contingencies.
• Conduct regular facility inspections to maintain operational excellence and mitigate risks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Facility Management, Sports Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in arena, stadium, or large-scale event venue operations, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of event production, facility management, and security protocols.
• Proven experience managing large teams, budgets, and vendor relationships.
• Proven experience working with and in a union environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Proficiency in venue management software and operational reporting tools is an asset.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens ourpeople, improves ourservice, and raises ourexcellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.