Event Operations Manager

Great Park Live; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Time Away

Cell Phone Stipend

Wealth

Experience

Culture

Job summary

PSQ Productions in Irvine, CA is seeking an Operations Manager to lead event operations from planning through load-in, execution, strike, and closeout. You will translate client needs into actionable plans, manage staffing, and coordinate vendors, AV, and infrastructure for large-scale events.

The role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and hands-on field supervision with a focus on safety and on-time delivery of event objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in event operations, venue operations, live event production, logistics, festivals, concerts, sporting events, public assembly facilities, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience directly leading event crews, assigning work, monitoring performance, and holding employees accountable for operational expectations.
• Experience coordinating event load-ins, builds, show operations, tear-downs, venue conversions, or other large-scale event operations.

Responsibilities

• Translate event requirements into comprehensive operational plans covering load-in, setup, event execution, changeovers, strike, and venue reset.
• Direct Operations crews throughout the event lifecycle and adjust assignments as needs change.
• Coordinate operational vendors, suppliers, equipment, rentals, AV, décor, transportation, site infrastructure, and logistics.
• Monitor operational resources and adjust staffing as conditions change during events.
• Promote a strong culture of safety and ensure adherence to SOPs and safety protocols.
• Serve as operational point of contact for clients, vendors, and internal teams.

Skills

Event operations

Leadership

Staffing planning

Vendor coordination

Site plans

Safety procedures

Communication

Tools

AutoCAD

CAD

Job description

Event Operations Manager# Event Operations ManagerIrvine, CA 92618-2462; Irvine, CA 92618; Irvine, CA 92618## OverviewSalary Range$72,384.00 - $85,000.00 SalaryLevelManagementPosition TypeFull Time## Description**About PSQ Productions**PSQ Productions is an Orange County-based live events, venue operations, and public assembly management company. We produce festivals and community events, promote live music, manage public assembly venues, and provide operational support to sports arenas and event facilities. Our work spans event production, venue management, event operations, guest services, logistics, safety coordination, vendor management, and on-site execution. We are seeking creative trailblazers who embody our core values and are tech-forward, culture-minded, and ready to make a tangible impact on Orange County communities through unforgettable experiences.**At PSQ Productions, I AM PSQ means every employee represents the people we serve. Our team members help create the experience guests remember, the trust our partners rely on, and the standards our company is known for. We expect every employee to demonstrate PSQ’s core values: Imagination, Adaptability, Mastery, Professionalism, Solutions Oriented, and Quality. These values guide how we serve guests, support teammates, solve problems, and execute events.****Summary**The Operations Manager is responsible for leading the operational execution of assigned events, venues, and projects from planning through load-in, event execution, strike, and post-event closeout.This role translates event requirements into actionable operational plans, staffing plans, site layouts, equipment and infrastructure needs, timelines, assignments, and procedures. The Operations Manager leads assigned Operations employees and event crews, ensures work is completed safely and on schedule, monitors labor and resources, coordinates vendors and equipment, and maintains accountability for operational standards throughout the event lifecycle.The Operations Manager is expected to be a hands-on field leader who can identify issues before they impact an event, make sound decisions under pressure, assign resources effectively, and ensure assigned tasks are completed without requiring constant direction from senior leadership.This role requires strong leadership, accountability, organization, technical event operations knowledge, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and hands-on experience supporting concerts, festivals, sporting events, community events, venue operations, or other large-scale live events.**Essential Duties and Responsibilities****Event Operations Planning*** Translate event requirements into comprehensive operational plans covering load-in, setup, event execution, changeovers, strike, and venue reset.* Develop and maintain event timelines, operational checklists, task assignments, staffing plans, Standard Operating Procedures, and other planning documents required for successful execution.* Review event requirements, site conditions, client needs, schedules, and production plans to identify operational resources, staffing, equipment, AV, décor, and infrastructure needed for each event.* Participate in and help lead pre-production meetings, site walks, operational planning meetings, and event briefings.* Ensure Operations teams, vendors, and stakeholders understand event timelines, responsibilities, access requirements, deadlines, and onsite expectations.* Review site plans, layouts, floor plans, event maps, and operational drawings and identify potential conflicts involving access, equipment, guest flow, emergency routes, staffing, vendor placement, AV, décor, and operational infrastructure.* Develop, modify, or support the development of event site plans and operational layouts using CAD or comparable event-design software when required.**Staffing and Team Leadership*** Directly supervise assigned Operations employees and event crews, including Supervisors, Leads, Crew Members, and temporary or event-based personnel.* Develop event-specific Operations staffing plans based on load-in, event, strike, site, equipment, and client requirements.* Review scheduled labor against operational needs and budget expectations and proactively identify staffing gaps, unnecessary labor, overtime risks, or scheduling concerns.* Clearly communicate employee assignments, priorities, deadlines, and expectations before and throughout each event.* Conduct pre-shift briefings, operational check-ins, and post-shift reviews to ensure assignments are understood and completed.* Monitor performance during events and provide real-time coaching, direction, and corrective guidance when necessary.* Hold team members accountable for attendance, work quality, deadlines, safety expectations, communication, and completion of assigned responsibilities.* Confirm completion of assigned work and ensure outstanding or incomplete items are documented and communicated to department leadership.* Support employee development through coaching, feedback, mentorship, and identification of training needs.* Escalate employee performance, conduct, attendance, or safety concerns to department leadership and Human Resources as appropriate.* Monitor Operations labor hours, overtime, meal-period compliance, and schedule adherence and proactively escalate concerns.**Event Infrastructure and Logistics*** Coordinate operational vendors, suppliers, equipment, rentals, AV, décor, transportation, site infrastructure, and logistics required to execute assigned events and venue operations.* Plan and coordinate temporary event infrastructure including generators, temporary power, lighting, barricades, fencing, tents, staging support, back-of-house areas, equipment compounds, pedestrian routes, vehicle access, storage areas, AV needs, décor placement, and other event infrastructure.* Evaluate operational power, equipment, AV, and site infrastructure requirements in coordination with vendors, production teams, event teams, and venue personnel.* Ensure infrastructure, equipment, signage, branding, décor, seating, and layouts are placed safely, correctly, and according to approved site plans and operational requirements.* Coordinate vendor delivery, placement, installation, pickup, and removal of equipment, AV, décor, and other event materials.* Monitor operational resources throughout load-in, event execution, and strike and adjust assignments or resources as conditions change.**Equipment and Asset Management*** Oversee the deployment, tracking, inspection, storage, maintenance coordination, and return of Operations equipment and vehicles.* Maintain accountability for company-owned, rented, and vendor-provided equipment used by the Operations department.* Document missing equipment, damages, repair needs, unsafe conditions, and vendor return requirements.* Ensure equipment is inspected before use and removed from service when damaged or unsafe.* Ensure employees operating vehicles or equipment have required company authorization, training, or certifications.* Support the safe operation and supervision of equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, utility vehicles, golf carts, lifts, trailers, trucks, and other event equipment as assigned.* Coordinate equipment needs across overlapping events and projects to ensure appropriate availability and allocation.**On-Site Event Execution*** Take a hands-on leadership role during event load-in, setup, execution, tear-down, and venue reset.* Direct Operations crews throughout the event lifecycle and adjust assignments as operational needs change.* Monitor load-in, event, strike, and reset schedules and ensure work is progressing according to established timelines.* Conduct site walks and operational readiness inspections before gates, doors, or event opening.* Verify that equipment, signage, barricades, fencing, seating, branding, décor, access routes, back-of-house areas, vendor locations, AV setups, and operational infrastructure are placed correctly and safely.* Identify incomplete work, hazards, logistical conflicts, or operational concerns and ensure corrective action is taken before the event opens whenever possible.* Serve as an operational point of contact for clients, vendors, crew members, venue personnel, and internal teams.* Resolve operational issues onsite and make timely decisions within the scope of assigned authority.* Adapt operational plans when schedules, layouts, staffing, weather, equipment, access, or other event conditions change.* Maintain composure, professionalism, and sound judgment during high-pressure and time-sensitive situations.* Escalate significant operational issues, safety concerns, client concerns, or financial impacts to department leadership or the appropriate onsite decision-maker.**Safety and Risk Management*** Promote a strong culture of safety throughout all Operations activities.* Identify potential operational risks involving staffing, equipment, temporary infrastructure, weather, site access, vehicle movement, pedestrian flow, vendors, and changing site conditions.* Develop contingency plans and risk-reduction strategies for identified operational concerns.* Ensure operational plans prioritize the safety and security of employees, vendors, clients, attendees, and other event stakeholders, including site access, emergency procedures, and established safety protocols.* Ensure emergency access routes, fire lanes, pedestrian pathways, equipment areas, and operational work zones remain accessible and safe.* Immediately report safety incidents, injuries, property damage, vehicle or equipment damage, client concerns, and significant operational issues through established company reporting procedures.* Ensure required incident documentation, equipment reports, or follow-up information is completed promptly.* Ensure Operations employees follow company policies, venue requirements, safe-work practices, equipment procedures, and applicable event safety protocols.**Client, Vendor, and Internal Communication*** Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, vendors, venue partners, city representatives, and internal teams through timely, transparent, and professional communication.* Clearly communicate operational requirements, timelines, limitations, changes, and budget impacts.* Manage expectations by communicating what can realistically be accomplished within approved timelines, staffing levels, budgets, and available resources.* Proactively communicate issues rather than waiting for clients, partners, or senior leadership to identify them.* Collaborate across Operations, Events, Production, Guest Services, Food & Beverage, Ticketing, Sales, Creative, Programming, Marketing, and other departments as needed.* Model PSQ Productions' values through professionalism, reliability, teamwork, ownership, and service.**Budget and Cost Management*** Monitor operational expenses, staffing, rentals, equipment, vendors, and resources associated with assigned events.* Compare actual operational expenses against approved plans or budgets and identify significant variances.* Evaluate staffing and resource decisions with consideration for both operational needs and cost effectiveness.* Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenses without compromising safety, event quality, or client expectations.* Communicate potential cost overruns or unplanned expenses before commitments are made whenever reasonably possible.**Post-Event Closeout and Continuous Improvement*** Participate in post-event debriefs across Operations, Events, Production, Marketing, and other involved teams.* Gather feedback from employees, clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders regarding operational successes and challenges.* Prepare event operations summaries documenting key outcomes, challenges, incidents, staffing observations, vendor performance, equipment concerns, and recommendations.* Document rental equipment details, returns, damages, missing equipment, and condition notes.* Identify recurring operational challenges and recommend improvements to procedures, staffing, equipment, training, vendor relationships, and event planning.* Maintain and update operational SOPs, checklists, templates, site plans, and other departmental resources based on lessons learned.* Stay current on event industry trends, equipment, technology, safety practices, operational tools, and venue-management best practices.* Perform any other duties as assigned by the employee's supervisor or as business needs dictate.**Benefits and Perks**At PSQ Productions, we value the people who bring our events, venues, and guest experiences to life. Eligible employees may receive access to benefits and perks designed to support health, time away, financial wellness, and connection to the events we produce.**Health** Premium medical and dental plan options are available to eligible employees, providing high-quality coverage to support employee health and well-being.**Time Away** Eligible full-time employees receive unlimited paid time off, along with applicable sick time and leave benefits in accordance with company policy and applicable law.**Cell Phone Stipend**Eligible employees may receive a company-approved cell phone stipend or reimbursement when regular mobile phone use is required for business purposes, in accordance with company policy.**Wealth** PSQ Productions participates in CalSavers, California’s retirement savings program, giving eligible employees access to a retirement savings option. Eligible employees may also receive a company-approved cell phone reimbursement or stipend when regular mobile phone use is required for business purposes, in accordance with company policy.**Experience** Employees may receive complimentary event tickets for themselves and eligible family members, based on event availability, role eligibility, and company guidelines.**Culture** Our team members have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced live events environment, support community experiences, and be part of a company that values Imagination, Adaptability, Mastery, Professionalism, Solutions Oriented thinking, and Quality.https://youtu.be/oXDy8yNETio## Qualifications**Minimum Qualifications*** Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in event operations, venue operations, live event production, logistics, festivals, concerts, sporting events, public assembly facilities, or a related field.* Demonstrated experience directly leading event crews, assigning work, monitoring performance, and holding employees accountable for operational expectations.* Experience coordinating event load-ins, builds, show operations, tear-downs, venue conversions, or other large-scale event operations.* Experience coordinating vendors, equipment, temporary infrastructure, deliveries, timelines, and logistical requirements.* Experience developing staffing plans or scheduling labor based on event requirements.* Strong understanding of event-site logistics, including vehicle access, pedestrian flow, back-of-house operations, equipment staging, loading areas, and temporary infrastructure.* Ability to read and interpret event site plans, layouts, floor plans, and operational drawings.* Ability to understand, follow, and enforce written operational procedures, event plans, safety requirements, and Standard Operating Procedures.* Strong organizational and time-management skills.* Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-moving event environment.* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.* Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing, in person, and by radio or phone with clients, vendors, employees, venue personnel, and internal departments.* Ability to work independently, recognize operational issues, take appropriate action, and escalate concerns when necessary.* Ability to safely operate job-related equipment and vehicles as assigned. Current certification or authorization is required only for equipment that legally or operationally requires it.* Ability to work onsite during events, including evenings, weekends, holidays, early mornings, overnight periods, and extended hours as required by event schedules.* Commitment to safety, professionalism, accountability, and operational excellence.**Preferred Qualifications*** Experience supporting large-scale outdoor festivals, concerts, sporting events, amphitheaters, arenas, public assembly venues, or multi-day events.* Experience with venue conversions and large event builds.* Proficiency with AutoCAD or comparable event site-planning or drafting software.* Knowledge of temporary event power, generators, distribution systems, lighting, tents, barricades, fencing, staging support, and temporary event infrastructure.* Experience coordinating AV and décor needs within event operations.* Experience managing event equipment, warehouse inventory, transportation, or fleet resources.* Experience operating or supervising the safe use of forklifts, pallet jacks, utility vehicles, golf carts, lifts, trailers, trucks, or similar event equipment.* Current forklift certification or ability to obtain certification within a designated period after hire.* Experience developing operational SOPs, safety procedures, event checklists, and contingency plans.* Experience reviewing labor costs, operational budgets, vendor estimates, or event expenses.* Familiarity with event management, scheduling, workforce management, project management, or venue-management technology.**Physical/Mental Requirements and Working Environment*** Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, carry, push, and pull during event setup, operation, and breakdown.* Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.* Ability to work outdoors and move throughout large event sites for extended periods.* Ability to work in changing weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, and direct sunlight.* Ability to work around loud sound, crowds, moving equipment, vehicles, temporary structures, vendors, and changing site conditions.* Ability to work in office, warehouse, venue, outdoor, and live event environments.* Ability to maintain focus, professionalism, and sound judgment during high-volume, high-pressure, and time-sensitive events.* Ability to read event documents, site plans, schedules, procedures, and safety information.* Ability to communicate effectively by radio, phone, email, and in person.* Ability to respond quickly to changing operational conditions and move between multiple areas of an event site.* Ability to work long and irregular hours when required by event schedules.