Operations Manager

Don't Be Sour; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading venue management company in Los Angeles is seeking a skilled Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day venue performance, ensuring all events run smoothly. The ideal candidate will possess 3–5+ years of experience in venue operations or hospitality, with strong knowledge in building systems and proactive management skills. Responsibilities include managing facility operations, client relations, and event support, ensuring compliance and safety standards. This full-time role requires a detail-oriented individual capable of leading staff and vendors effectively.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in venue operations, hospitality, facilities, or event production.
• Strong understanding of building systems and preventative maintenance.
• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of building maintenance and repairs.
• Serve as the primary venue representative during events.
• Ensure venue is event-ready.

Skills

Venue operations

Event production

Facilities management

Building systems knowledge

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Staff management

Tools

Google Workspace

Slack

Job description

Role Overview

The Operations Manager is the owner of day-to-day venue performance, combining building operations, event execution, and venue representation into one accountable role. This position ensures the venue is operationally sound, guest‑ready, compliant, and professionally represented from the moment a client signs through post‑event closeout.

This role acts as the primary point of contact for clients, staff, vendors, and ownership, anticipating issues before they arise and ensuring every event runs smoothly, safely, and to brand standards. No task is too small if it impacts guest experience, safety, or operational excellence.

Core Responsibilities

1. Building & Facility Operations
   • Oversee all aspects of building maintenance, repairs, and upkeep.
   • Coordinate and manage vendors for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, cleaning, pest control, elevators, and waste management.
   • Conduct regular facility inspections and preventative maintenance checks.
   • Ensure all equipment (elevators, bar equipment, lighting, sound, security systems, fire alarms) is operational and compliant.
   • Maintain organized records of repairs, warranties, inspections, service contracts, and logins (1Password).
   • Respond immediately to urgent facility issues and emergencies.
2. Venue Representative & Client Management
   • Serve as the Venue Representative / Site Rep for all events.
   • Once contract and payment are completed, introduce yourself via:
     • Two weeks prior to event:
       • Conduct prep call.
       • Complete Event Prep Form in HoneyBook.
       • Confirm all logistics, timelines, staffing, and special requests.
     • Build rapport with clients, planners, and vendors while protecting venue policies and standards.
     • Act as the on‑site decision‑maker and client‑facing authority during events.
3. Event & Venue Operations Support
   • Ensure venue is fully operational and event‑ready for all bookings.
   • Manage and train all Event Hosts / Site Reps.
   • Coordinate with hospitality, bar, security, A/V, cleaning, and external vendors.
   • Oversee load‑ins, load‑outs, vendor setup, and breakdown to prevent damage.
   • Monitor:
     • Capacity and guest flow.
     • Safety and compliance.
     • Noise, elevators, restrooms, and common areas.
   • Troubleshoot issues in real time during events.
   • Site Rep / Venue Manager (Operations Manager or trained delegate).
   • Security / Hosts.
   • Cleaning (during & post‑event).
4. Staff Management, Scheduling & Conduct
   • Schedule all event staff once event prep is completed (2 weeks prior).
   • Ensure staff are briefed, trained, and aligned with SOPs.
5. Dress Code
   • All staff: all black.
   • Security & A/V: formal black blazers.
   • No hats, scarves, bags, or noticeable accessories.
6. Staff Conduct Rules
   • No alcohol consumption before, during, or after events.
   • Staff may not consume event food or beverages.
   • Staff may bring personal food/water and store in BOH only.
   • No guest engagement unless necessary for duties.
   • No phone use while on duty.
   • No accepting goods, favors, or participation in event activities.
7. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
   • Create, document, train, and enforce SOPs for:
     • Opening & closing procedures.
     • Event setup and breakdown.
     • Emergency protocols.
     • Security coordination.
     • Cleaning and sanitation standards.
     • Vendor and contractor access.
     • Staff conduct and escalation procedures.
   • Continuously improve SOPs based on feedback and post‑event reviews.
8. Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
   • Ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety, and health department regulations.
   • Manage permits and inspections as required.
   • Work closely with security teams to uphold safety standards.
   • Handle incident reporting and post‑event operational reviews.
   • Take immediate action to mitigate safety risks (spills, overcrowding, equipment issues).
9. Inventory & Asset Management
   • Track all venue assets: furniture, fixtures, tools, equipment.
   • Maintain organized storage and BOH areas.
   • Ensure toiletries, supplies, and consumables are always stocked.
   • Place and manage supply orders proactively.
   • Prevent loss, misuse, or damage of venue property.
   • Source, negotiate, and manage vendors and contractors.
   • Monitor operational spend and stay within approved budgets.
   • Submit invoices for approval related to operations and maintenance.
10. Tools & Systems
    • Must be proficient in:
      • Google Workspace – documentation & communication.
      • Slack – internal communication.
      • Venue Manuals.

Qualifications & Skills

• 3–5+ years experience in venue operations, hospitality, facilities, or event production.
• Strong understanding of building systems and preventative maintenance.
• Highly organized, proactive, and detail‑oriented.
• Calm under pressure; decisive and solutions‑oriented.
• Confident managing staff, vendors, and security teams.
• Comfortable creating systems, checklists, and documentation.

Success Looks Like

• Events run smoothly with minimal intervention from ownership.
• Clients feel supported, informed, and confident.
• Issues are solved before guests notice.
• SOPs are clear, followed, and continuously improved.
• Venue is clean, safe, compliant, and always guest‑ready.
• Ownership trusts this role to fully handle it end‑to‑end.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Hospitality