Operations Manager

City Museum; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City Museum in St. Louis is looking for an Operations Manager to oversee park departments and ensure the museum runs efficiently. In this role, you will directly manage various operations, champion a positive culture, and maintain high standards across all departments.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in operations management, possess strong leadership skills, and be passionate about guest experiences. This is an active role requiring varied hours and a commitment to a diverse workplace.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of operations management experience.
• Strong leadership instincts and ability to inspire a team.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director to develop operational policies.
• Champion a positive workplace culture for staff and guests.
• Observe operations and keep the Director informed.

Skills

Operations management experience

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Process improvement

Guest experience passion

Job description

Schedule: Varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Reports To: Director of Operations

The Role

City Museum is whimsy, wonder, and experiential play at its finest — and someone has to make sure it runs like a well-oiled, weirdly wonderful machine. That someone is you.

As Operations Manager, you'll work alongside the Director of Operations to keep the full spectrum of park departments humming: directly overseeing Ride and Slide Operations, Parking, Guest Entry, and Housekeeping. and indirectly supporting Admissions, Security, and Risk Management/First Aid/Safety. You're the connective tissue between big-picture vision and day-to-day reality — equal parts strategist, problem-solver, and culture-keeper.

What You'll Do

• Shape the operation.Partner with the Director of Operations and other leaders to develop and implement the policies and standards that keep every team in Operations running at its best.
• Build something worth coming to work for.Champion a culture that is safe, efficient, professional, respectful, and genuinely enjoyable — for staff and guests alike.
• Hold the bar high.Help maintain outstanding service and product standards across all museum operating departments, because "good enough" isn't the City Museum way.
• Get into the details of ride, slides, and facilities.Assist with training and execution of ride, slide, and facility maintenance procedures, best practices, and safety standards — the stuff that keeps the magic running safely.
• Be the eyes on the floor.Observe operational conditions throughout the museum and keep the Director of Operations informed and ahead of any emerging situations.
• Set the goals, then follow through.Establish clear objectives for department managers and track progress — because a goal without follow-through is just a wish.
• Be a student of the operation.Research, analyze, and monitor projects to ensure we're always adopting best practices and improving how we do things.
• Build bridges in the community.Maintain positive, productive relationships with community officials and business leaders who share our corner of St. Louis.
• Support the Duty Manager program.Help manage and develop the program that keeps daily operations running smoothly when you're not the one holding the clipboard.
• Other duties as assigned — and at City Museum, that line always delivers.

What You Bring

• At least 2 years of operations management experience. Theme park, high-volume museums, or attractions experience is a major plus
• A track record of getting things done — through motivation, smart delegation, and solid systems
• A sharp eye for process: you can look at how something works, spot the inefficiency, and propose a better way
• Exceptional organizational skills and a genuine passion for guest experience
• Strong leadership instincts and the ability to build and inspire a team
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills
• Solid computer proficiency — you're comfortable with the tools that keep operations organized
• Flexibility to work varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed
• A valid driver's license

The Physical Reality

This is an active, on-your-feet role in a very active, on-your-feet place. You should be prepared to:

• Stand, sit, or walk for extended periods throughout the day
• Work outdoors across all seasons (St. Louis will test you)
• Use full range of motion — reaching, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending — with manual dexterity and solid coordination
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 60 pounds
• Move loads up to 100 pounds with the assistance of a hand truck when needed

City Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We believe the best operations teams — like the best museums — are built from diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.