Performance Manager

The Metropolitan Opera; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera is seeking a Performance Manager to oversee front-of-house operations at the Metropolitan Opera House, ensuring safe, welcoming guest experiences and resolving ticketing or accessibility issues during performances.

You will manage both union and non-union staff, run pre-show briefings, design training programs, document incidents, and coordinate with Venue Operations and emergency services to maintain Met’s high standards of guest care.

Qualifications

• Minimum five to seven years managing public-facing staff in cultural, entertainment, or sports venues.
• F-03 and F-04 certifications must be obtained within 90 days of employment.
• Knowledge of ADA compliance related to guest services is a plus.
• Experience managing union staff is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage front-of-house performance staff during public events and motivate them to provide excellent customer service.
• Handle performance-related issues equitably and professionally for all guests.
• Design and implement bi-annual training programs for FOH guest service staff.
• Maintain guest care standards and motivate staff to focus on service each night.
• Ensure public spaces are clean, accessible, and ready for guests.
• Hold pre-show FOH staff briefings with relevant event details.
• Troubleshoot and document incident reports and operational issues.
• Coordinate with FOH management and payroll teams on staffing and attendance.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and SOP updates for FOH tasks.

Skills

FOH management

ADA compliance knowledge

Union staff management

Problem solving

Staff training

Emergency procedures

Communication skills

Tools

Tessitura

Job description

The Performance Manager oversees front-of-house operations at the Metropolitan Opera House to provide a safe, welcoming experience and the highest level of guest service at every visit. Working with Venue Operations, the Performance Manager manages open rehearsals, performances, and ancillary events; ensures guest comfort and safety in the house; and resolves ticket issues. The role also manages full- and part-time staff, including union and non-union employees.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage front-of-house performance staff (Ushers, Ticket Takers, Guest Services Reps, Attendants, Safety persons, Security, Cleaners, Switchboard, Coatcheck, Engineers and Medical Services) during public events and performances and motivate them to provide excellent customer service to all attendees.
• Handle all performance related issues from double seating, fraudulent tickets, unhappy to enraged guests, sick guests, late guests, last minute guests with ADA accommodation needs, guests who get locked out of a performance, guests with broken titles, non-functioning seats, etc. in an equitable, professional, and courteous manner.
• Help to design and implement effective bi-annual training programs for front of house guest service team members including customer service, accessibility, and health and safety.
• Take an active role in upholding our commitment to guest care, based on current guest service trainings, by continually motivating staff, focusing on specific aspects of service each night.
• Foster a positive, friendly, and motivational work environment for our guest service team members.
• Ensure that all public spaces are clean, free of obstructions and ready for guests with the high standards Met guests expect.
• Hold pre-show FOH staff briefing sessions ensuring all FOH staff are well informed of pre-performance, performance, post performance and any special event details occurring in one or multiple smaller spaces.
• Troubleshoot and document any event day incidents and/or problems including those affecting clients, guests, and staff or operating issues.
• Address any staff issues, resolving to the best of your ability in real time, or reporting to management as needed and following up in a timely and effective manner.
• Prepare nightly Performance Report post-event and report any incidents in a detailed and timely manner.
• Review and submit weekly Front of House staff payrolls.
• Maintain proficiency and knowledge of emergency evacuation plans, accessibility, and guest care as they relate to performances and events for both patrons and staff.
• Interface with NYPD, FDNY and Lincoln Center during performance periods, as necessary.
• Coordinate with all FOH Management teams to ensure appropriate staffing and setup for events and performances
• Coordinate with Chief Ushers Office and Payroll Office to maintain accurate staff status, and attendance
• Assist with the hiring, training and onboarding of new FOH employees in night of procedures essential to performance related duties
• Assist with the update of SOP for FOH House Management tasks necessary for the opening, closing, throughout and post-performance season

Skills and Qualifications

• A minimum of five to seven years prior experience in a cultural, entertainment, or sports venue, managing public-facing staff.
• F-03 and F-04 certifications required. Must be obtained in the first 90 days of employment.
• Knowledge of ADA compliance as relates to guest services a plus.
• Knowledge of several generations of iPhones, Androids, and ability to learn and gently assist patrons in using Met e-tickets and the Clear and Excelsior passes.
• Experience managing union staff preferred or familiarity with Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Must have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Must work well under pressure, collaborative and follow the chain of command in the department.
• Knowledge of Tessitura preferred.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand for the majority of the shift.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, have split days off, work weekends and holidays in a 24 X 7 environment. This position is responsible for supervising the closure of the building on performance evenings.

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.