Senior Operations Manager

Hosts Global Alliance; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/ remote work setting

Job summary

Hosts Washington DC is seeking a dynamic, experienced operations professional to join our growing operations team. In this role, you will serve as the quarterback of the planning process — leading programs from contract through execution while ensuring operational excellence, financial discipline, and an exceptional client experience.

You will manage special events, transportation services, tours, venue buyouts, dine-arounds, and convention-related programs ranging from 50 to 20,000+ attendees.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of operations experience in DMC, special events, hospitality, or related industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality, event management, or equivalent experience.
• CMP or DMCP certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of corporate and association meetings.
• Proven experience managing complex logistics and event budgets.
• Financial acumen and understanding of pricing models and gross profit margins.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Assume full responsibility for operational management of assigned programs, including transportation, venues, tours, F&B, VIP services, registration staffing, and related services.
• Develop detailed Schedule of Services and supporting documentation.
• Brief, schedule, and oversee field staff for each program.
• Lead onsite execution and maintain visible client presence.
• Anticipate challenges and implement proactive solutions.
• Maintain awareness of competitive landscape and pricing models.
• Select and secure vendors aligned with client expectations and budget requirements.
• Control costs, protect margin, and identify upsell opportunities.
• Manage Program Change Notices (PCNs) and obtain client approvals.
• Oversee operational expenses including time sheets, invoices, petty cash, and advance deposits.
• Maintain accurate updates in Event Cost Sheets and related systems.
• Prepare final invoice and Program Cost Analysis within 10 business days post-program.
• Reconcile petty cash and ensure all vendor invoices are paid promptly.

Skills

Operations

Budgeting

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality, event management, or equivalent experience

CMP/DMCP certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Canva

HubSpot

Job description

CAREERS

Senior Operations Manager Washington DC

• Department(s): Senior Operations Manager

About Hosts Global

Hosts Global is a strategic partner for meeting and event planners worldwide. We help planners deliver meaningful, memorable, and motivating group experiences across the globe. Known as trusted local experts, our destination management companies blend creativity, strategy, and flawless execution—bringing event design, production, and experiential storytelling together in powerful ways.

We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career supported by meaningful benefits, flexibility, and long-term growth. Our people-first culture empowers creativity, collaboration, and balance, because we believe exceptional events start with exceptional teams.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to design a wide range of high-impact events across the country
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, volunteer time, and sabbatical
• Retirement plan with company contribution
• A team that values fresh ideas, innovation, and individuality
• Career growth within a global organization
• Hybrid/ remote work setting

Senior Operations Manager Job Summary

Hosts Washington DC is seeking a dynamic, experienced operations professional to join our growing operations team. In this role, you will serve as the quarterback of the planning process — leading programs from contract through execution while ensuring operational excellence, financial discipline, and an exceptional client experience.

You will manage special events, transportation services, tours, venue buyouts, dine-arounds, and convention-related programs ranging from 50 to 20,000+ attendees. The ideal candidate brings integrity, strong business acumen, and a passion for delivering seamless, high-impact experiences.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Thrives in logistics and complex problem-solving
• Balances creativity with operational realism
• Brings strong financial acumen and margin awareness
• Builds trusted relationships with clients and suppliers
• Leads with professionalism, patience, and a sense of humor
• Continuously looks for ways to improve

Logistics Management

• Assume full responsibility for operational management of assigned programs, including, but not limited to, transportation, venues, tours, F&B, VIP services, registration staffing, and related services
• Develop detailed Schedule of Services and supporting documentation
• Brief, schedule, and oversee field staff for each program
• Lead onsite execution and maintain visible client presence
• Anticipate challenges and implement proactive solutions
• Maintain awareness of competitive landscape and pricing models

Budget Management

• Select and secure vendors aligned with client expectations and budget requirements
• Control costs, protect margin, and identify upsell opportunities
• Manage Program Change Notices (PCNs) and obtain client approvals
• Oversee operational expenses including time sheets, invoices, petty cash, and advance deposits
• Maintain accurate and timely updates in Event Cost Sheets (program software) and related systems
• Prepare final invoice and Program Cost Analysis within 10 business days post-program
• Reconcile petty cash and ensure all vendor invoices are paid promptly
• Identify future sales opportunities with existing clients

Communication Management

• Partner closely with Sales Managers from turnover through execution
• Coordinate with venues and hotel managers, transportation providers, security, and suppliers to ensure seamless operations
• Lead pre-convention meetings and client reviews
• Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders during program operations
• Communicate operational risks or irregular requests promptly
• Build and strengthen key supplier relationships

Additional Duties

• Support proposal development alongside Sales and Creative teams
• Attend site inspections and vendor presentations as needed
• Provide biannual field staff training and operational guidance
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and mentoring operations team members
• Support development of strategic supplier partnerships

Hosts Internal Office Duties

• Manage the effective implementation and utilization of company-wide systems including budgeting tools, staffing software, and CRM platforms
• Uphold Hosts policies and procedures
• Embrace cross-departmental collaboration
• Perform additional duties as needed to support Hosts Global
• Train Field Staff ever 6 months on policies and procedures

Minimum Requirements

• 5–7 years of operations experience in DMC, special events, hospitality, or related industry
• Bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality, event management, or equivalent experience
• CMP or DMCP certification preferred
• Strong understanding of corporate and association meetings
• Proven experience managing complex logistics and event budgets
• Financial acumen and understanding of pricing models and gross profit margins
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple programs in high-pressure environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Canva & HubSpot a plus)
• Established supplier relationships preferred
• Ability to work well under pressure, exercising good judgment as well as good interpersonal skills

Salary Range: $70k-$90k + Commission

Abilities Required

The job requires the ability to fully manage events as necessary which last between 1-7 days. These time intensive demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.