Operations Manager
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, US
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Part time
- Experience
- 4+ years
- Category
- Operations
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- 5–7+ years of operations experience in the trade show, exhibition or event industry
- 2–4+ years in a supervisory or management role, including leading a manager or lead
- Hands-on experience planning show-site production: move-in, move-out, freight and floor plans
- Experience ordering and scheduling show labor, including union labor
- Experience ordering, renting or sub-renting show equipment and managing vendors
- Proven ability to manage several shows at once on tight deadlines
- Working knowledge of show budgets, labor costing and invoice reconciliation
- Valid driver’s license; able to work at venues, nights and weekends during show cycles
Nice to have
- Experience with a general services contractor (GSC), exhibit house or AV/production company
- Knowledge of Kansas City–area venues and local labor jurisdictions
- Familiarity with asset-based or rental inventory systems
- Forklift or aerial lift certification
- Proficiency with scheduling, project-management and show-management software
Full description
Fern is at the top of the trade show and expo service industry. Our operation spans more than 200 cities from coast to coast. In other words, wherever there’s a major convention center and event venue, we’re there with experienced local teams providing exceptional service and support, whenever you need it. We recognize that our team members are the core of our company. It is why they stay with us for so long, and it's also what attracts new clients to come aboard.
We are looking to add an Operations Manager to our KC location. You will report directly to the Kansas City GM. Position does require being onsite full-time plus the ability to travel.
Salary is $90,000-115,000
Position Summary
The Operations Manager is a show-first leader who owns the planning and production of every trade show and event Fern supports out of Kansas City. This role turns client orders and show requirements into a complete plan: what equipment goes, what must be ordered, who works the show, and when everything arrives on site.
The Operations Manager plans and coordinates show needs, orders equipment and materials for show site, builds labor and staffing plans, and supports show-site production from move-in through move-out. They lead the Warehouse Manager, who owns inventory control and warehouse execution, so that what leaves the building matches the plan.
“This is the person who makes sure every show is planned right, staffed right, and delivered right, from the warehouse to the show floor.”
Key Responsibilities
Show Planning & Coordination (Primary Responsibility)
- Own the operational plan for every show, from contract handoff through move-out
- Review show orders, floor plans, exhibitor and client orders, and facility rules to build a complete production plan
- Build and maintain show timelines covering prep, load-out, move-in, show days, move-out and returns
- Coordinate with account managers, show managers, facilities and other contractors on schedules, access and changes
- Hold pre-show planning meetings and post-show reviews; document lessons learned
- Manage the show calendar across overlapping shows and flag conflicts early
Equipment Ordering & Show-Site Resources
- Determine equipment and material needs for each show and compare them against available inventory
- Order, rent or sub-rent equipment for show site, such as forklifts, lifts, carpet, furniture, pipe and drape, and signage
- Source and schedule vendors and subcontractors; confirm deliveries, pickups and on-site timing
- Coordinate freight, trucking and dock schedules to and from the venue
- Track show-site purchases against budget and approve vendor invoices