Overview

The Santa Clara Convention Center is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Operations to oversee the daily operations of the facility. The ideal candidate will ensure that all operational aspects of the convention center run smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with our commitment to providing outstanding service to clients and visitors. This role requires a strategic leader with strong organizational skills and a proven track record in facility management, including capital projects.

This role will pay a salary of $140,000 to $150,000.

Benefits for FT roles: Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 12 holidays).

This position will remain open until Oct 19, 2024

Responsibilities

Operational Management:

• Oversee the overall daily operation and maintenance of the facility and all systems. This includes HVAC, in-house audio/video systems, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, life safety, workplace safety, communications (Distributed Antennae Systems (DAS)), digital signage systems, pest control, custodial services, etc.
• Ensure all facilities are in excellent condition, meeting the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and service quality.

Capital Projects:

• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of capital improvement projects.
• Direct and monitor the work of contractors, engineers, and architects on building projects.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Participate in the development and administration of the facility’s operations and capital budgets; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments as necessary.
• Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
• Monitor and control expenses, negotiate contracts with vendors, and oversee procurement processes.

Team Leadership:

• Manage, train, motivate, and evaluate staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Foster a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.

Health and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement safety protocols and emergency response plans.
• Maintain hazardous materials communication program, and material safety data sheets; maintain knowledge of changes in pertinent Federal, State, and Local regulations.

Event Coordination:

• Oversee the operation of event set-up and tear-down, including facility readiness, stage risers, chairs, signs, banquet functions, etc.
• Oversee the communication of event-related information from the Events Department to the appropriate department staff members.
• Collaborate with event managers and other departments to ensure client needs are met and address and resolve operational issues that may impact events and guest experiences.

Vendor and Contractor Coordination:

• Manage relationships with external vendors and contractors, ensuring quality and timely delivery of services.
• Oversee the scheduling and coordination of repair, maintenance, and construction projects.
• Focus on creating relationships with local and MWBE vendors to meet facility KPI’s.

Facility Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for facility improvements and upgrades.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of the convention center.

Customer Service:

• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service to both internal and external clients.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, facility stakeholders, and facility users.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Develop and update comprehensive management reports and manuals (i.e. Operations Manual, Annual Preventative Maintenance Plan, Annual Facility Report, Fire Code Rules & Regulations, etc.).
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, including metrics on efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze data to identify trends and make informed decisions.
• Conduct a variety of organizational and operational studies; recommend modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

Liaison with City and County Services:

• Act as liaison with local governments and municipalities for numerous facility-related functions (City Codes, Environmental, Fire, Elevators, Parking, Licenses, Permits, Inspections, Warranties, etc.).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintain cost records of work performed and prepare cost estimates as requested.
• Verify and approve timesheets for all direct reports.
• Oversee maintenance and service contracts (i.e. HVAC, elevators, pest control, foliage maintenance, fire systems, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Facility Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field from an accredited college/university. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• OR a minimum of ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in facility operations, maintenance or a related field (preferably in an arena, stadium, convention center, or other public assembly facility), with at least five (5) years of managerial experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of physical plant management, supervisory skills, and experience in work crew supervision in facility operations.
• Experience with budget preparation and control.
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements.
• Basic knowledge of boilers, chillers, refrigeration, and ice making.
• Basic knowledge of Fire Alarm / Fire Protection systems.
• Experience with Event production and theatre technology.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in supervising the work of others.
• Working knowledge of equipment safety, facility maintenance, and housekeeping.
• Experience working with Unions and understanding Collective Bargaining Agreements is a plus.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff, and guests in a clear, business-like, and respectful manner that focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment.
• Ability to speak, read and write in English.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Working knowledge of Fire, Life Safety, EEOC, FLSA, OSHA, and ADA rules and regulations.