Chief Operating Officer

Event Network is the premier operator of experiential stores in North America, renowned for delivering innovative, immersive shopping experiences at cultural attractions, hotels, resorts, festival marketplaces, and college campuses. Our mission is to create memorable guest experiences while driving financial success for our partners. Event Network continues to set the standard in attraction and destination retail by seamlessly aligning with the unique identities of the destinations we serve.

Position Overview:

Event Network seeks a strategic, visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive team. The COO will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our business by driving operational excellence, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. This role requires a leader with deep expertise in retail operations, exceptional strategic acumen, and a passion for mission-driven work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the CEO and Executive Team to design and implement strategies that align with Event Network’s mission and long-term goals.
• Translate high-level objectives into actionable plans, ensuring alignment across all operational functions and retail locations.
• Anticipate market trends and industry shifts, positioning the company for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
• Operational Excellence

• Drive consistency, scalability, and efficiency across over 300 retail locations by implementing best practices, systems, and processes.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuous improvement in performance, guest engagement, and partner satisfaction.
• Champion innovation in technology, process optimization, and retail design to enhance operational effectiveness and customer experience.
• Leadership Development

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing leadership team while cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace culture.
• Develop leadership readiness at all levels through structured professional development programs and succession planning.
• Promote Event Network’s commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility through team engagement.
• Financial and Business Management

• Partner with the finance team to create and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial models to drive profitability and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, and design teams to maximize sales, enhance guest engagement, and exceed partner expectations.
• Analyze operational performance and implement strategies to optimize revenue and reduce costs without compromising service quality.
• Partner and Stakeholder Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with existing partners while cultivating new collaborations with cultural institutions, hotels/resorts, and educational campuses.
• Ensure retail offerings reflect the unique missions and brands of our partners, delivering seamless integration and mutual success.
• Manage compliance with contractual agreements while fostering trust and collaboration with all stakeholders.
• Store Design and Construction Oversight

• Oversee the Store Design and Construction Team to ensure timely, quality, on/under-budget delivery of new stores and renovations.
• Align design initiatives with operational goals and the distinct identities of the destinations we serve.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to integrate innovative design elements into the guest experience.
  

Qualifications:

• Proven success as a COO or senior operations executive in retail, hospitality, or a related industry, overseeing multi-location operations.
• Deep understanding of experiential retail and guest-centric operational strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, high-performing teams and develop future leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Expertise in leveraging technology and systems to enhance scalability and efficiency.
  
  

Competencies:

• Passion for experiential retail and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Data-driven mindset with a focus on measurable results and continuous improvement.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills to manage complex budgets and business models.
• Collaborative leadership style that inspires cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.
  
  

What We Offer:

• A unique opportunity to shape the future of experiential retail while supporting the missions of esteemed partners.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being.
• A dynamic, caring, and collaborative work environment with significant opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  
  

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Careers@eventnetwork.com. Please include “Chief Operating Officer Application” in the subject line.