Operations/Production Manager

Have you ever heard of Glühwein/Mulled Wine, a Christmas Pyramid, or a Schwibbogen?

A traditional European-style Christmas Market is set up at the Seattle Center next to the Space Needle from November – December 2025, but the work starts now! The market will feature traditional European food and merchandise to spread Christmas Cheer in our community and beyond.

The Seattle Christmas Market (SCM) will be entering its third year of operation after a breakout start in 2023. With an expected attendance of over 150,000 guests, our month-long market experience is the first of its kind in Washington State. Supported by the Vancouver Christmas Market (VCM), an established brand that has welcomed over 3 million guests since 2010 in Downtown Vancouver, B.C.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Operations/Production Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in overseeing all aspects of event production, ensuring smooth operations from planning to execution. If you are looking for a diverse workplace, in a growing company, and love creating experiences for the community, we want you to become a part of the Seattle Christmas Market Team!

Key Responsibilities:

Event Production Management:

• Oversee and manage the logistics of event load-in and load-out processes, ensuring all activities adhere to timelines, safety regulations, and efficiency standards.
• Develop and implement detailed production schedules and operational plans for event.
• Schedule, plan, and oversee large scale transportation logistics of Seattle Christmas Market assets from storage to event site and back.
• Supervise on-site teams, including contractors, third party suppliers, and production staff, to ensure seamless event execution.
• Centralize Governmental and city relations (Licensing & permitting for Liquor License, City Event Permits, Health Department etc.)

Event Security Management:

• Manage contract with large scale security company.
• Collaborate with event security teams to develop and enforce security protocols and procedures during event.
• Ensure crowd management, access control, and emergency response plans are in place and executed effectively.
• Act as the main point of contact for security personnel and address any security concerns during event.
• Manage contract with onsite event medical team and oversee during market run.
• Manage contract with local snow removal team in anticipation of inclement weather. Ensure deployment to maintain daily operations.
• Create all emergency plans for event in collaboration with venue, city, and intercompany personnel.

Asset Management & Inventory Control:

• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of company assets, including production equipment, event materials, and supplies.
• Implement systems for tracking, maintaining, and repairing assets throughout the year.
• Conduct regular audits of inventory and manage procurement of additional resources as needed.
• Managing & receiving deliveries in collaboration with intercompany personnel at warehouse facility.

Event Planning & Coordination:

• Collaborate with internal teams to conceptualize and plan event logistics, ensuring alignment with project objectives and budgets.
• Take a lead role in collaboration with internal departments on overall event layout.
• Provide input on venue details, supplier requirements, and operational feasibility during the planning phase.
• Acquire all necessary permits for event to operate, working with necessary City of Seattle departments.
• Prepare and manage budgets for event operations, identifying cost-saving opportunities where possible.

Supplier Management:

• Negotiate contracts with third-party suppliers, including equipment rental companies, security providers, and other service vendors.
• Monitor supplier performance, ensuring services are delivered according to contract terms and quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable partnerships.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in event production, operations, or a similar role within the events industry.
• Strong knowledge of event logistics, security protocols, and production requirements.
• Proven experience managing large teams, including contractors and third-party vendors.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems, project management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.
• Valid US Passport
• Valid Driver's license
• Owns or has access to a vehicle as needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in an outside environment for long periods of time.
• Diplomatic approach while working within policies, rules, and procedures.
• Demonstrative, self-critical, determined approach to completing assignments.

Preferred Skills:

• Certifications in event planning or production management (e.g., CMP, CSEP, or similar).
• Familiarity with safety regulations and compliance standards in the event industry.
• Experience with large-scale, high-profile events.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary - $70 - $80K DOE
• Health Care Stipend (after probationary period)
• Hybrid work Environment (February – August)
• Travel opportunities
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with a focus on creativity and innovation.
• The chance to work on exciting and high-impact events.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Operations management: 5 years (Required)
• Event planning: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Seattle, WA 98121: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Seattle, WA 98121

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000