Operations Manager

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 $130,000-140,000 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

Labor Planning & Staffing

• Build labor plans for each show: crew size, skills, shifts and labor calls
• Order and schedule show labor, including union labor where required, in line with local labor agreements and venue rules
• Assign show-site supervisors and leads; set daily priorities for crews
• Forecast labor hours and costs and reconcile actual hours after each show
• Recruit, onboard and maintain a reliable pool of part-time and seasonal show staff

Show-Site Production Support

• Be on site during key phases of move-in and move-out, and as needed during show days
• Solve on-site problems quickly: missing items, late freight, layout changes and client requests
• Coordinate with show management and the service desk to fulfill on-site orders
• Ensure a clean, safe and on-time move-in and move-out, with equipment returned and accounted for

Warehouse Oversight

• Lead and hold accountable the Warehouse Manager, who owns inventory control, organization and warehouse staff
• Turn show plans into clear warehouse priorities: pull lists, prep, staging and load-out schedules
• Make sure everything leaving the building matches the show plan and is ready on time
• Address recurring inventory, damage or return issues that affect show readiness

Budget & Cost Control

• Build and manage show-level operating budgets for labor, equipment rental, freight and vendors
• Find savings through better planning, fewer sub-rentals and fewer last-minute orders
• Report post-show costs against estimates to leadership

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce safety standards in the warehouse and on the show floor
• Ensure crews are trained and certified on forklifts, lifts and other equipment
• Comply with venue, fire marshal and labor jurisdiction rules

Qualifications

Required

• 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

Preferred

• 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

Skills & Competencies

• Planner first: thinks through every show before it starts
• Calm, decisive problem-solver on the show floor
• Strong vendor, labor and client communication
• Organized enough to run several show timelines at once
• Cost-aware; makes trade-offs between rent, buy and staff
• Leads through others and holds the Warehouse Manager and crews accountable
• Comfortable in controlled chaos and changing show conditions

Success Metrics

• Shows ready on time for move-in, with complete and accurate orders
• Labor hours and show costs within budget
• Fewer last-minute equipment orders, sub-rentals and rush freight
• Few on-site issues and quick resolution of those that arise
• Positive feedback from clients, show managers and account managers
• Equipment returned, checked in and accounted for after each show
• Strong performance and accountability from the Warehouse Manager and crews

Working Conditions Work splits between the office, the warehouse and convention centers, hotels and other venues. Show schedules require early mornings, late nights, weekends and extended hours during move-in and move-out. The role involves standing and walking for long periods, working around forklifts and heavy equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.

Fern is an equal opportunity employer committed to equal consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.