Convention Center Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The Operations Manager supports the Director of Operations in the day-to-day oversight of the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, ensuring smooth facility operations and successful event execution. This role is responsible for supervising staff, coordinating logistics, and managing cross-departmental functions including engineering, maintenance, security, event staff, and housekeeping. The Operations Manager serves as the Director’s key support and “right hand,” with authority to make business and operational decisions in the Director’s absence. This position is expected to work independently during events and other high-activity periods, ensuring a safe, efficient, and client-focused environment.

Essential Functions:

Facility and Operations Management

• Monitor daily facility operations across departments to ensure cleanliness, safety, and readiness.
• Support the implementation of operational procedures, safety protocols, and maintenance routines.
• Assist with procurement of supplies and equipment needed for operations.
• Ensure facility systems and equipment are in good working order and coordinate repairs as needed.

Event Support and Execution

• Serve as lead operations contact during events, overseeing set-up, changeovers, and breakdowns.
• Coordinate closely with event staff, clients, and vendors to ensure event requirements are met.
• Respond to on-site issues in real time and make decisions to resolve problems efficiently.
• Review and interpret event layouts and logistics to ensure accuracy and readiness.

Staff Supervision and Scheduling

• Assist in scheduling and assigning tasks to operations staff based on event and facility needs.
• Help ensure appropriate staffing for events and verify payroll and timesheets.
• Supervise staff during assigned shifts, ensuring proper coverage and task completion.
• Provide guidance and oversight to engineering, housekeeping, security, and labor teams.
• Train new employees on safety, procedures, and expectations, ensuring compliance with Organizational policies, safety regulations, and union agreements.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

• Respond to and manage facility incidents and emergencies during events and operating hours.
• Conduct routine checks to confirm fire exits, equipment, and evacuation routes are accessible and functional.
• Monitor compliance with OSHA and venue safety regulations.
• Support and facilitate ongoing training in safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

Budget and Administrative Support

• Assist in monitoring department expenditures and usage of supplies and resources.
• Support the Director with administrative duties and documentation as needed.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as acting Director of Operations during their absence.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall management of the Convention Center.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent standing and walking for long periods.
• Frequent verbal interaction with clients, staff, and the general public.
• Regular bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, crouching, pushing, pulling, and grasping.
• Occasional carrying of items upstairs or ramps and moving across large event spaces.
• Occasionally exertion of up to 100–200 pounds of force with assistance from equipment or another person, and up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Work is performed in a fast-paced public event environment and may involve exposure to loud noise, crowds, and varying temperatures.
• Irregular schedule may include nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, facility management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in the management of facilities, events, or general operations required.
• Prior supervisory experience required; experience in a unionized and/or non-profit environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills; able to motivate teams and ensure accountability.
• Knowledge of facility operations including housekeeping, engineering, security, and event setup.
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable making sound, independent decisions and resolving problems under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with staff, clients, and vendors.
• Familiarity with OSHA safety regulations and emergency procedures; able to ensure a safe work environment.
• Strong computer skills, including familiarity with scheduling and facility management software.
• Ability to read and interpret event layouts, schedules, and operational plans.