Event Operations Manager Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

The Operations Manager - Defense is responsible for managing and optimizing the Company’s field operations to align with safety, quality, and cost goals while demonstrating company core values. Key responsibilities include managing project planning and mobilization, scheduling field service operations teams, while establishing and measuring against performance goals. The position requires periodic travel, a focus on employee success, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement all while maintaining regulatory compliance. Additional responsibilities may include attending customer and industry events in a business development capacity, attending customer sites to conduct site-survey/ship check’s, and provide professional services as a consultant in a quality assurance/compliance capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Execution: Manage project operations, support business objectives, increase performance, and promote cost-effectiveness.
• Process Improvement: Manage process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.
• Business Management: Support the annual operational budgeting process, provide input on operational expenses, and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Personnel Management: Interview, hire, train, and mentor operational management and field service personnel, fostering a culture of safety and excellence while motivating staff.
• Employee Development: Drive continuous education and employee development as a cultural normality within all positions in the business
• Leadership & Mentorship: Lead and mentor employees in the business, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Compliance: Ensure all business practices and operational activities comply with applicable industry regulations and quality standards.
• Performance Management: Support operational performance metrics, identify efficiency issues, and propose solutions to drive continuous improvement.
• Business Alignment: Work with peers to ensure alignment across departments and contribute to a unified company vision.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent with applicable industry certification(s), or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or other advanced degrees are preferred.
• Experience:
  • 10+ years in a customer-facing field service leadership position, with direct execution responsibilities.

• 8 to 10 years in a low to mid-level operations leadership role within a fast-paced and complex environment.

• Experience working with a defense contractor in international environments.

• Proven track record in customer relations.

• Extensive knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, MIL-STD, NSTM, NSI) and DOD regulations to ensure all processes and documentation are compliant.
• Familiarity with DOD shipboard lubrication and hydraulic systems is highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
  • Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking make informed decisions and formulate effective strategies.
  • Experience with client-facing roles and managing large-scale projects.
  • Strong ability to lead and motivate, and develop teams, build relationships, and influence all organizational levels.
  • Basic Business financial understanding to include metrics, budgeting, and the ability to navigate daily business environments.
  • Proficiency with operational software, data entry, and documentation tools
  • Knowledge of compliance requirements by industry or regulatory body.

• Personal Attributes
  • Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving
  • Leadership attributes, to include integrity, self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to collaborate, inspire, and motivate others
  • High ethical standards and commitment to safety
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
  • Strong customer service orientation
• Work Environment Requirements
  • Attendance on a regular, consistent basis is mandatory
    • Working hours: Flexible (w/ required core timeframe, supporting various time zones).
  • Ability to work in industrial and shipboard environments with exposure to chemicals and lubricants.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites including DOD vessels, nuclear and industrial facilities, client locations and industry events, as required.
  • Adherence to strict safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment is mandatory, as required.
  • Adherence to strict cybersecurity protocols is mandatory, as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: minimum vision required to prevent injury from oneself and others
• Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds with or without correction
• Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
• Lifting small, weighed objects constantly; 20-pound objects frequently and 25-50-pound objects occasionally
• Climbing ladders, stairs and ramps
• Balancing, pushing and pulling
• Crouching, kneeling, reaching and grasping objects
• Walking: move about inside the office and/or branch facilities as well as airport/travel needs
• Sit/Stand: Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50 percent of the time
• Individuals working, or supporting, field service deliveries at company or customer locations may be required to meet the following physical capabilities.

Employment Standards

• Identification Required (approved to work in the United States)
• Background Screening
• Clean Driving Record
• Drug Screening
• Employment Verification Requests

Recruitment Policies

• Accommodations: Essential functions of this position may include but are not limited to lifting, reaching, bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, crouching, carrying objects, ascending/descending stairs and commuting to work location. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or other state or federal law, you may request an accommodation.
• The Company is a drug-free company and Equal Opportunity Employer – By Choice.
  • All offers to external candidates for employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment drug testing and background verifications before employment is finalized.
  • The Company understands, respects, and values diversity – unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas, and opinions – while striving to be inclusive of all people. This commitment is critical to our success as a global company as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Hiring and promotional decisions are based solely on the qualifications required for the job to be filled.
• This position is considered “safety-sensitive” and includes tasks or duties which could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the tasks or others.
• The Company is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive application process. Should you need any accommodations or assistance, please contact our Talent Acquisition team.