Event Operations Manager Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

About the position

The New York Auto Show, owned and operated by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Event Operations Manager to manage the planning and execution of the Auto Show and other events. In this position,  you’ll collaborate closely with internal staff and external partners to manage budgets, logistics, vendor relationships, and onsite operations with a strong focus on efficiency and delivering exceptional experiences.

The Event Operations Manager works extensively with internal staff and external partners to manage spending, contracts, onsite design, show logistics, and show collateral. This ensures that all stakeholders remain informed as plans evolve and then oversee the preplanning and onsite operational aspects while maintaining strong relationships with exhibitors, external vendor partners, and internal personnel.

The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and values people, responsibility, flexibility, and a commitment to excellence.

This position will work from the Whitestone, Queens, NY office 5 days on-site.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Event Planning, Coordination, and Evaluation

• Plan and execute the NYIAS and other assigned events and support others as needed
• Develop show production timelines to ensure proper and timely coordination of all event components
• Facilitate pre-show and post-show event meetings and participate in weekly show team meetings
• Develop operations post-event assessment to ensure feedback document issues that inform future planning

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop and maintain event budgets with the goal of identifying cost saving measures related to operating expenses
• Manage budget revisions and work with the Business Manager on monthly accruals
• Maintain payment schedules and contractual deposits

Vendor Management & Contracting

• Create RFPs for all event vendors, review and analyze proposals and provide recommendations to leadership for vendor selection
• Manage SOWs and schedules for core show partners, such as security, cleaning, and housing.
• Review facility and hotel contracts as required

Floorplan, Logistics & Production

• Submit and monitor exhibit hall, and special event floor plans.
• Coordinate all expo logistics, equipment, and signage with the General Service Contractor
• Develop and manage signage plans, graphic production, and onsite placement accuracy in collaboration with Marketing, and Public Relations.
• Oversee the creation of the exhibitor service manual, which outlines all pertinent information, rules, and regulations for the show
• Work closely with internal staff to development Sponsorship opportunities and manage their fulfillment costs and logistics
• Plan and manage specialty areas and special program areas on the show floor
• Collaborate internally on housing requirements for staff, Association Directors, , as required
• Actively manage show housing in coordination with the housing agency and work collaboratively to increase hotel room usage.

Meeting Rooms & Special Events

• Contract venues, hotels and spaces, manage logistics, and oversee execution of Summer Exhibitor meeting, including audio-visual contracting/coordination, meeting room setups, Food & Beverage, signage, and golf course logistics.  

Onsite Execution & Show Operations

• Lead onsite operations across move-in, show staging, and move-out, ensuring timelines, safety standards, and service requirements are met
• Manage onsite vendors and coordinate with venue teams and internal staff to solve problems in real-time
• Maintain exhibitor, sponsor, and attendee experience standards through active floor management and problem resolution
• Ensure compliance with facility regulations, union requirements, and emergency procedures throughout the event
• Document issues and opportunities for future events to be shared in post-event assessment
• Ensure a positive and collaborative spirit is maintained in all interactions with colleagues, partners, and customers

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of experience in events, hospitality, trade shows etc.
• Strong understanding of event planning principles, requirements, and procedures
• High emotional intelligence and calm under pressure
• Ability to stay highly organized and efficient throughout all phases of the events
• Proven experience leading a team and managing external partners
• Demonstrated ability to create and manage event budgets
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook); and willing to learn new event planning software.
• Limited travel during the year but you will be required to be on show site for 14 days for move-in, show execution, and move-out. 

About the New York International Auto Show. Founded in 1900 at the original Madison Square Garden, the New York International Auto Show is the oldest and most-attended auto show in North America. The New York Auto Show is a spring event at the Javits Convention Center opening to the public on Good Friday and running through the Sunday after Easter. It is owned and operated by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, which represents more than 400 new-car dealers across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, and other northern New York counties.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Target compensation: $70,000 - $80,000

Please note that this range is a reasonable estimate for the position and may vary based on a candidate’s qualifications.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) with company match, and FSA benefits.