External Operations Manager Jobs in Gardena, CA (NOW HIRING)

 LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

Role Purpose

You will help build the operational backbone that connects LA28 with the city services and external partners around our Olympic and Paralympic venues. In the years leading up to the Games, this role establishes integrated planning where little exists yet - coordinating municipal agencies and functional areas so venues open ready and run smoothly. You will turn ambiguity into concrete, executable plans and carry them from early design through Games-time delivery. The work is cross-functional, high-visibility, and central to how Los Angeles experiences the Games.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead integrated operational planning for assigned Olympic and Paralympic venues, coordinating city services and external operations across municipal agencies and LA28 functional areas.
• Drive cross-functional coordination across LA28, aligning functional areas to develop Games-time plans and resolve planning gaps.
• Own external operational planning deliverables, including service-level estimates, risk identification, and executive-ready briefings for assigned venues.
• Lead external operations and readiness from planning through Games-time execution, supporting operational exercises and real-time decision-making.
• Build and maintain trusted working relationships with external stakeholders, including city and public-sector partners.
• Translate complex, incomplete information into clear plans, priorities, and recommendations for leadership.

Required Competencies

• 5+ years leading complex, cross-functional projects.
• Proven experience managing relationships with external stakeholders.
• Strong operational planning and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and meeting facilitation abilities; advanced Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.
• Able to work independently and make pragmatic progress in an ambiguous, evolving environment.

Valued Experience

The following are valued but not required:

• Experience working with municipal or public-sector partners.
• Experience supporting large-scale events or venue operations.
• Familiarity with project management and mapping tools (e.g., Smartsheet, ArcGIS).
• Experience negotiating operational agreements.
• Knowledge of Southern California agencies and jurisdictions.

What We Offer

• Real ownership of operational plans that shape how Los Angeles delivers the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Exposure across LA28 functional areas, city agencies, and external partners - a cross-functional network few roles offer.
• Transferable skills and lasting career value from delivering a historic, once-in-a-generation event.
• Teammates who value collaboration, pragmatism, and shared success.

What This Role Means for the Games

City Operations is where LA28's plans meet the real streets, services, and communities of Los Angeles. Your planning helps venues open on time and gives athletes, fans, and residents a seamless, inclusive Games experience.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Available to work onsite in our Downtown Los Angeles-based office, with travel to venue and city sites as needed.
• The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment.
• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment; employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment.
• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods.
• Perform other duties as required; the role will evolve over time and may include operational responsibilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $88,000 -$115,000. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28's operational business needs and applicable law.

Accommodation

LA28 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of the role, please let your recruiter know.

Equal Opportunity

LA28 is committed to fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.