Job Title: Senior Manager, Event Operations

Location(s): Remote (USA)

About Us

We’ve entered a new chapter at X Games. With new leadership, fresh momentum, and a clear vision, we’re building what’s next for action sports. Backed by MSP Sports Capital and ESPN/Disney, now operating as an independent company, we’re scaling fast—launching our league, expanding our events, pushing content forward, and building a global home for athletes and fans who live this culture.

About the Role

The Senior Manager, Event Operations oversees venue and event operations for X Games events. This role leads the planning, build, and execution of operational infrastructure while coordinating across internal teams, vendors, and local partners. The position reports to the Senior Director of Live Event Operations and collaborates with cross-functional event leadership.

This role requires frequent travel (approximately 50% or more), including extended periods onsite for event build, execution, and breakdown.

Responsibilities

Event Operations & Project Management

• Oversee planning, procurement, installation, and execution of key event infrastructure including grandstands, scaffolding, tents, fencing, restrooms, offices, activations, TV compound, F&B areas, security infrastructure, credentialing, radios, and back-of-house operations.
• Manage event build timelines and maintain the master event schedule.
• Develop venue layouts and maps using tools such as Visio, SketchUp, AutoCAD, or similar CAD platforms.
• Coordinate cross-departmental planning meetings and distribute agendas and notes.
• Source, negotiate, and manage vendor relationships.
• Gather operational requirements from internal departments and coordinate execution with vendors.
• Partner with safety and security teams on crowd flow, staffing, and event-day operational planning.
• Develop vehicle and equipment screening procedures.
• Secure necessary event permits and maintain compliance with local regulations.
• Serve as liaison with host venues, government agencies, and public safety departments.
• Support venue signage planning, including wayfinding, competition course signage, and directional signage.
• Collaborate with logistics teams on equipment planning and supply needs.

Budgeting, Contracts & Administration

• Track and manage operational budgets in partnership with the Senior Director and Accounting Manager.
• Maintain vendor contracts, estimates, and certificate of insurance documentation.
• Prepare budget tracking reports and vendor spend summaries.
• Manage post-event reconciliation, billbacks, and final invoicing.

Staffing & Workforce Management

• Oversee operations administrative staff and temporary event personnel.
• Coordinate seasonal staffing needs, including job descriptions, contracts, and payroll.
• Track staffing allocations and event-specific compensation.
• Manage union labor when applicable.

Onsite Operations & Office Management

• Ensure smooth operation of event operations and production offices.
• Coordinate IT, office equipment, supplies, and operational support onsite.
  

Sustainability & Guest Experience

• Partner with leadership to support sustainability initiatives and operational best practices.
• Oversee guest services programs, student initiatives, and third-party vendors related to ticketing and box office operations.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of event, festival, or large-scale live event operations experience.
• Experience managing complex event builds and operational logistics.
• Strong project management, organizational, and multitasking skills in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CAD-based mapping tools (Visio, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Vectorworks or similar).
• Experience working with budgets, vendor contracts, and operational reporting.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 50%+ of the time, including extended onsite event deployments.
• Flexibility to work nontraditional hours during event production cycles.
• Ability to work outdoors in demanding environments including extreme temperatures or high-elevation venues.
• Heavy equipment operation experience and relevant certifications preferred.
• Drone operation experience and FAA Part 107 certification a plus.

Core Competencies

• Operates with integrity and professionalism.
• Strong communicator who effectively shares information and listens actively.
• Solutions-oriented with the ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Adaptable and innovative in dynamic environments.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through.

 

The base salary range for this role is $120,000 – $130,000. Compensation is determined based on factors including (but not limited to) experience, skills, job-related knowledge, and geographic location.

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