Venue And Operations Manager

Role Title: Venue and Operations Manager

Reports to: Director of Operations and Administration, Managing Director

Compensation: $57,900 – $66,360 (first year) annual salary, Enhanced Health & Dental Benefits, Paid Vacation

Work Structure: Permanent, Full-time, On-Site

Role Summary

The Venue and Operations Manager will oversee the daily operations and long-term strategy for The Outset, a full-service event venue. The successful candidate will work closely with the management and leadership team at Ingaged Creative Productions to manage, develop, and support the growth of The Outset. This role requires a creative spark, adaptability, and strong leadership skills to handle operational aspects, including staffing, cost management, client interactions, and marketing. They will also champion the brand’s vision and values, contributing to maintaining a strong, inclusive culture and a positive working environment.

This individual will have extensive experience in event and banquet management, risk management, financial oversight, and business development while collaborating with community stakeholders to create an inclusive, empowered space that serves the community. This role will be instrumental in shaping the operational model, building the team, and ensuring the venue’s long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Operations Management (15%)

• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring the venue is prepared for events and clients.
• Oversee event bookings, scheduling, and staffing to ensure smooth execution.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to align operational goals with revenue targets and service strategies.
• Support banquet and catering management, ensuring high food and beverage delivery service standards.
• Efficiently manage and supervise banquet venue staff, ensuring services are seamlessly delivered within budget.
• Support the achievement of sales targets, acting as an ambassador for the venue and maintaining strong relationships with clients and the community.
• Handle customer complaints with a positive, solution-oriented attitude, fostering a culture of care.
• Monitor and control costs, including daily invoice management and prudent decision-making on expenses.

Digital and Business Development (10%)

• Drive the development and implementation of digital event solutions and business strategies.
• Contribute to the growth of the venue by identifying and executing new business opportunities.
• Ensure operational efficiency with technology tools, particularly Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, for event planning and communication.
• Work with point-of-sale systems, ideally in a cashless business environment.

Budgeting, Planning, and Operational Support (15%)

• Oversee budgeting for venue operations, including staffing, utilities, and maintenance.
• Collaborate on event-specific budgeting, ensuring alignment with financial goals.
• Prepare and present financial reports, track spending, and provide insights into cost management and profitability.
• Contribute to the preparation of the annual budget for staffing, operating expenses, and revenue targets.
• Work closely with the Finance Operations Manager to ensure financial compliance and reporting accuracy.
• Develop and report on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the venue’s continued long-term success.
• Manage cash handling procedures, weekly audits, and ensure security of payments.

Vendor, Client, and Partnership Engagement (15%)

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, community stakeholders, and key vendors.
• Manage contracts with third-party service providers such as caterers, cleaners, and security.
• Initially, act as primary point of contact for clients, ensuring customer satisfaction through excellent service and issue resolution.
• Handle customer complaints fairly and consistently, adopting a positive, solution-oriented attitude that embraces a culture of care.
• Lead efforts in marketing and promotional activities, adapting to seasonal changes and executing relevant initiatives to drive revenue.
• Engage with the community to promote partnerships and build a strong local presence for the venue, focusing on Thunder Bay’s Fort William Business District, Simpson Street, and East End areas.

Leadership and Organizational Development (10%)

• Lead a team, ensuring proper coordination with HR and involvement in recruitment processes.
• Support staff development by providing guidance and training, particularly for front-of-house and operations staff.
• Monitor staff performance, ensure adherence to service standards, and approve FOH staff for graduation from training programs.
• Oversee and collaborate with front-of-house banquet team members during daily operations of all Food and Beverage banquet venues to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Manage and implement risk management protocols, ensuring safety and operational compliance.
• Ensure safe and secure operations by upholding health, safety, and hygiene standards, and implementing safety measures for both staff and guests.
• Shape the team’s culture and provide leadership to ensure the venue’s success, especially in a startup environment.
• Collaborate on the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and a performance-based pay model to support this role and the team.

Administrative and Flexibility in Role (10%)

• Manage administrative tasks related to venue operations, including reporting, scheduling, and coordination.
• Oversee the preparation and use of the space, including set-up for merchandise, registration tables, sponsor spaces, bar, food services, and deep cleaning.
• Work collaboratively with all departments to deliver detailed visions for venue events, rentals, presentations, and performance-based events.
• Ensure flexibility in adapting to the needs of the venue, particularly during high-volume events or peak seasons.

Additional Duties (5%)

• Support the setup of events, ensuring logistics such as AV, IT, and seating are seamlessly coordinated.
• Assist in managing high-level client escalations and resolving event issues in real-time.
• Oversee and coordinate with contractors for maintenance and facility repairs.
• Collaborate in the preparation of the annual budget for staffing, operating expenses, and revenue targets.
• Organize schedules, lead weekly manager meetings, and oversee event tracking.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary education in hospitality, events, business, operations, or venue management.
• 2-3 years of leadership or management experience preferred but not required.
• Strong background in event or banquet management, including customer service and front-of-house experience.
• Extensive experience in risk management, financial reporting, and business development.
• Prior management experience in upscale restaurant or venue environments is preferred.
• Experience in a startup environment and project management is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with various restaurant and venue operational systems (e.g., POS systems like Square, Triple Seat, Open Table, SevenRooms, Rentman and others) is a bonus.
• Experience coordinating with HR and hiring within Ontario.
• Knowledge of labour management and experience in staffing for high service standards.
• Local solid network and understanding of the Thunder Bay business landscape, including the Fort William Business District and Simpson Street areas.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and handle stress effectively.
• Adaptable, patient, and prepared to meet the needs of diverse events.
• Smart Serve certification preferred.
• Familiarity with event technology and software, particularly Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, is required.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams and external partners.
• A capable negotiator and highly resourceful, with experience working with local suppliers.
• A creative spark and imagination to adapt to new challenges, opportunities, and unique events daily.

Compensation and Benefits Package

Base Pay: $57,900 – $66,360 per year, with enhanced health and dental benefits.
Paid Vacation: Three weeks of paid vacation after the probationary period.
Performance-Based Bonus Structure: Opportunities for additional earnings through a performance-based bonus structure, including potential commissions on venue bookings, upsell incentives, and event profit-sharing, to be negotiated upon hiring.

Required Licence/Certifications

• Smart Serve Certification is preferred.
• Valid G Ontario Driver’s Licence with automobile insurance is required, including the ability to drive and be insured on a company or rental vehicle.

Hours

• Full-Time: 40 hrs/week, with evenings and weekends as required.
• Variable hours of work depending on event schedules including late nights.
• Office Hours 9:00-4:30 Monday – Friday
• Flexibility for weekend, evening, and holiday work is essential.

Location and Travel

• Occasional travel (15-20%) may be required.
• This in-person position is based at The Outset, 610 – 612 Simpson Street, Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 3J7.

About Ingaged:

Located within the Fort William First Nation, Ingaged Creative Productions Inc. is rooted in Indigenous ownership and values. We celebrate the diversity of our team and embrace a culture of inclusivity and respect. Our work spans marketing, event coordination, and communications, integrating cross-cultural perspectives to create innovative solutions and foster community engagement.

Application Submission Deadline: October 11, 2024

Process: Please submit your resume (PDF preferred), including work related references, to jkruzick@ingaged.ca with the subject “Venue & Operations Manager – Application.”

Join Ingaged Creative Productions Inc. and contribute to a dynamic team that values innovation, respect, and community-driven success.