Blume Studios Operations Manager
Company: Blumenthal Arts
Salary Range: Grade 16
Position Summary
The Blume Studios Operations Manager leads the day-to-day operations of venues and programs managed by Blume Studios, ensuring safe, efficient, and exceptional guest, artist, and client experiences. This role serves as the operational hub for immersive experiences, community events, rentals, and Blumenthal-produced programs, overseeing facilities management, event operations, staffing, budgets, and guest services.
Working closely with internal Blumenthal Arts departments and external producers, clients, and partners, the Operations Manager coordinates resources, schedules, and services to deliver high-quality events on time and on budget. The position requires strong leadership, operational judgment, and the ability to manage multiple activities in a fast-paced, live-event environment.
The Manager plays a key role in fostering an environment that embraces innovation, experimentation, and high-quality arts experiences, consistent with Blumenthal Arts’ standing as a global leader in the field.
Duties & Responsibilities
Operations and Leadership
- Coordinates timely, accurate information across relevant Blumenthal Arts departments to ensure effective support for food and beverage, technical production, house operations, ticketing, marketing, and overall organizational awareness
- Leads staffing strategy, training, and scheduling to deliver a welcoming, guest-centered environment while maintaining fiscal responsibility
- Establishes, implements, and maintains policies and procedures to support safe, efficient daily operations
- Determines staffing levels that balance service standards, operational demands, and budgetary considerations
- Coordinates shared staffing strategies with other Blumenthal Arts venues to maximize efficiency and consistency
- Hires, trains, schedules, and supervises experience-specific staff directly or through designated supervisors, in alignment with producer guidelines
- Directly supervises the Blume Studios Technical Production Manager and Merchandise Manager
- Serves, directly or through a designee, as the primary on-site operational decision-maker during events, including issue resolution and emergency response
- Develops, manages, and monitors operating budgets for Blume Studios venues, exercising oversight within approved parameters
- Ensures staff compliance with health, safety, and emergency procedures
- Uses guest feedback, surveys, and operational data to continuously improve service quality and operational effectiveness
Event and Experience Management
- Works closely with external clients and partners such as event producers and rental clients in planning and delivery of their programs
- Partners with internal departments to develop event budgets, space plans, labor schedules, equipment needs, and operational timelines
- Assists with event settlements, reconciliations, and post-event financial reporting
- Maintains accurate venue specifications, layouts, and equipment inventories for internal and external use
Facilities and Venue Oversight
- Serves as the primary liaison with property owners and managers for venues utilized by Blume Studios as well as adjacent properties
- Oversees the condition, cleanliness, and safety of facilities, buildings, and grounds
- Collaborates with the Chief Venue Operations Officer on preventative maintenance and capital improvement planning
- Creates and tracks work orders, following up to ensure timely completion
- Coordinates contractors, vendors, and service providers for maintenance and project work
- Assists with feasibility studies, needs assessments, and evaluation of new or potential venues
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in event management or arts management supplemented by at least 5 years of experience in venue operations, or a related field that includes supervisory experience; or,
- An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Background working with immersive experiences or non-traditional venues preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong project, time, and budget management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail
- Experience leading teams and collaborating across departments
- Sound judgment and problem-solving skills in live-event environments
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with CRM, scheduling, and event management systems preferred
- Strong organizational, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing demands
Work Schedule & Conditions
- Evening, weekend, and holiday work required based on event schedules
- Ability to respond to operational needs outside standard business hours as necessary.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds
- Tasks may require stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and other moderate physical activity
- Requires motor coordination and the ability to work safely in active event environments