What does an events and operations manager do?
Events and operations managers are executive professionals who are responsible for organizing and managing a variety of events such as conferences and parties for an organization. They must manage the organization's event operations and registration departments as well as supervise a staff of event operations associates. They are required to identify appropriate event venues while negotiating contracts with outside vendors. Events and operations managers must also execute and coordinate event logistics for arriving groups that can include transportation arrangements and their food and beverage needs.
Events and operations manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real events and operations manager resumes:
- Manage and deepen relationships with VIP's and community relationships.
- Manage all aspects of these events and act as onsite manager to ensure meeting are delivered effectively and professionally.
- Direct financial oversight and implement new fiscal management policies, resulting in improve profitability and cash flow reporting accuracy.
- Track all marketing efforts to determine ROI and customer satisfaction ratings to determine the success of the projects.
- Design marketing collateral, web page and Facebook pages and twitter account.
- Oversee planning and promotions for all Kontrol sponsor online contests, digital editorials, social media/digital promotions and giveaways
Events and operations manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Events And Operations Managers are proficient in Wine, Event Operations, and Event Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Management skills, Time-management skills, and Leadership skills.
We break down the percentage of Events And Operations Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Wine, 14%
Spearheaded in house publicity events for weddings and wine tasting events targeting appropriate media outlets and industry professionals.
- Event Operations, 13%
Achieved position of dedicated Event Operations Manager within the highest ranking service representing executive leader level clients and prospects.
- Event Management, 7%
Handled overall operations and event management during special events related to all catering needs.
- Event Logistics, 7%
Executed and coordinated event logistics for arriving groups and meetings including transportation arrangements, and food and beverage needs.
- Audio Visual, 6%
Coordinated room set-up, audio visual, and food/beverage details with internal departments to ensure successful event execution and delivery.
- Venues, 6%
Provided and consulted Executive Venue Management on all ticketing-related settlement documents for all events.
"wine," "event operations," and "event management" are among the most common skills that events and operations managers use at work. You can find even more events and operations manager responsibilities below, including:
Time-management skills. Another essential skill to perform events and operations manager duties is time-management skills. Events and operations managers responsibilities require that "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." Events and operations managers also use time-management skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "create and manage event production timeline. "
Leadership skills. events and operations managers are also known for leadership skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to events and operations manager responsibilities, because "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." An events and operations manager resume example shows how leadership skills is used in the workplace: "provided leadership and direction to a team of 75 direct reports. "
Problem-solving skills. events and operations manager responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." This resume example shows what events and operations managers do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "monitored bride/customer satisfaction, addressed any issues and provided solutions to make events even better. "
Communication skills. Another crucial skill for an events and operations manager to carry out their responsibilities is "communication skills." A big part of what events and operations managers relies on this skill, since "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." How this skill relates to events and operations manager duties can be seen in an example from an events and operations manager resume snippet: "provide guidance on key project requirements; not limited to web and email communications, and press releases. "
The three companies that hire the most events and operations managers are:
- Marriott International30 events and operations managers jobs
- Ruth's Chris Steak House15 events and operations managers jobs
- Maritz5 events and operations managers jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable events and operations manager resume templates
Build a professional events and operations manager resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your events and operations manager resume.
Compare different events and operations managers
Events and operations manager vs. Manager of special events
A manager of special events is responsible for organizing events and programs for a company and various organizations. Managers of special events monitor the event procedures from conceptualization to the actual execution. They analyze the event purpose, manage participants' list, coordinate with suppliers for resources, allocate budget accurately, and ensure that the program outlines and agendas are polished on time. A manager of special events must have excellent communication and organizational skills to deliver a successful event and resolve complications as they arise.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an events and operations manager are more likely to require skills like "wine," "event operations," "venues," and "direct reports." On the other hand, a job as a manager of special events requires skills like "strategic plan," "community events," "alumni," and "corporate sponsors." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Managers of special events tend to make the most money working in the non profits industry, where they earn an average salary of $60,955. In contrast, events and operations managers make the biggest average salary, $72,287, in the manufacturing industry.managers of special events tend to reach similar levels of education than events and operations managers. In fact, managers of special events are 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Events and operations manager vs. Assistant manager of operations
An assistant operations manager is responsible for supervising staff performance and operation processes under the guidance of an operations manager. The assistant operations manager ensures the efficiency and accuracy of project management to boost client satisfaction, drive revenues, and achieve the company's objectives and profitability goals. They also help with developing strategic procedures to increase productivity and identify business opportunities to build a strong company reputation. An assistant operations manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially when meeting with existing and potential clients, close partnerships, and lead teams towards project goals.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that events and operations manager responsibilities requires skills like "wine," "event operations," "event management," and "event logistics." But an assistant manager of operations might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "sales floor," "front end," "cash handling," and "store associates."
Assistant managers of operations may earn a lower salary than events and operations managers, but assistant managers of operations earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $65,818. On the other hand, events and operations managers receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $72,287.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Assistant managers of operations tend to reach similar levels of education than events and operations managers. In fact, they're 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Events and operations manager vs. Manager, center operations
The duties of a manager of center operations depend on one's industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing business operations, setting targets, assessing the workforce's performance, and performing corrective measures on any issues or concerns. Moreover, there are also instances where they have to produce progress reports, devise strategies for optimal business performance, delegate tasks, and even manage the budget. As a manager, it is crucial to lead and encourage the team to reach goals and sales targets while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from events and operations manager resumes include skills like "wine," "event operations," "event management," and "event logistics," whereas a manager, center operations is more likely to list skills in "process improvement," "infrastructure," "osha," and "standard operating procedure. "
Managers, center operations earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $68,400. Comparatively, events and operations managers have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $72,287.When it comes to education, managers, center operations tend to earn similar degree levels compared to events and operations managers. In fact, they're 3.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Events and operations manager vs. General manager of operations
General managers of operations are employed to oversee the overall operations of businesses. Their responsibilities include the improvement of the efficiency of the operations and overall management. They coordinate the primary performance goals for direct reporting functions and set the strategies for the organization. It is their responsibility to communicate strategy as well as results to employees. They also engage with the corporate officers in the strategic planning and development of the organization or enterprise.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between events and operations managers and general managers of operations, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an events and operations manager might have more use for skills like "wine," "event operations," "event management," and "event logistics." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of general managers of operations require skills like "develop team," "logistics," "payroll," and "continuous improvement. "
The average resume of general managers of operations showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to events and operations managers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 2.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.Types of events and operations manager
Updated January 8, 2025
