Operations Conversions Manager | Full-Time | Ryan Center and Boss Ice Arena (U of Rhode Island)

The Operations Conversions Manager develops changeover and daily staffing plans, supervises part-time staff, coordinates equipment and resources, oversees housekeeping and event-cleaning needs, and works closely with other departments to ensure event requirements and deadlines are met. Position Summary: The Operations Conversions Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and hands-on execution of event conversions, changeovers, and facility setups to ensure the venue is prepared safely, efficiently, and on schedule for sporting events, shows & concerts, graduations, exhibitor events, meetings, and more.

Oak View Group:

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Position Summary:

The Operations Conversions Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and hands-on execution of event conversions, changeovers, and facility setups to ensure the venue is prepared safely, efficiently, and on schedule for sporting events, shows & concerts, graduations, exhibitor events, meetings, and more. The Operations Conversions Manager develops changeover and daily staffing plans, supervises part-time staff, coordinates equipment and resources, oversees housekeeping and event-cleaning needs, and works closely with other departments to ensure event requirements and deadlines are met. In addition, the Operations Conversions Manager supports general facility operations, snow removal, event coverage, and other department needs as required. The position will also serve as Manager on Duty and/or building liaison for assigned events.

 

This is a hands-on position requiring significant evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday work based on the venue’s event and conversion schedule.

 

This role pays an annual salary of $50,000 - $60,000

 

Benefits for Full-Time Roles: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

 

This position will remain open until December 31, 2026.

About the Venue:

A state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility, the Thomas M. Ryan Center, located on the University of Rhode Island campus in scenic South County, opened its doors in June 2002. Home to URI Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs, the Ryan Center also features the URI football team's locker room, along with athletic department offices, training rooms, players' lounges, and a souvenir store. The venue seats 8,000 for basketball and over 6,300 for concerts, family shows, lectures, and other community events. The Ryan Center was designed and built to meet all ADA specifications to accommodate our guests with disabilities. Located in Kingston, the Center draws on an audience of over 1.4 million people within a 40-mile radius.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all event changeovers, ensuring timely and efficient transitions between events, including setup and teardown of equipment such as retractable seating, dashers/plexiglass, basketball flooring, hoops, tables, chairs, etc.
• Work closely with the Events Department to fulfill event rider specifications and ensure timely and accurate event setups.
• Manage and oversee all post-event clean-ups to ensure the facility is properly restored after each event.
• Manage and supervise all part-time staff for event set-ups and general maintenance during off days.
• Develop and implement operating procedures related to changeovers and post-event cleaning.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance plans for retractable seating, production equipment, and other facility assets.
• Develop and implement workplace safety programs in compliance with OSHA standards and local regulations.
• Schedule and oversee part-time operational staff, including changeover crews and custodial teams.
• Assist in budget preparation and financial management for facility operations, monitoring expenditures and controlling costs.
• Oversee the payroll of part-time operational staff, including changeover crews and custodial teams.
• Assist in coordinating with third-party contractors and vendors to ensure timely completion of building projects and maintenance tasks.
• Assist in enforcing building health, safety, and emergency action compliance.
• Conduct regular inspections and risk assessments to identify and address potential hazards within the facility.
• Regularly review and recommend updates to operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance within the Operations department.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment, materials, and supplies needed to support operational needs for events and ice-related activities.
• Maintain inventory of department equipment and supplies, ensuring necessary materials are available for operations.
• Share responsibility for snow and ice operations and serve as Manager on Duty for snow-related tasks when assigned.
• Operates company truck to plow snow, transport equipment and materials, assist with event setup activities such as barricade placement, and travel between company facilities and event locations, including the Boss Ice Arena, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Facility Operations.

Qualifications:

• 3-5+ years of experience in facility operations management preferred.
• Bachelor’s/Technical degree from an accredited college/university/school preferred.
• Experience working overnight changeovers and operations is highly preferred.
• Previous work in an arena, convention center, or public assembly facility preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of facility management and experience in staff supervision.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment; possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overnights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Experience managing union labor and understanding CBA guidelines is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with OSHA requirements.
• Must be self-motivated and have excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while also fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects and perform physical tasks as required.
• Experience operating forklifts, man lifts, pallet jacks, and similar equipment preferred.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference:

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.