Shannon Connex Recruiting · 10 hours ago
Senior Director of Operations
Shannon Connex Recruiting is a global Destination Management Company (DMC) seeking a hands-on operations leader to oversee complex special events and services. The role involves balancing strategic oversight with program execution while leading and mentoring a team to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Responsibilities
Lead, manage, and mentor all Operations Managers and Field Staff, balancing hands-on program execution with oversight of all company programs
Set and enforce operational standards, processes, and best practices to ensure consistency, scalability, and exceptional client delivery
Secure and manage preferred vendor relationships through a structured vetting process
Oversee and approve detailed Schedules of Services for all programs
Select, negotiate, and manage vendors to meet client requirements while controlling costs and protecting profit margins
Review and approve program budgets, expenses, and documentation; secure client approvals for program changes as needed
Identify up-sell opportunities and operational efficiencies that drive revenue and margin improvement
Oversee post-program financial processes including billing meetings, final invoicing, cost analysis, and vendor payments
Partner with sales to identify future business opportunities based on operational insights
Work closely with the Regional General Manager to support destination-level strategy and execution
Collaborate with sales, account teams, and suppliers to ensure seamless communication before and during programs
Lead client pre-convention meetings and maintain a strong on-site client presence
Provide regular operational updates to internal stakeholders throughout program execution
Coach, develop, and train operations and field teams, including biannual training on policies and best practices
Drive effective use of company systems, policies, and procedures
Support cross-department collaboration and contribute to proposal development, site inspections, and vendor reviews
Represent the company within the local events and hospitality community
Qualification
Required
5-7 years of operations experience in DMC, Special Events, Hotel or Hospitality related industries, and an established base of contacts
Bachelor's degree in tourism, hospitality, event management, or equivalent work experience
A solid understanding of corporate and association meetings is essential
Hands-on experience producing special events, managing transportation, and tour programs is a plus
Confident presentation and written skills
Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Conduct all business matters fairly, honestly and ethically and with the utmost professionalism
Preferred
CMP or DMCP certification preferred
Benefits
Competitive base salary + commission
Medical, dental, vision, health savings account, 401K, basic life insurance, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, vacation and holiday pay.
Attend annual company meeting (new destination each year).
Laptop, home office set up, and cell phone and wifi stipend.
Company
Shannon Connex Recruiting
Your Connextion to the Hospitality Industry! Speaker: If your team needs help understanding clients and how to connect with them to grow their business, they most likely aren't speaking their language based on the client's personality type.
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase