Operations Director - Trade Shows

Derse is a complete face-to-face marketing agency and exhibit builder. We bring a smarter approach to building client sales while managing their trade show, marketing environments and event programs. Our teams are made up of smart and forward-thinking people who bring experiential marketing solutions to life!

We believe in committing to a long-term investment in your career with a total rewards package including:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
• A bright and energetic culture where your ideas are valued
• 75+ years of financial stability

Derse employs over 600 people in marketing, program management, creative & skilled production, and corporate support. Locations include Milwaukee, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and various communities in Poland & Germany. Visit our website derse.com to learn more! 

As the Operations Director supporting our Dallas area office, you'll assume full responsibility for all activities post-sale to ensure that customer work is planned, produced, and completed to client specifications and Derse standards. You'll also ensure that projects are invoiced in a timely manner, while being a pillar of leadership for our clients and staff.  If you have working knowledge of the experiential marketing industry, and a willingness to jump into our fast-paced projects, read through and apply if this sounds like the opportunity for you!  

Operations Director Responsibilities

• Assume full responsibility for all activities post-sale to ensure that customer work is planned, produced and completed on site; and invoiced on time to client specifications and within Derse standard margins.
• Ultimate responsibility for job variances and budget variances.
• Prepare monthly operational financial reporting including job variances, budget variances, etc. for Divisional VP reporting to corporate.
• Production capacity report approval and proactive overtime communication to staff.
• Review pending future work and evaluate impact on production scheduling / capacity report; attend Design & Estimating meeting for a review of potential upcoming work.
• Work with Divisional VP on future growth planning. 
• Production flow efficiency planning within corporate guidelines.
• Provide billing and purchase approval if exceeding the appropriate threshold.
• Lead weekly Production meetings defined by issues, updates and job close out with sales, project management, and office manager.

Operations Director Requirements & Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, or similar with 8+ years relevant industry experience.  
• Minimum of (5) years of management/supervision of various operational personnel experience.
• Demonstrated experience in providing strong leadership and mentor staff is required.
• Hands on knowledge of fixtures/cabinet-making/millwork/custom fabrication trades preferred.
• Highly organized, flexible and ability to work necessary hours in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.