Operations Manager

This position can be based in Denver, St. Louis, or Grand Rapids. At Unbridled, people matter. While we embrace AI as a tool to help us work smarter, we don’t use it to screen resumes or to conduct interviews on our behalf. Applications are reviewed by a real person on our team, and every interview is conducted by a real person(s).

We believe every candidate deserves an authentic, respectful hiring experience.

Unbridled is an event management, production, and creative agency delivering intentionally crafted events through our customer-focused approach to creative design, attendee management, program logistics, production, and travel. We believe that in an unbridled atmosphere, talented people are unleashed to imagine and intentionally craft solutions and services that amaze our customers. Our values drive everything we do....and differentiate the Unbridled Brand. We collaborate in each other's destiny, foster a culture of authenticity, and are a business of radical generosity.

It's part of why we have a 99% client retention and less than 15% annual employee turnover.

You will thrive at Unbridledbecausewe focus on relationships, keep clients first, and put people before process.

As a leader of the Project Delivery organization, the Operations Manager is responsible for developing high-performing teams and creating the operational environment that enables exceptional event execution. This role provides strategic leadership for Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, Meeting Planners, and Senior Meeting Planners while driving planning excellence, workforce planning, operational consistency, and continuous improvement across the organization. Partnering closely with Client Experience and Operations Support leaders, the Operations Manager ensures Project Delivery has the people, processes, tools, and capabilities required to consistently deliver outstanding client experiences.

• 10+ years of meeting, event, hospitality, or project delivery experience, including progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success leading project delivery or operations teams in a fast-paced, client service environment.
• Experience developing high-performing teams through coaching, performance management, and talent development.
• Strong operational leadership with expertise in project delivery methodologies, workforce planning, resource management, and process improvement.
• Proven financial acumen, including forecasting, budgeting, profitability, and operational planning.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, change management, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational alignment.
• Ability to travel as needed to support client programs, team development, and business initiatives.

• Experience leading project delivery organizations within meetings, events, hospitality, or professional services.
• Experience implementing operational systems, process improvements, or organizational transformation initiatives.
• PMP, CMP, or other relevant leadership or project management certifications.

• Lead, coach, and develop the Project Delivery team, including Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, Senior Meeting Planners, and Meeting Planners.
• Establish clear performance expectations, career development plans, and coaching strategies that foster engagement and long-term growth.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, succession planning, and talent development across the Project Delivery organization.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and hospitality.

• Establish and maintain Project Delivery standards, methodologies, templates, and best practices.
• Drive operational consistency, quality assurance, and planning excellence across all programs.
• Review internal post-program reviews, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify operational risks and implement solutions that improve efficiency, scalability, and delivery quality.

• Partner with Workforce Planning & Resourcing to forecast demand and align staffing with business priorities.
• Balance workloads, optimize team utilization, and ensure programs are appropriately staffed based on complexity and capacity.
• Provide leadership and support for complex delivery challenges, operational escalations, and resource…