Director of Operations | Mesa Complex

THE ROLE: Operations & Conversion Manager

LOCATION: Mesa Convention Center | Mesa, AZ

About the Project/Venue

Located in downtown Mesa, Arizona, Mesa Convention Center is the largest event venue in the East Valley. The venue features nearly 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space, 26 breakout rooms, 40,000 square feet of outdoor function space, and an outdoor amphitheater with capacity for up to 5,000 guests. From conferences and trade shows to community gatherings, festivals, and live entertainment, Mesa Convention Center provides a versatile setting for memorable events and experiences.

About the Role

The Director of Operations is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for overseeing all facility and event operations at Mesa Convention Center, the East Valley’s premier event destination. This role leads key operational functions including engineering, technical services, security, public safety, custodial services, and parking, ensuring the venue is event-ready and operating at the highest standards. Partnering closely with the General Manager, clients, and vendors, the Director of Operations drives operational excellence, safety, capital planning, and continuous improvement to deliver exceptional experiences for guests, event organizers, and the community. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the success of a dynamic venue hosting conventions, concerts, festivals, and large-scale live events.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES)

• Direct and oversee all aspects of venue operations, including Engineering, Building & Grounds, Technical Services, Public Safety, Security, Custodial Services, and Parking.
• Coordinate operational activities with internal departments, promoters, clients, and third-party vendors to ensure facility readiness and successful execution of all events.
• Establish and maintain operational standards, policies, and procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
• Oversee the maintenance and integrity of the physical plant, including all systems, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Lead the development and execution of annual operating and capital budgets, including long-term planning for repairs and improvements.
• Drive a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations, including OSHA and fire/life safety standards.
• Partner with the General Manager and ownership group on operational strategy, capital planning, and long-term venue performance.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operations, event execution, and guest experience, implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support large-scale events including conventions, concerts, and outdoor programming, ensuring operational scalability across varying event types.

WHAT YOU BRING (QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE)

Education and/or Experience          

• Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in venue, facility, or event operations within arenas, convention centers, amphitheaters, or similar environments.
• 3–5+ years of leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Experience overseeing large-scale live events, including conventions, concerts, and multi-day programs.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Skills and Abilities  

• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Good written, verbal, and interpersonal skills required; ability to interact with all levels of staff including management.
• Ability to effectively supervise staff.
• Professional presentation, appearance, and work ethic.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel and must be able to learn Maintenance Manager software program.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and as a team member.
• Requires ability to work flexible and extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in addition to normal business hours.
  

KEY LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Legends Global’ s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding; disciplining employees in conjunction with Human Resources; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

• This role is based on site in Mesa, AZ
• You may be required to work a non traditional schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays

At Legends Global, our people power every success. You’ll work alongside exceptional talent, learn from world-leading experts, and contribute to projects that set the standard across sports, entertainment, hospitality, and live experiences. If you’re driven to operate at the highest level, build with purpose, and help partners win on the biggest stages, you’ll thrive here.

COMPENSATION

Legends Global offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications and a generous total rewards package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.