Expo Operations Manager

The OpportunityWe are building something big — and we need someone who can run it.GulfSouth Outdoor Living is expanding a series of traveling consumer expos focused on hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, cold plunges, and outdoor living products across the Southeastern United States. These are high-energy, multi-day events that put products directly in front of thousands of buyers. Every show matters. Every detail matters. And the person who manages the operation behind each show is the reason it either runs like a machine — or falls apart.About the CompanyGulfSouth Outdoor Living is a retail and service company based in Alabaster, Alabama, specializing in hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, and cold plunge products. Through our event division, The Expo Coach, we produce traveling consumer expos across major Southeastern markets. We are a growing business built on straight talk, accountability, and doing things right. We are not corporate. We are not slow. We are building a team of people who take ownership, solve problems, and move with purpose.Role SummaryThe Show Operations Manager is responsible for everything that makes a show happen — before, during, and after. You will manage the end-to-end logistics of every consumer expo we produce, including venue coordination, equipment management, staff scheduling, vendor communication, setup and breakdown oversight, timeline management, and on-site problem-solving. You will lead a team of five, report directly to the VP of Operations, and travel 80–90% of the time to show locations across the Southeast.This is not a desk job. This is a boots-on-the-ground leadership role where your ability to plan ahead, stay calm under pressure, manage people, and execute at a high level will directly determine the success of every event we run.Key ResponsibilitiesShow Planning & Execution: Own the full lifecycle of each consumer expo from initial planning through final breakdown. Build and manage detailed show plans, timelines, and checklists for every event.Event Logistics: Coordinate all logistics including freight, equipment transport, venue load-in and load-out schedules, floor plans, booth layouts, and utility requirements.Venue & Vendor Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact with venue management teams. Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and compliance requirements at each location.Setup & Breakdown Oversight: Direct all on-site setup and breakdown operations. Ensure products are properly positioned, displays are built to standard, signage is placed, and the show floor is ready before doors open.Inventory & Equipment Management: Track and manage all show equipment, displays, signage, tools, and supplies. Maintain accurate inventory records and coordinate maintenance and replacement as needed.Staff Coordination: Schedule, direct, and manage a team of five. Assign roles and responsibilities for each show, conduct pre-show briefings, and hold post-show debriefs to improve performance.Scheduling & Timeline Management: Create and enforce detailed event schedules. Manage deadlines for venue bookings, vendor commitments, freight shipments, and staff travel.On-Site Problem Solving: Serve as the decision-maker during live events. Handle unexpected issues including last-minute venue changes, equipment failures, staffing gaps, and weather disruptions with composure and speed.Internal Communication: Provide clear, consistent updates to the VP of Operations and internal teams before, during, and after each event. Deliver post-show reports with performance metrics and improvement recommendations.Travel Coordination: Manage all travel logistics for yourself and your team, including ground transportation, lodging, and per diem scheduling across multiple markets.Quality Standards: Ensure every show meets or exceeds company standards for presentation, customer experience, and operational efficiency. You are the last line of quality control before the public walks through the door.QualificationsRequired3+ years of experience in operations management, event management, or logistics coordinationProven track record of managing live events, trade shows, consumer expos, or similar multi-location operationsExperience leading and managing small teams (3–10 people)Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneouslyExcellent verbal and written communication skillsComfortable working under pressure with tight timelines and shifting prioritiesWillingness and ability to travel 80–90% of the time, primarily within the Southeastern U.S.Valid driver's license and clean driving recordPhysically able to assist with setup and breakdown tasks (lifting, standing, walking for extended periods)Proficiency with scheduling, project management, and communication toolsPreferredExperience in the home and garden, outdoor living, or consumer products industryBackground in trade show production, expo management, or consumer event operationsFamiliarity with CRM systems (GoHighLevel experience is a plus)Forklift or equipment operation experienceExperience managing budgets and controlling event costsCore Traits We Are Looking ForSelf-Starter: You do not wait to be told what to do. You see what needs to happen and you make it happen.Accountable: You own your outcomes. When something goes wrong, you fix it and figure out how to prevent it next time.Calm Under Pressure: Events are unpredictable. You stay steady, think clearly, and lead your team through problems without panic.Detail-Oriented: You catch the small things before they become big problems. Nothing slips through the cracks on your watch.Dependable: Your team and your leadership can count on you — every time, every show, no excuses.What Success Looks LikeFirst 30 Days — Learn the MachineComplete onboarding and shadow at least two full show cycles from planning through breakdownUnderstand every piece of the show operation: equipment, inventory, floor plans, vendor relationships, staff roles, and timelinesBuild relationships with key venue contacts and vendor partnersReview all SOPs, checklists, and show documentation and identify any gaps or improvement opportunitiesMeet with every member of your team and understand their strengths, work styles, and development areasFirst 60 Days — Own the OperationLead a show from start to finish with minimal oversight from the VP of OperationsDeliver a complete post-show report with performance metrics, lessons learned, and actionable improvement recommendationsEstablish a clear communication rhythm with your team and leadership (pre-show plans, real-time updates, post-show debriefs)Propose and implement at least one operational improvement to show planning, setup, or breakdown proceduresDemonstrate full command of inventory and equipment tracking systemsFirst 90 Days — Run It Like It's YoursManage multiple overlapping show cycles independently, delivering consistently on time, on budget, and to company standardsBuild a reputation with venue partners and vendors as the reliable, organized professional they want to work withIdentify and begin executing improvements to logistics, staffing efficiency, or equipment management that reduce costs or improve show qualityLead your team with confidence — they know the plan, they trust your direction, and they perform at a high level because of youBe the person the VP of Operations trusts completely to run the show operation without daily interventionCompensation & BenefitsBase Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 depending on experience and qualificationsPerformance Bonuses: Additional bonus potential tied to show performance, cost efficiency, and operational milestonesTravel Benefits: All travel expenses covered including lodging, transportation, and meals while on the roadGrowth Opportunity: This role is designed to grow with the company. As company expands into new markets, so does your scope, responsibility, and earning potentialLeadership Path: The right person in this role is positioned to move into a senior operations leadership position as the company scalesImpact: This is not a cog-in-the-wheel position. You will have direct, visible impact on the success and growth of the businessCulture FitYou Will Thrive Here If You…Take ownership of your work and hold yourself to a high standard without being askedPrefer action over meetings, plans over excuses, and results over talkAre comfortable making decisions in real time when things do not go as plannedStay organized when managing many moving parts across multiple projects and locationsWant to build something — not just clock in and clock outAre energized by travel, variety, and a work environment that changes every weekCommunicate clearly, directly, and honestly — even when the news is not greatThis Role Is Not For You If You…Need constant direction or supervision to stay productiveAre uncomfortable with frequent travel or time away from homeStruggle to manage multiple priorities without dropping ballsAvoid accountability when things go wrongPrefer a predictable, routine, Monday-through-Friday desk environmentHave difficulty communicating clearly or giving direct feedback