Event Operations Manager (Chicago)

Location: Oak Brook, IL (Office) | Chicagoland Event Venues

Primary Event Locations: McCormick Place - Chicago | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center - Rosemont

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $50,000–$60,000 per year

Join the AF Services Team

AF Services is a leading provider of event staffing, guest services, and event operations throughout the Chicagoland area. We partner with premier convention centers, trade shows, corporate events, sporting events, and special events to deliver exceptional service and seamless event operations.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated, and hands-on leader to join our Operations team. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys leading teams, and takes pride in delivering outstanding service to clients. The majority of your time will be spent managing live events onsite . You will oversee operations at some of the Midwest's largest convention and event venues, work directly with clients and venue representatives, and lead event teams to ensure every assignment is executed professionally and successfully.

When you're not onsite, you'll work from our Oak Brook office , assisting with recruiting, scheduling, employee compliance, payroll coordination, and operational planning.

If you enjoy the energy of live events, leading people, solving problems, and having a role where no two days are the same , we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

*Event Operations*

• Serve as the onsite Event Operations Manager for conventions, trade shows, sporting events, corporate events, and special events throughout the Chicagoland area.
• Manage event operations primarily at McCormick Place in Chicago and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont , with additional assignments at other Chicagoland venues.
• Lead, supervise, and support large teams of event personnel before, during, and after events.
• Conduct pre-event walkthroughs and coordinate logistics with clients, venue representatives, and internal staff.
• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for clients and event partners.
• Monitor event operations and ensure staffing, schedules, and service standards are maintained.
• Identify and resolve operational challenges quickly while remaining calm, professional, and solutions-oriented.
• Complete post-event reports and communicate operational updates, successes, and issues to office leadership.

*Team Leadership & Office Operations*

• Recruit, interview, and assist with hiring event personnel.
• Assist with employee scheduling, staffing plans, and workforce coordination.
• Review employee PERC Card certifications and required compliance documentation.
• Coach, mentor, and motivate event staff to maintain high standards of performance and professionalism.
• Summarize payroll following events and work with accounting to address payroll questions or discrepancies.
• Assist with client meetings and contribute to building strong, long-term client relationships.
• Support operational planning and administrative responsibilities from the Oak Brook office.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a confident leader who can take ownership of an event, manage people effectively, and represent AF Services professionally in front of clients.

Required:

• Previous management or supervisory experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions in fast-moving situations.
• Ability to effectively supervise and motivate large teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word .
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work flexible hours based on the event schedule.

Preferred:

• Experience in event operations, hospitality, security, customer service, staffing, or a related field.
• Experience managing large teams or working in high-volume event environments.
• Experience working directly with clients, venues, or event organizers.

Schedule & Work Environment

This is a full-time, salaried position driven by the event calendar , rather than a traditional Monday-through-Friday, 9-to-5 schedule. The workload can vary significantly throughout the year. During lighter weeks, the position may require approximately 30 hours , while busy event weeks may require 50 or more hours .

The position regularly includes:

• Early mornings
• Evenings and primarily second-shift hours
• Weekends
• Occasional holidays
• Multiple consecutive days during major events

The schedule provides flexibility during slower periods and between event responsibilities, provided office responsibilities are completed and assigned events are fully supported. The role is a combination of office work in Oak Brook and onsite event management throughout the Chicagoland area .

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events.
• Ability to navigate large convention centers and event venues for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally climb stairs.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors as event operations require.
• Ability to remain active and mobile throughout long event shifts.

Benefits

• $50,000–$60,000 annual salary
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Illinois Secure Choice retirement program
• Professional development and leadership opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement within the Operations team
• Opportunity to work at premier convention and event venues throughout Chicagoland

Why AF Services?

At AF Services, you'll have the opportunity to lead teams, make decisions, solve real-time operational challenges, and work directly with some of the region's most recognizable clients and venues . We believe in promoting from within and investing in our people. As our company continues to grow, high-performing managers have opportunities to advance into senior operations and leadership roles . This is more than an office management position. It's an opportunity to build your leadership skills while playing a direct role in the success of major conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and special events throughout Chicagoland. If you're looking for a career where every day is different, your leadership makes an impact, and you're at the center of exciting live events , we encourage you to apply.

Join AF Services and help us deliver exceptional events from start to finish.