General Manager | Grand River Conference Center

The General Manager is responsible for the overall day to day management, promotion and operation of the facility, identify capital projects and equipment for Conference Center, review and approve all  booking agreements, CVB leads and assist the sales team in negotiations, liaison with marketing for consumer shows and general PR, review and approve monthly financials, conduct monthly financial reviews with Executive Team, develop Center budget, liaison with human resources, develop revenue generating ideas with food and beverage, liaison with box office for consumer shows, liaison with security for pro-active client and venue needs, develop operational expectations, liaison with parking and related operations by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates.

• Maintains active contact with the Client Administrator. Monitors Oak View Group’s compliance with all provisions of the management contract as it pertains to the Conference Center.
• Aggressively works in coordination with the CVB in promoting the use of the facility to maximize its utilization.
• Reviews all lease agreements and adds to the negotiations as determined necessary and in the best interests of the facility.
• Reviews all negotiated contracts and agreements with event organizers, hosts, managers and agents and works collaboratively with the sales team to ensure interests of the facility are taken into account.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Client/Contract Administrator, government departments and agencies, Meetings/Conference/Convention industry, community and civic organizations to encourage continual and regular use of the facility.
• Coordinates facility involvement with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as other appropriate destination marketing agencies.
• Assures the coordination, implementation and administration of specific plans and programs prescribed by corporate directives, to include: matters of training and development; quality assurance; energy efficiency; safety/emergency procedures, crowd control and crisis management procedures, or other areas needed.
• Develops and implements facility goals in accordance with the management contract, the client’s objectives, corporate policy, and good business practice.
• Prepares and maintains required and necessary reports/records for the Client/Contract Administrator and for the Corporate Office.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs as part of an Executive Team all activities and personnel engaged in maintaining and operating the facility.
• Directs development of the annual operating calendar, activity schedules, and projections for the attendance and/or revenue.
• Conducts Center focused marketing, budgeting and weekly staff meetings or as needed
• As part of the Executive Team directs the development and administers the execution of operating and marketing financial plans and documents; to include, operating revenue and expense budgets; capital expense plans budgets.
• Provides for control of day-to-day operations; assuring the coordination of plan, programs and events; conducts post-event operational financial review and analysis.
• Provides approval of all Conference Center contracts and agreements with suppliers, promoters, and tenants for necessary activities and services at the facility when needed.
• Provides or coordinates for timely and effective response to directives and requests received from internal and external organizations, agencies, departments and individuals; assures and maintains the integrity of the facility and Oak View Group in all forms of communication and personal contacts.
• Assures the administration of personnel and the operation of plant and facilities are conducted in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations.
• Evaluates facility practices and recommends improvements to better reflect the needs of the Client and the facility, and/or to improve the efficiency and safety of operation, in compliance with the Oak View Group policies and procedures.
• Responsible for recruiting, training, supervising and evaluating administrative staff, Event Managers, Utility Services and having a role in oversight of all other areas that work within the Center.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with tenants, employees, union representatives and the general public.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages and Coaches Directors and Managers who supervise employees in the Finance, Operation, Food & Beverage Departments or other facility departments. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of full time employees. Works with the Executive Team in oversight of all other areas. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Oak View Group’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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA) from a four-year accredited college or university with major course work in business or      public administration or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years progressively responsible experience in supervision and/or management of a facility of   similar size and description.
• Or, equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in contract negotiation, business law, purchasing procedures, and supervising personnel.
• Experience in labor relations and union contracts, if applicable.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and organizational ability.
• Ability to work simultaneously with a broad variety of vested interest groups and to foster a cooperative environment for employees
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices used in the successful management of Conference facilities of a similar description.
• Ability to anticipate problems and implement immediate corrective action.
• Ability to perform effectively under significant pressure typically associated with meeting the demands and timetables of the Conference industry.
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and other federal, state or local laws and regulations.
• Strong orientation towards hospitality/customer service for the meeting, Convention, Conference and entertainment industry.
• Basic knowledge of facility operating standards, building maintenance, custodial, personnel and office management.
• Effective supervisory skills. Ability to deal effectively with human resource and personnel problems; to deal constructively with conflict; to motivate, provide counsel and execute applicable solutions.
• Ability to manage a facility of same size and type.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Spreadsheets and Word Processing and standard office equipment is required. Prefer some knowledge of Ungerboeck software.

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