Operations Manager (Remote)

Company Overview

Impact Directors LLC is a leading organizer of high-profile experiential learning events, including diplomatic simulation conferences and global crisis management simulations. These events provide participants with real-world problem-solving opportunities within frameworks of business diplomacy and international cooperation. The company operates globally, with key offices in Houston, Dubai and Lahore coordinating events that draw an international audience of delegates.

Role Summary

The Operations Manager is a full-time executive leadership role that oversees the end-to-end operations of Impact Directors and its Affiliates from a strategic and support perspective. This position manages day-to-day operational oversight across the Dubai and Lahore offices and acts as the strategic liaison between the CEO and various department heads. The Operations Manager ensures that the CEO’s directives are implemented across all departments and that teams work in sync toward successful events.

A core part of the role involves coordinating tasks among managers (e.g., project management, CRM, marketing, tech, etc.) and pre-emptively resolving issues behind the scenes to guarantee the smooth execution of each conference. While onsite event operations are led by the Project Manager, the Operations Manager focuses on back-end support and cross department coordination to ensure that on ground teams have everything they need for events to run smoothly.

Key Responsibilities:

International Operations Leadership: Oversee daily operational activities for global conferences across the Houston, Dubai and Lahore offices, ensuring all logistical, technical, and administrative tasks align with executive goals. The Operations Manager makes sure that schedules, travel arrangements, and other preparations are in place and that both offices collaborate effectively under uniform standards. While direct onsite event execution is managed by the Project Manager, the Operations Manager works behind the scenes to support these operations and maintain consistency across locations.

Liaison with Senior Stakeholders: Serve as the primary point of contact between the CEO and department heads (Finance, Project Management, Marketing, CRM, Social Media, Tech, Sales/Business Development), translating the CEO’s strategic vision into actionable plans for each department. For example, if the senior leadership approves a new marketing strategy or budget change, the Operations Manager communicates these decisions to the relevant managers and ensures they are carried out as intended across the organization.

Leadership and Delegation: Provide leadership across all event-related departments by working closely with their managers (tech, social, etc.) to ensure effective execution of conference plans. The Operations Manager coordinates tasks and timelines among teams and monitors progress without micromanaging on-site details. For instance, if a potential issue is identified in advance, such as a venue setup concern, a vendor delivery delay, or a staffing shortfall, the Operations Manager makes sure the appropriate manager (e.g., the Project Manager) is aware and addressing it well before it escalates. In high pressure situations or when quick decisions are needed, the Operations Manager offers guidance and support to team leads on the necessary actions, particularly for issues requiring backend solutions or executive approval. (On-site operational decisions remain the purview of the Project Manager, with the Operations Manager steps in only when broader coordination or backend intervention is required.)

Strategic Oversight and Execution: Lead the overall operational execution of each conference from inception to completion, ensuring every event aligns with the company’s strategic goals and quality standards. This involves close collaboration with the project management team during the planning phase and continuing through to event delivery, focusing on aligning resources and plans rather than directly handling onsite logistics. For example, if the CEO decides to launch a conference in a new city or approves a major initiative, the Operations Manager coordinates high level planning: ensuring that marketing and delegate acquisition strategies for each event are on target, often working with the Marketing and Sales teams to shape promotional campaigns (timing, target audience, messaging) and then seeks the CEO’s final approval on budget and strategy. Once plans are approved, the Operations Manager oversees their execution by confirming that each department (marketing, sales, etc.) is implementing their part effectively and that resources (e.g., marketing budget) are allocated in the best way to maximize delegate turnout.

Pre-Conference Issue Resolution: Anticipate and resolve potential issues in advance so they do not impact the event. The Operations Manager oversees thorough pre conference checks (covering logistics, technology systems, and staffing readiness) to identify any red flags. If an issue arises, such as a delay in receiving materials, a speaker travel complication, or lower than expected delegate registration the Operations Manager works with the relevant teams to mitigate it well before the conference begins. For example, if delegate registration numbers are lagging, the Operations Manager might coordinate with Marketing and Sales to launch a targeted last minute promotional push (after consulting with the CEO) to boost signups. If a critical technology system on the back end is behind schedule or showing problems, the Operations Manager mobilizes the tech/support team to fix the issue or implement a contingency plan. The goal is to solve problems behind the scenes so that by the time the conference starts, everything runs smoothly for participants.

Escalated Issue Management: Act as the escalation point for high priority or crisis situations that require executive intervention or backend support. While routine onsite issues (e.g., minor schedule adjustments or venue logistics) are managed by the Project Manager and onground staff, the Operations Manager is brought in for challenges that go beyond the onsite team’s scope or authority. For instance, if a technical failure occurs during a conference, the Operations Manager coordinates with the backend automation team to troubleshoot and implement an immediate fix or workaround, minimizing disruption for attendees.

Cross-Office Coordination and Support: Ensure seamless collaboration between Houston, Dubai and Lahore offices (and any other regional teams) throughout event planning and execution. The Operations Manager facilitates constant communication and resource sharing across offices so that all teams work as a unified whole. During live events, although onsite operations are handled by the Project Manager and local event staff, the Operations Manager remains on standby as a backend support resource. They maintain an open line of communication with onsite leadership, ready to provide remote assistance, approvals, or additional resources from the home offices as needed. For example, if the Lahore team is managing on ground operations for a conference in Bangkok, the Operations Manager will stay in close contact to offer guidance or to mobilize support from Houston, Dubai or Lahore for any issues that arise. By organizing joint planning meetings, synchronizing project management tools, and enforcing standard operating procedures across all offices, the Operations Manager ensures that geographically dispersed teams operate in sync and that conferences benefit from 24/7 support during critical periods.

Manager-Level Decision-Making: Exercise significant decision-making authority on event related matters, in alignment with the Managing Director’s strategic vision. The Operations Manager has the autonomy to make on the spot managerial decisions, from minor budget reallocations to adjusting staffing plans when events demand immediate action, always keeping the CEO’s overarching goals inmind. They also contribute to high level strategy: analyzing performance data from past conferences and advising where to invest resources or which upcoming events may need extra attention. Importantly, for major strategic shifts (such as large budget changes or new marketing campaign directions), the Operations Manager seeks the CEO’s approval before implementation. Once approval is obtained, the Operations Manager drives the execution of those decisions. For example, if the Marketing team proposes a new delegate acquisition campaign that requires additional funding, the Operations Manager will evaluate the proposal, discuss it with the CEO for signoff, and then oversee the campaign’s rollout by the Marketing and Sales teams. In quarterly executive reviews, the Operations Manager presents insights (e.g., conversion rates of inquiries to registrations, event performance metrics) to inform decision making, helping to steer the business toward the most successful conference strategies.

Brand Representation and Communications: Act as a representative of the company’s executive leadership in both internal and external communications related to events. The Operations Manager works closely with the Marketing, Social Media, and PR teams to ensure that each conference’s messaging and branding are consistent with the company’s standards and the CEO’s vision. They may review or contribute to key communications, such as press releases, delegate newsletters, and important email updates, to ensure accuracy and tone. During event promotion and execution, the Operations Manager may also speak on behalf of the company or address concerns from high profile partners and delegates, conveying confidence and commitment to a high quality experience. Additionally, the Operations Manager stays attuned to delegate feedback and inquiries: they ensure that complex or sensitive questions are answered promptly and correctly by the support teams, and will personally step in to communicate with VIP participants or resolve important concerns. In all communications, the Operations Manager upholds the company’s professional image and strategic objectives, making sure that what is promised in marketing aligns with what is delivered on the ground.

Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Business Administration or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree or MBA is a plus, reflecting the strategic and leadership components of the role.

Experience: Proven experience in managing complex, multinational logistics and conference/event operations. Candidates should have a strong track record of overseeing largescale projects or events across different countries or regions. Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and delegate sales processes is highly valued, as these are key components of the conference operations.

Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership and team management abilities are a must. The role requires demonstrated experience in leading cross functional teams, for example, coordinating efforts among Finance, Marketing, Tech, Project Management, and other departments and the capacity to make high level decisions under time sensitive conditions. The ideal candidate can influence and guide managers and staff even without direct reporting authority, fostering collaboration and accountability across the organization.

Strategic Decision-Making: A background in manager level planning and decision making is essential. The Operations Manager should have experience formulating and implementing strategies that align with top management’s vision, such as scaling operations to new locations, effectively allocating budgets for multiple projects, and steering marketing or sales initiatives to achieve delegate attendance targets. The ability to analyze data and performance metrics to inform strategic adjustments is important.

Problem-Solving: Strong crisis management and problem solving skills are critical. The ideal candidate can anticipate operational or logistical issues before they arise and is adept at resolving them quickly when they do. This includes being able to handle sudden changes or emergencies calmly and effectively, whether it’s coordinating a response to a major logistical change (like a last minute schedule or venue adjustment through the project team), troubleshooting a technical glitch in a registration or checkin system, or responding to an urgent request from a key stakeholder. Being resourceful and proactive in finding solutions, especially those that involve backend systems or cross department coordination, is key to success in this role.

Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required. Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in relevant local languages (for UAE, Pakistan, or frequent event host countries) is an advantage. The Operations Manager must be capable of clear, professional communication across cultures and teams, and adept at liaising with a wide range of stakeholders from internal staff and executives to external partners and high-profile event delegates. Strong writing skills for crafting or reviewing official communications (emails, reports, briefs) are also important.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Rs80,000.00 - Rs110,000.00 per month