Director of Operations

Sparks Marketing, leading event and experiential agency, is looking for Director of Operations to join our multicultural, enthusiastic and rapidly growing team in Europe. We specialize in creating connection--real human connection--onsite, online or anywhere.

**Position Overview**:
The Director of Operations EMEA will act as liaison on specific account projects by coordinating work with all internal departments as well as external vendors; facilitating information between design, detailing, estimating, production, client(s) and Account Director(s) and tracking production and deadlines to ensure continued progress of client workflow. You will be responsible for all of the daily tactical activities while maintaining strong relationships with existing clients, vendors and suppliers. The Director of Operations EMEA will act in a supervising role for all Account and Project Management Teams and provide direction, guidance and oversight as needed. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining vendor and supplier networks and ensure effective planning and efficient operations throughout the department, at all times.

**Responsibilities**:

- Oversee all Project/Account Management activities for the international team in EMEA, provide guidance and support to teams and individuals as needed.
- Assign AM resources to projects, monitor overall department schedule, workload, conflicts, progress etc.
- Maintain and update department tools, systems and processes to ensure seamless planning and execution as we grow our EMEA business.
- Review and approve all budgets, quotations and invoices in conjunction with senior leadership.
- Schedule and manage weekly team, account, and production meetings.
- Manage and maintain excellent relations to external vendor/supplier networks in EMEA, assist developing new partner/supplier networks as needed.
- Liaise with International Director US on a regular basis, as well as internal departments (Design, Accounting, Finance and IT).
- Assist Head of International with forecasting, financial analysis, reporting and strategy to reach department goals.
- Participate in evaluating incoming opportunities and collaborate with leadership as well as Marketing, Sales and Creative departments to prepare RFPs, RFIs, and presentations.
- Interact and communicate directly with clients, internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage and keep overview of all details of project management for specific high-profile projects.
- Maintain and update internal processes and communications on a regular basis.
- Travel as required for on-site support including supervision of installation/dismantle and third-party vendors and meeting all client needs.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- 10+ years of event marketing experience in a major agency, communication company or production company.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and drive a cross functional, diverse team in effort to complete projects/programs that meet or exceed the expectations of our customers.
- Extensive experience in managing workflow through manufacturing for timeline and product quality improvements.
- Extensive experience working directly with clients, requiring strong communication with technical presentations and professional confidence.
- Proven experience negotiating contracts and experience in cost analysis.
- Strong project management skills including budgeting, scheduling, and client relations.
- Strong production competencies: client focus, accountability for results, team effectiveness.
- Established experience and ability to lead projects in a team-based environment.
- Effective interpersonal skills and excellent English oral and written communication skills.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and flexibility.
- Willingness to travel

**Preferred Skills**:

- Proficient in Google Drive and Microsoft Office, in Microsoft Solomon/Dynamics, as well as project management software.
- Ability to utilize project management tools such as Basecamp, Google Docs and the MS Office
- Strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a team player
- Ability to operate within a fast-paced environment, with tight deadlines.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Sparks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training._

Status: Cadre

Work Location: In person