Job Description: Operations & Events Lead

We are looking for a highly organized and execution-focused Operations Lead to drive seamless planning and execution of high-impact programs, events, and day-to-day operations. This role requires someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, can manage multiple stakeholders, and consistently delivers exceptional participant experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management:

- Own end-to-end operational planning and execution across programs, events, and institutional initiatives.

- Build scalable operational processes and SOPs to improve efficiency and execution quality.

- Manage day-to-day operational workflows across multiple teams and stakeholders.

- Ensure smooth execution of recurring and high-priority business activities.

- Drive operational excellence through continuous process improvements and automation.

Event Planning & Execution:

- Lead planning and execution of conferences, leadership summits, workshops, orientations, graduation ceremonies, networking events, corporate engagements, and flagship experiences.

- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and execution checklists.

- Coordinate venue management, logistics, registrations, hospitality, travel, accommodation, and event production.

- Ensure flawless on-ground execution while proactively managing risks and contingencies.

- Conduct post-event reviews and implement learnings to improve future experiences.

Stakeholder Management:

- Collaborate with internal teams including Leadership, Academics, Marketing, Admissions, Career Services, Finance, and Operations.

- Build strong relationships with vendors, agencies, venue partners, hospitality providers, and service partners.

- Coordinate with senior leaders, guest speakers, founders, CXOs, and corporate partners to deliver premium experiences.

- Act as the central point of coordination for all operational stakeholders.

Vendor & Budget Management:

- Identify, onboard, and manage external vendors and service providers.

- Negotiate commercial agreements while ensuring cost efficiency and quality delivery.

- Track event budgets, operational expenses, and procurement activities.

- Ensure timely vendor payments and contract compliance.

Program & Participant Experience:

- Design and deliver exceptional participant journeys across all touchpoints.

- Oversee registrations, communications, scheduling, logistics, accommodation, and support services.

- Resolve operational challenges quickly while maintaining high service standards.

- Gather feedback and continuously improve the overall experience.

Process Excellence:

- Develop SOPs, dashboards, MIS reports, and operational metrics.

- Track KPIs related to event execution, budgets, timelines, stakeholder satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

- Drive technology adoption and process automation wherever possible.

- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and operational standards.

Desired Candidate Profile:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field.

- 6-10 years of experience in operations, events, program management, or large-scale project execution, operations management in early stage startups.

- Proven experience managing high-impact events and complex operational projects from planning to execution.

- Strong expertise in vendor management, logistics, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination.

- Excellent project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

- Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.

- Comfortable working with senior leadership, corporate partners, and external stakeholders.

- High ownership mindset with the ability to independently solve problems and drive execution.

Preferred Experience:

- Experience in fast paced startups.

- Exposure to campus operations, international programs, student engagement, or corporate events.

- Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools such as Asana, Monday.com, Jira, Notion, Airtable, or similar platforms.

- Experience handling large budgets and multiple concurrent projects.