Operations Director - Trade Shows
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 19, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 2, 2026. Derse scores B on the Alion truth index.
Description
Derse is a complete face-to-face marketing agency and exhibit builder. We bring a smarter approach to building client sales while managing their trade show, marketing environments and event programs. Our teams are made up of smart and forward-thinking people who bring experiential marketing solutions to life!
We believe in committing to a long-term investment in your career with a total rewards package including:
- Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
- A bright and energetic culture where your ideas are valued
- 75+ years of financial stability
Derse employs over 600 people in marketing, program management, creative & skilled production, and corporate support. Locations include Milwaukee, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and various communities in Poland & Germany. Visit our website derse.com to learn more!
As the Operations Director supporting our Dallas area office, you'll assume full responsibility for all activities post-sale to ensure that customer work is planned, produced, and completed to client specifications and Derse standards. You'll also ensure that projects are invoiced in a timely manner, while being a pillar of leadership for our clients and staff. If you have working knowledge of the experiential marketing industry, and a willingness to jump into our fast-paced projects, read through and apply if this sounds like the opportunity for you!
Operations Director Responsibilities
- Assume full responsibility for all activities post-sale to ensure that customer work is planned, produced and completed on site; and invoiced on time to client specifications and within Derse standard margins.
- Ultimate responsibility for job variances and budget variances.
- Prepare monthly operational financial reporting including job variances, budget variances, etc. for Divisional VP reporting to corporate.
- Production capacity report approval and proactive overtime communication to staff.
- Review pending future work and evaluate impact on production scheduling / capacity report; attend Design & Estimating meeting for a review of potential upcoming work.
- Work with Divisional VP on future growth planning.
- Production flow efficiency planning within corporate guidelines.
- Provide billing and purchase approval if exceeding the appropriate threshold.
- Lead weekly Production meetings defined by issues, updates and job close out with sales, project management, and office manager.
Requirements
Operations Director Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, or similar with 8+ years relevant industry experience.
- Minimum of (5) years of management/supervision of various operational personnel experience.
- Demonstrated experience in providing strong leadership and mentor staff is required.
- Hands on knowledge of fixtures/cabinet-making/millwork/custom fabrication trades preferred.
- Highly organized, flexible and ability to work necessary hours in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.