Job Title: Operations Director – Ranch/Events Center
Department: Operations / Hospitality Management
Reports To: Ranch Director
Location: Austin, TX – Lone Star Ranch (8601 Bluff Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78744)
Employment Type: Full-Time (Flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings)
Position Summary:
The Operations Director oversees all day-to-day operations of the ranch/events center, ensuring excellence in guest experience, facility maintenance, staff leadership, and financial performance. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong operational, business management, and hospitality skills who can balance event execution, guest services, and property management unique to a working ranch and venue business.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Staff Management
- Hire, train, and supervise staff across departments (events, facilities, ranch operations, catering/food service, housekeeping, guest services).
- Foster a culture of hospitality, accountability, and teamwork.
- Schedule staff to support both daily operations and special events.
- Conduct performance reviews and ongoing coaching.
2. Event & Guest Experience
- Oversee all aspects of private events, corporate retreats, and ranch experiences.
- Ensure facilities, grounds, and amenities are guest-ready at all times.
- Serve as point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and seamless event execution.
- Resolve guest concerns quickly and professionally.
3. Facility & Property Oversight
- Collaborate with the Maintenance & Facilities Supervisor to ensure ranch buildings, event spaces, grounds, and equipment are properly maintained.
- Oversee safety protocols for staff and guests, including compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Coordinate improvements, renovations, and upgrades to enhance guest and event experiences.
4. Financial & Business Management
- Develop and manage annual operating budgets for both ranch and event operations.
- Track revenues, expenses, and profitability by department.
- Negotiate with vendors, suppliers, and service providers for cost efficiency and quality service.
- Analyze business performance and recommend strategies for growth and efficiency.
5. Sales, Marketing & Community Relations
- Collaborate with marketing/sales team to promote events, retreats, and ranch experiences through digital and traditional channels.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local community, vendors, and event planners.
- Support sales efforts through site tours, client meetings, and networking.
6. Strategic Planning & Growth
- Identify opportunities to enhance guest offerings (e.g., ranch experiences, packages, seasonal events).
- Support Owner/CEO/Ranch Director with long-term visioning and expansion opportunities.
- Stay updated on hospitality, tourism, and event industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years in hospitality, event management, or resort/ranch operations, and prior Director-level leadership preferred.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with experience in cross-functional teams.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, financial reporting, and operational performance.
- Knowledge of ranch operations, outdoor facilities, and event venue management preferred.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and guest service skills.
- Comfortable with flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Physical & Scheduling Requirements:
- Ability to walk large outdoor areas, lift up to 50 lbs, and work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions.
- Availability to be on-site and on-call during events, peak seasons
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
