Description

The Lynnwood Event Center has retained SearchWide Global to find a passionate and dynamic leader to serve as the new General Manager. 

The Lynnwood Event Center is a vibrant venue located fifteen miles north of downtown Seattle. Owned by The Lynnwood Public Facilities District Dba The District, we offer our clients and guests more than the average meeting space nestled in the spectacular natural beauty of Snohomish County. Opened in 2005, the building currently has 34,000 square feet of meeting space, and The District has embarked on a master plan to double that size and added indoor/outdoor entertainment space to create surrounded by 80,000 square feet of retail, housing, green space, and a 300 key hotel.

The General Manager of the Lynnwood Event Center is an OVG administrative employee who reports to the Senior Vice President and collaborates closely with the Executive Director of the Lynnwood Public Facility District. The General Manager is responsible for the efficient, professional, and profitable operation of the Lynnwood Event Center. This individual oversees every managerial, full-time, and part-time position, ensuring full compliance with state and federal labor laws, sanitation and food-related ordinances, and alcohol service regulations. In addition to managing day-to-day business operations, the General Manager proactively seeks new revenue sources, both on and off the property.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Proven history in sales, business development, and community engagement, preferably in hospitality or event management.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and mentor teams, foster a positive work environment, and drive performance in a fast-paced, event-driven setting.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with public entities, highlighting an understanding of public-private partnerships and the ability to align venue operations with community needs.
• Proficiency in financial management, including forecasting, budgeting, revenue analysis, and fiscal responsibility in a public or semi-public setting.
• Expertise in venue operations, including food service, sales, event management, and customer service, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans, marketing initiatives, and creative solutions to drive venue growth and community impact.
• Experience in measuring, reporting, and improving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to stakeholders in a public-facing role.
• Demonstrated success in attracting and managing a diverse portfolio of events, from local gatherings to large-scale conferences or performances.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in crisis management, developing contingency plans, and creating a safety-first culture for large-scale events and venues.
• Proven ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
• Track record of successfully implementing innovative technologies and practices to enhance venue operations and guest experiences.
• Experience in capital improvement projects, including planning, budgeting, and overseeing renovations or expansions.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and commitment to promoting inclusion in event programming and staffing.
• Proven ability to stay current with industry trends and leverage emerging opportunities in the event and hospitality sectors.
• Experience in sustainable event management and implementing environmentally friendly initiatives.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office, POS systems, and timekeeping systems.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to calculate complex math functions and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to work independently and make sound business decisions quickly under pressure.
• Unwavering commitment to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of management experience in the hospitality and or venue industry.
• Public Assembly experience is a plus.

TOP PRIORITIES: 

• In partnership with the OVG, SVP-Convention Centers, establish meeting and convention sales goals, including group room nights and state association business.
• Work closely with selected marketing firm on developing strategy to market and sell convention center and public events to drive attendance.
• Engage in strategic planning with Event Planners and work collaboratively with hotel partners and group sales.
• Strengthen and stabilize sales and operations teams, reinforcing collaboration and teamwork.
• Familiarize yourself with Lynnwood Event Center’s upcoming large events, learning the flow and their needs.
• Build relationships and accountability with Visit Seattle.
• Know and understand established KPIs, work closely with OVG, SVP-Convention Centers on achieving goals.
• Get to know the competitive set within the region and be able to understand how to sell against each.
• Establish sustainability initiatives and goals.
• Ensure that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is woven into the fabric of the organization and strategic plan.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please send your resume to our SearchWide Global Executive, Carmen Rodgers, Executive Recruiter, Info@searchwideglobal.com

Job ID

58824

Job Title

General Manager, Lynnwood Event Center

Start Date

03/18/2025

Salary Range

no minimum salary specified - no maximum salary specified

Job Location

Lynnwood WA United States

Contact Information

Name & Title

Carmen Rodgers

Email

info@searchwideglobal.com 

Best Method of Contact

EMAIL