Have you ever heard of Glühwein/Mulled Wine, a Christmas Pyramid, or a Schwibbogen?

A traditional German-style Christmas Market is set up at the Seattle Center next to the Space Needle from November – December 2024, but the work starts now! The market will feature traditional European food and merchandise to spread Christmas Cheer in our community and beyond.

The Seattle Christmas Market (SCM) will be entering its second year of operation after a breakout start in 2023. With an expected attendance of over 180,000 guests, our month-long market experience is the first of its kind in Washington State. Supported by the Vancouver Christmas Market (VCM), an established brand that has welcomed over 2.5 million guests since 2010 in Downtown Vancouver, B.C.

If you are looking for a diverse workplace, in a growing company, and love creating experiences for the community, we want you to become a part of the Seattle Christmas Market Team! We invite you to look at the job opportunity for our Operations Coordinator and apply.

Full-Time Employment Opportunity – Operations Coordinator

The Seattle Christmas Market is seeking a driven, and enthusiastic Operations Coordinator, who will report directly to Operations Manager. A successful candidate for this role is a creative thinker who understands the specific needs of the company’s seasonal events while keeping in mind the larger components necessary for its completion. This candidate is a confident leader and efficient planner. A successful candidate must be proficient in negotiating and have the expertise to manage suppliers and partners.

The full-time position will be hybrid until October. From October to December, you will be required to be on-site based on market hours, which include evenings and weekends. The incumbent will be required to travel to Vancouver, Canada on a bi-monthly basis.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Liaise and coordinate with third parties such as suppliers, service providers and partners (architect, hut builder, power, light & sound, carousel, waste, sanitary, etc.): from contract negotiation (review to implement improvements, payments terms/plans, delivery times, required advance commitments, etc.) until set-up, delivery coordination, event operation & tear down;
• Develop and maintain a detailed production schedule, coordinating activities and timelines with relevant stakeholders;
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with operational standards, safety regulations, and customer service guidelines;
• Collaborate with Operational suppliers to monitor their adherence to contractual obligations and address any concerns with the Operations Manager.
• Oversee Operational team of the Front of House (FOH) area, carousel, and information services
• Attending training meetings with suppliers to stay updated on industry best practices and trends.
• Infrastructure and operation planning in coordination with third parties and other SCM & VCM departments
• Centralize Governmental and city relations (Licensing & permitting for Liquor License, City Event Permits, Health Department etc.)
• Oversee onsite Operations during set-up, market run, and load-out
• Overall contact person for organizational and operational issues during the planning, operational and wrap up phase of the market.
• In cooperation with Operations Manager:
  • Generate statistics and reports before, during and after the market period.
  • Coordinates any organizational and logistical vendor issues during preparation, operational and wrap up phase of the market; and handles vendor related tasks like set-up of hut modifications.

**Assets & inventory: **

• In collaboration with the Operations Manager, manage market inventory and the warehouse using the inventory software
• Coordinate the import of new assets, any other required shipping, and orders.
• In Collaboration with Operations Manager and VCM + SCM Décor Coordinator to establish a functional order and setup process for SCM’s décor.

Requirements and Selection Criteria

• Curious, Inquisitive, Creative, and a Christmas enthusiast;
• 3 years' experience executing events/ festivals in a managerial role
• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in event management is preferred
• Must have advanced proficiency with software and online tools – specifically with the full Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Airtable, and Square would be an asset.
• Diplomatic approach while working within policies, rules, and procedures;
• Demonstrative, self-critical, determined approach to completing assignments;
• Ability to multitask within tight deadlines;
• Proven experience managing suppliers for events or festivals;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Attention to detail working with documents and projects during the market;
• Excellent organizational skills and project management experience;
• Experience with scheduling and overseeing the activities of large groups;
• Ability to take projects from concept through execution to final production;
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing environments, problem-solving skills, and an innovative mindset including exercising good judgment and decision making;
• Must be available evenings and weekends during event;
• Second Language (German) an asset;
• Valid US Passport
• Valid Driver's license
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in an outside environment for long periods of time.

Compensation

• 55,000 USD based on experience
• Health Care Stipend offered after probationary period

Application Process

Please send RESUME and COVER LETTER

All applications will be kept in confidence. No telephone calls or faxed applications, please. We thank all who express an interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.