Operations Director Jobs in Illinois
Operations Director jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and professional services across seniority levels from emerging leaders through senior executives. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford anchor the hiring market, with large, established employers such as Caterpillar, Advocate Health, and United Airlines regularly seeking operations directors to oversee complex, multi-site functions. Supply chain and process optimization specialists are the most consistently sought-after, reflecting Illinois's role as a central logistics and industrial hub. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Operations Director JobsOverview
Open roles182+
Top employerAbbVie
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring63
Work type56% On-site
Top industryHealthcare
Showing 4 of 182+ Operations Director jobs
Director of Event Operations | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University
We won't show you this job again
New 23h ago
Oak View Group
Director of Event Operations | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
New 23h ago
Director of Operations
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Added 1d ago
Quest Events
Director of Operations
Chicago, Illinois
Added 1d ago
E
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Construction & Home Services
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E
Added 1d ago
EcoBuild and Green Attic
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Construction & Home Services
Mount Prospect, Illinois
Added 1d ago
Assistant Director of Campus Operations - House Supervisor (RN)
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Added 1d ago
Deaconess Health System
Assistant Director of Campus Operations - House Supervisor (RN)
Marion, Illinois
Added 1d ago
New 23h ago
Director of Event Operations | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University
Oak View Group·Evanston, Illinois
Job functions:
$130k - $150k/yr
Bachelor's degree in sports management
5,001-10,000 employees
Job Description
Oak View Group:
This role pays an annual salary of $130,000 - $150,000 and is bonus eligible.
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.
Responsibilities:
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
Position Summary:
The Director of Event Operations is responsible for leading the day-to-day operational readiness of Ryan Field and ensuring the successful execution of athletic events, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other special events. This position oversees event operations, event management, venue conversions, housekeeping, and operational staffing to ensure the stadium is safe, clean, and prepared to deliver an exceptional guest experience. The Director of Event Operations provides leadership for Event Managers, the Event Operations Crew, Housekeeping, grounds/field staff, and the Operations Coordinator while collaborating with Facilities, Security, Guest Experience, Ticket Operations, Marketing, Northwestern Athletics, promoters, and external partners to execute world-class events. This position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the event calendar.
This role pays an annual salary of $130,000 - $150,000 and is bonus eligible.
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.
- Lead all event operations and venue readiness activities for Ryan Field.
- Direct the planning, execution, and post-event evaluation of football games, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and special events.
- Supervise and develop Event Managers, the Operations Coordinator, Event Operations Crew, Housekeeping and Grounds/Fields staff.
- Oversee venue setup, event conversions, room configurations, furniture moves, field protection systems, staging support, and post-event breakdowns.
- Ensure the stadium is clean, safe, and event-ready through effective housekeeping and operational planning.
- Develop staffing plans and operational schedules to support all stadium events.
- Collaborate with Northwestern Athletics, event promoters, production teams, and internal departments to ensure seamless event execution.
- Direct operational logistics, including loading docks, back-of-house activities, storage areas, and event equipment.
- Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for event operations, housekeeping, and venue conversions.
- Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and cost effectiveness.
- Develop and manage departmental operating budgets, labor costs, equipment purchases, and operational contracts.
- Oversee inventory and maintenance of operational equipment, including tables, chairs, barricades, staging, crowd control equipment, and event furnishings.
- Partner with the Director of Facilities to coordinate preventative maintenance activities and ensure building systems support event operations.
- Support emergency preparedness planning and serve as a member of the venue's incident response team.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, safety standards, University policies, and Oak View Group operating procedures.
- Develop, coach, and evaluate departmental staff while promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and exceptional service.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Facility Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5-7 years of progressive operations or event management experience in a stadium, arena, convention center, university, or similar large public assembly venue.
- Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience supervising full-time staff.
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale events and venue operations.
- Strong knowledge of event logistics, venue conversions, housekeeping operations, and operational planning.
- Experience managing departmental budgets and staffing plans.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and event management software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in NCAA Division I athletics or professional sports.
- Experience supporting concerts and large-scale entertainment events.
- Knowledge of crowd management, emergency preparedness, and public assembly operations.
- Experience working in a union environment.
- Certified Venue Executive (CVE), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), or related certification is a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk throughout the stadium for extended periods.
- Ability to climb stairs and access all areas of the venue.
- Ability to lift heavy objects as needed.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules.
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
Oak View Group
Director of Event Operations | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
New 23h ago5,001-10,000 employees
Job functions:
$130k - $150k/yr
Bachelor's degree in sports management
Job Description
Oak View Group:
This role pays an annual salary of $130,000 - $150,000 and is bonus eligible.
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.
Responsibilities:
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
Position Summary:
The Director of Event Operations is responsible for leading the day-to-day operational readiness of Ryan Field and ensuring the successful execution of athletic events, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other special events. This position oversees event operations, event management, venue conversions, housekeeping, and operational staffing to ensure the stadium is safe, clean, and prepared to deliver an exceptional guest experience. The Director of Event Operations provides leadership for Event Managers, the Event Operations Crew, Housekeeping, grounds/field staff, and the Operations Coordinator while collaborating with Facilities, Security, Guest Experience, Ticket Operations, Marketing, Northwestern Athletics, promoters, and external partners to execute world-class events. This position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the event calendar.
This role pays an annual salary of $130,000 - $150,000 and is bonus eligible.
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.
- Lead all event operations and venue readiness activities for Ryan Field.
- Direct the planning, execution, and post-event evaluation of football games, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and special events.
- Supervise and develop Event Managers, the Operations Coordinator, Event Operations Crew, Housekeeping and Grounds/Fields staff.
- Oversee venue setup, event conversions, room configurations, furniture moves, field protection systems, staging support, and post-event breakdowns.
- Ensure the stadium is clean, safe, and event-ready through effective housekeeping and operational planning.
- Develop staffing plans and operational schedules to support all stadium events.
- Collaborate with Northwestern Athletics, event promoters, production teams, and internal departments to ensure seamless event execution.
- Direct operational logistics, including loading docks, back-of-house activities, storage areas, and event equipment.
- Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for event operations, housekeeping, and venue conversions.
- Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and cost effectiveness.
- Develop and manage departmental operating budgets, labor costs, equipment purchases, and operational contracts.
- Oversee inventory and maintenance of operational equipment, including tables, chairs, barricades, staging, crowd control equipment, and event furnishings.
- Partner with the Director of Facilities to coordinate preventative maintenance activities and ensure building systems support event operations.
- Support emergency preparedness planning and serve as a member of the venue's incident response team.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, safety standards, University policies, and Oak View Group operating procedures.
- Develop, coach, and evaluate departmental staff while promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and exceptional service.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Facility Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5-7 years of progressive operations or event management experience in a stadium, arena, convention center, university, or similar large public assembly venue.
- Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience supervising full-time staff.
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale events and venue operations.
- Strong knowledge of event logistics, venue conversions, housekeeping operations, and operational planning.
- Experience managing departmental budgets and staffing plans.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and event management software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in NCAA Division I athletics or professional sports.
- Experience supporting concerts and large-scale entertainment events.
- Knowledge of crowd management, emergency preparedness, and public assembly operations.
- Experience working in a union environment.
- Certified Venue Executive (CVE), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), or related certification is a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk throughout the stadium for extended periods.
- Ability to climb stairs and access all areas of the venue.
- Ability to lift heavy objects as needed.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules.
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
See All 182+ Operations Director Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Director JobsOperations Director Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Oak Brook
5 jobsNorthbrook
5 jobsSpringfield
5 jobsMettawa
4 jobsChampaign
4 jobsNorth Chicago
4 jobsPeoria
3 jobsLombard
3 jobsEvanston
3 jobsBloomington
3 jobsDowners Grove
3 jobsMarion
2 jobsElmhurst
2 jobsDeerfield
2 jobsBolingbrook
2 jobsEdwardsville
2 jobsCary
1 jobAlsip
1 jobBarry
1 jobDixon
1 jobLisle
1 jobMalta
1 jobCanton
1 jobCicero
1 jobGeneva
1 jobItasca
1 jobJoliet
1 jobNormal
1 jobQuincy
1 jobBatavia
1 jobBradley
1 jobGlencoe
1 jobHarvard
1 jobOglesby
1 jobHillside
1 jobMonmouth
1 jobRosemont
1 jobWestmont
1 jobBelvidere
1 jobDeer Park
1 jobMaryville
1 jobNorthlake
1 jobPlainfield
1 jobRomeoville
1 jobSchaumburg
1 jobCentreville
1 jobDes Plaines
1 jobEast Peoria
1 jobLake Zurich
1 jobMorgan Park
1 jobTinley Park
1 jobCrystal Lake
1 jobLincolnshire
1 jobIllinois City
1 jobSaint Charles
1 jobSouth Holland
1 jobMount Prospect
1 jobPeoria Heights
1 jobRolling Meadows
1 jobUniversity Park
1 jobOakbrook Terrace
1 jobElk Grove Village
1 jobOperations Director Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services10
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals6
- Technology & Software5
- Education3
- Manufacturing3
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations director jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field
- Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale operational budgets
- Demonstrated ability to implement process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma
- Experience overseeing multi-site or multi-department operations across Illinois locations
- Strong command of enterprise resource planning systems and data-driven decision making
- MBA or advanced degree preferred for senior-level roles at Illinois headquarters or corporate divisions
Operations Director Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations director in Illinois?
Operations director roles in Illinois do not require a state-issued license, but the path consistently runs through a bachelor's degree in business, operations, or a related field, followed by progressive management experience. Illinois's large manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics sectors are the most common entry points. Earning a Lean Six Sigma certification, Project Management Professional credential, or an MBA strengthens candidacy, particularly for corporate and multi-site roles based in the Chicago metro.
Which companies hire operations directors in Illinois?
Employers hiring operations directors in Illinois right now include AbbVie, The University of Chicago, and Pearl Healthcare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's mix of Fortune 500 headquarters, major hospital systems, and large distribution networks means demand is spread across industries rather than concentrated in a single sector.
Which Illinois cities have the most operations director jobs?
Chicago, Oak Brook, and Northbrook have the most operations director openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the majority of demand as the state's corporate and logistics center, home to major headquarters and regional offices, while Peoria and Rockford generate consistent openings through their established manufacturing and healthcare employers.
Are there remote operations director jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since operations directors typically oversee facilities, teams, and physical workflows that require on-site presence. About 44% of operations director openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. The functions most suited to remote work are strategic planning, vendor management, and reporting responsibilities within larger corporate structures.
How can I get hired as a operations director in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up through an operations coordinator, team lead, or plant supervisor role at a mid-size Illinois manufacturer or healthcare system, then building toward a director title. Large Illinois employers such as Advocate Health and Caterpillar run structured leadership development programs that advance high-performing managers into director-level positions. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or a PMP credential signals readiness for strategic responsibility and meaningfully accelerates promotion timelines in Illinois's industrial and healthcare sectors.
Where can I find and apply to operations director jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to operations director jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and industry background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 182+ Operations Director Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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