Port of Minneapolis, LLC
General Manager
Full time
Onsite • Minneapolis, MN, USA
Category: Venues/Promoters/Festivals
About the Role
Port of Minneapolis, LLC is seeking an experienced, hands-on General Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of the Upper Harbor Amphitheater - an 8,000-capacity outdoor venue hosting approximately 50 ticketed events and additional community events annually from May through October.
This role is responsible for executing all aspects of venue operations, from event production and staffing to financial management, facilities oversight, vendor coordination, and regulatory compliance. The General Manager will be directly accountable for delivering seamless events, managing large teams, and maintaining high standards across every aspect of the guest and artist experience.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced live events operational leader who thrives in fast-paced, event-driven environments and is energized by building the systems, teams, and routines required to run a high-volume outdoor venue successfully.
What You'll Do
Run Venue Operations
· Oversee all aspects of event execution including production, food and beverage, guest services, security, merchandise, and box office functions.
· Manage front-of-house operations, parking and traffic coordination, housekeeping, groundskeeping, and event-day logistics.
· Ensure seamless execution across all events, from advance planning through day-of-show operations and post-event closeout.
· Maintain high standards for staff, guest, artist, vendor, and partner experience.
Drive Financial Performance
· Develop and manage annual operating budgets exceeding $5M.
· Monitor revenue, expenses, and profitability against targets established by ownership.
· Oversee event settlement, post-show reconciliation, flash reports, and financial summaries.
· Identify opportunities to increase revenue through concessions, merchandise, rentals, private events, and non-concert programming.
Lead Teams at Scale
· Recruit, hire, train, and lead a senior management team of 6-8 direct reports and a seasonal workforce
· Develop staffing plans, scheduling systems, training programs, and performance management processes across departments.
· Champion service culture training and guest resolution protocols.
· Ensure accountability and consistent execution across all operational areas.
Manage Vendors & Partners
· Oversee vendor relationships including food and beverage operators, security providers, facility maintenance contractors, and other third-party service providers.
· Negotiate and manage contracts to ensure safe, efficient, and successful events.
· Coordinate with subcontractors and third-party operators to maintain strong service quality and operational reliability.
· Maintain working relationships with touring artists, promoters, agents, production companies, and venue partners.
Maintain Facilities & Compliance
· Oversee facility readiness, preventive maintenance, housekeeping, groundskeeping, venue setup, and teardown.
· Coordinate with the facilities team on capital expenditure programs and asset protection initiatives.
· Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations including ADA accessibility, liquor licensing, health and safety codes, noise ordinances, permitting, and occupancy codes.
· Maintain safety protocols, emergency response readiness, and operational standards throughout the event season.
What You Bring
Required
· 7+ years of progressive management experience in live entertainment, outdoor festivals, hospitality, or large-scale event venues.
· Minimum of 5 years in a General Manager or senior Operations Manager role.
· Demonstrated P&L management experience with budgets of $3M or more; strong profitability analysis and budgeting expertise.
· Proven track record managing teams of 100+ staff across multiple operational departments in seasonal or event-driven environments.
· Strong understanding of concert promotion, event production, venue operations, and the full event lifecycle from advance through settlement.
· Expertise in vendor and contract management, including food and beverage operators, security providers, and facility maintenance contractors.
· Experience navigating municipal partnerships, governmental relationships, and community stakeholder engagement.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong problem-solving and leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate diverse teams.
· Bachelor's degree in business administration, hospitality management, or related field.
Preferred
· Experience managing outdoor amphitheaters or multi-use performance venues with 5,000+ capacity.
· Familiarity with the Minneapolis live entertainment market and Twin Cities arts community.
· Experience overseeing capital expenditure programs and long-term facility asset protection plans.
· Background developing and executing preventive maintenance programs for entertainment venues.
· MBA or advanced degree in a related field.
· IAVM Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation or similar industry certification.
Why This Role Is Unique
· Lead operations for a high-profile, high-volume outdoor venue.
· Work directly with top touring artists, production teams, vendors, and community partners.
· Play a central role in delivering memorable live experiences at scale for guests, artists, and the broader community.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive annual salary, plus performance bonus (details available upon interview). Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer match; paid time off and holidays; complimentary event tickets; and professional development opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Port of Minneapolis, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.