Operations Associate

Operations Associate

We have recently signed a major partnership with Spalding, and the work behind it is already moving. Over the coming year, our teams will support basketball events, game-day activity and college campaigns across Louisville and wider Kentucky. We now need an Operations Associate who can help turn that opportunity into a consistently high standard of delivery, and who wants to grow into the person leading it.

You will begin close to the action: preparing teams, organizing resources, checking that every operational detail is covered and stepping in when something changes. From there, we will develop your ability to lead people, manage performance and eventually run larger parts of the operation.

We are looking for evidence of leadership mentality. You may have shown it at work, through an organized project or as part of a competitive team. What matters is that people naturally listen to you, you set a strong example and you are willing to have honest conversations when standards are not being met.

What You Will Actually Lead

You will report to the Operations Manager and initially coordinate a small team of Event and Campaign Assistants. Your responsibilities will include:

• Running daily team briefings and confirming individual responsibilities
• Organizing staffing, schedules, equipment and campaign materials
• Checking that teams understand the client brief and event objectives
• Coordinating operational plans for basketball events and college campaigns
• Monitoring attendance, readiness and progress throughout the day
• Giving clear instructions and following up on incomplete actions
• Supporting team members while maintaining professional standards
• Resolving practical problems before they affect the event or client
• Communicating schedule changes across events, marketing and management teams
• Tracking stock, deliveries, supplier requirements and event equipment
• Maintaining accurate operational records, expenses and performance reports
• Reviewing event outcomes and presenting improvements to management

This role includes real responsibility, but you will not be left to work everything out alone. You will receive coaching on how to brief a team, delegate properly, handle difficult conversations and make decisions under pressure.

How the Leadership Path Works

During your first 30 days, you will learn our campaign standards, scheduling systems, event procedures and client expectations. You will shadow an experienced manager while beginning to lead smaller briefings and operational tasks.

From months two to six, you will be expected to coordinate smaller projects with less supervision. Your six-month review will assess planning accuracy, deadline management, communication, problem-solving, client feedback and the performance of the team you support.

Employees who consistently meet the required standards may be considered for progression into an Operations Leader position, with a salary band of $57,000–$62,000.

The next stage is development toward Operations Manager, with an expected salary band of $68,000–$75,000. Consideration may take place around the twelve-month point for individuals who can manage multiple schedules, lead larger teams, control agreed budget areas and deliver consistent client results.

These are defined development stages rather than automatic promotions. Progression depends on demonstrated ability, sustained performance and an available business position.

The Working Arrangement

The starting salary is $50,000–$54,000 per year, depending on relevant experience. You will also be eligible for a quarterly performance bonus of up to $1,000, based on operational accuracy, event delivery, team standards and verified client feedback.

This is a full-time, on-site position with a usual office schedule of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., including a 30-minute unpaid lunch.

Basketball games and live events may require occasional evening or weekend availability. Event schedules will be communicated in advance. This is a salaried, non-exempt position, and approved hours above 40 in a workweek will be paid at 1.5 times the equivalent hourly rate.

What We Need to See

We are interested in someone who is competitive with themselves and wants their responsibilities to increase as their ability grows.

You should bring:

• Natural confidence when giving direction to others
• Strong organization and attention to detail
• The ability to stay composed when plans change
• Clear communication with colleagues, suppliers and clients
• A practical, solution-focused approach
• The judgment to know when to decide and when to escalate
• A positive response to coaching and direct feedback
• Reliability during important events and campaign deadlines
• The willingness to support the team when additional effort is required

A degree is welcome but not essential. We will consider leadership potential demonstrated through employment, education, sport or other structured responsibilities.

What the Company Invests

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 15 days of paid time off during the first year
• Paid sick leave and company holidays
• Quarterly bonus eligibility
• Company-paid travel for approved events across Kentucky
• Meals and expenses covered during qualifying event assignments
• Paid operations and leadership training
• Regular one-to-one coaching with experienced management
• Company-provided clothing and equipment for live events

If you want to prove that you can lead, build a professional management career and work on a major basketball partnership, apply through Indeed for the Operations Associate position in Louisville.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person