Senior Manager (Operations)

Senior Manager (Operations)

About Hong Kong Design Centre

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) was founded in 2001 as a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in establishing Hong Kong as centre of design excellence in Asia. We are on a public mission to promote wider and strategic use of design and design thinking to foster innovation, create business value and improve societal well-being.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a high caliber candidate to join our dynamic team. Please visit our website www.hkdesigncentre.org for information of HKDC.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager (Operations) is a key leadership role responsible for the seamless day-to-day operation of the DX design hub. This position ensures a good visitor experience, oversees the physical maintenance of the building, and drives the commercial success of the venue. The role involves managing event logistics, developing signature programmes, and implementing a robust sales strategy for rental spaces and customer services to establish the DX design hub as a premier destination for design and innovation.

Responsibilities:

1. Operations Management & Visitor Experience
• Oversee the daily opening, closing, and general operations of the DX design hub to ensure a safe, welcoming, and high-quality environment for all visitors, tenants, and stakeholders;
• Lead the development and implementation of customer service standards to enhance the overall visitor journey and engagement with the hub’s offerings;
• Act as the primary point of command for onsite issues, troubleshooting operational challenges, and ensuring swift resolution to maintain operational continuity.
2. Venue Management & Building Maintenance
• Manage the maintenance and upkeep of the building, including coordination with facilities management teams, contractors, and service providers to ensure all systems (HVAC, lighting, safety, etc.) function optimally;
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and building regulations, conducting regular risk assessments and safety drills;
• Oversee the procurement and inventory of operational supplies and equipment.
3. Event Preparation & Onsite Support
• Collaborate with the Programme and Curatorial teams to plan and execute the logistical and operational aspects of exhibitions, workshops, and events;
• Provide comprehensive onsite management and technical support during events, ensuring all operational requirements are met and that events run smoothly from setup to tear-down;
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors regarding staging, AV requirements, security, and crowd flow management.
4. Signature Events & Programme Planning
• Partner with the Programme Director in the strategic planning and delivery of the hub’s signature events and annual programmes, ensuring operational feasibility and excellence in execution;
• Contribute to the development of new event concepts from an operational and commercial perspective.
5. Commercial Strategy & Sales Management
• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales and leasing plan to maximize revenue from rental spaces (e.g., galleries, event halls, meeting rooms) and customer-acquired services;
• Identify and target potential corporate clients, brands, and organizations for space rental and partnership opportunities;
• Lead negotiations, prepare proposals, and manage contracts for venue hires and service agreements to achieve financial targets;
• Develop pricing strategies for rental spaces and ancillary services (e.g., guided tours, workshops for corporate clients) to ensure commercial viability.
6. Stakeholder & Client Relations
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with tenants, corporate clients, and external partners to ensure high retention rates and repeat business;
• Act as the key liaison for customers acquiring services, ensuring their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
7. Budgeting & Reporting
• Assist in the formulation of the annual operational and capital budgets, monitoring expenditure and ensuring cost-effective management of resources;
• Track and report on key operational metrics, visitor statistics, and commercial performance (sales vs. target) to senior management.
• Prepare documentation and operational papers for internal meetings and compliance purposes.
8. Team leadership & Development
• Supervise and mentor operations staff, providing guidance and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability;
• Coordinate shift schedules and resource allocation to ensure adequate coverage for all operational hours.
9. Perform any other ad-hoc duties as required to ensure the success of the project

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Project Management, Cultural Studies, Design, Communications, or related disciplines;
2. Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3-5 years in a team leadership role with proven coaching skills.
3. Outstanding command of spoken and written English and Chinese (including Putonghua) to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders;
4. Proven experience in sales, business development, or commercial leasing within a venue, events, or cultural context;
5. Strong business acumen with a verifiable track record of meeting financial and sales targets;
6. Demonstrated experience in organising or supporting exhibitions and programmes; background in the design, art, or cultural field is a distinct advantage;
7. Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, and meet tight deadlines under pressure;
8. Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to managing daily operational challenges, coupled with a high sense of responsibility and self-motivation;
9. Strategic thinker with a creative flair and a broad, diverse range of cultural interests, including a good understanding of design trends;
10. Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with venue management systems or CRM software; knowledge of health and safety regulations and risk management practices;
11. Willingness to work flexible shifts, including Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and passion for the design industry (Shift duties will be required).

More information about Hong Kong Design Centre:

https://www.hkdesigncentre.org/

Interested parties are invited to apply by sending your resume with full details of education, work experience, current & expected salary, contact telephone number and earliest available date to the Human Resources Office, Hong Kong Design Centre, 4/F, DX design hub, 280 Tung Chau Street, Shum Shui Po, Kowloon or email to: hr@hkdesigncentre.org on or before 15 March 2026. HKDC reserves the right not to make appointment for the post(s) advertised. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. All information received will be kept in strict confidence for six months and data will only be used for recruitment purpose.