Director of Operations

Company: Visit Napa Valley
Location: Napa
Posted on: January 21, 2023

Job Description:

Visit Napa Valley - is the official destination management organization for Napa County. We promote the region as an attractive travel destination and enhance its public image as a dynamic place to visit, live and work. Our strength is in relationship building and we're proud to set the standard for success in our industry.
To help us continue growing, we're seeking an experienced Director of Operations to join a talented and lean team. The ideal candidate will have management experience in a trade organization, public office sector or in the scope of travel and tourism. You are a data-driven, experienced business leader who can sort through the ambiguity and abundance of information and data to find and effectively communicate key metrics and relevant statistics and facts.The role requires outstanding organizational, communication, and leadership skills and an ability to develop effective relationships that foster success, creativity and structure. The Director of Operations will be a member of the executive team and will work closely with Marketing, Communications and the CEO to strategize and develop long-term plans that usher in new levels of productivity and success for our partners and the Napa Valley.
In this role, you will:

• Oversee the day to day operations of the business development, sales, partnership and Welcome Center teams for Visit Napa Valley.
• Be a hands-on tactical leader who is responsible for developing, deploying, and sustaining operational excellence.
• Lead, coach and inspire a team to successfully funnel business to VNV Partners via conference, group and luxury tourism travel channels, partnerships and the Welcome Center.
• Focus not only on work product and process, but also on successful and positive relationship development both inside and outside the organization.
• Collaborate with senior managers in the development of performance goals and long-term operational plans.
• Maximize efficiency and productivity through extensive process analysis and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Set strategic goals for operational efficiency and increased productivity.
• Work with the Controller in the development of financial and budgetary plans.
• Analyze current operational processes and performance, recommending solutions for improvement where necessary.
• Act as a conduit between the Executive team and other departments to filter strategies from leadership that apply to each realm as well as communicate department needs back up to the leadership team.
  Responsibilities:
  • Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of key initiatives.
  • Draw on relationships with department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.
  • Plan, monitor, and analyze key metrics for day-to-day operations to ensure efficient and timely completion of tasks.
  • Adhere to the company's policies and standards, and ensure that laws and regulations are being followed.
  • Work closely with Human Resources to lead the team with integrity and to establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environment.
  • Manage business development efforts with consumer, trade and group customers in a hand-on and thoughtful manner.
  • In collaboration with the Visit Napa Valley marketing team ensure pull-through of brand messaging through all touch points.
  • Oversee statistical database, reporting systems, performance measures and operating budget.
  • Locate, compile and present relevant data reports.
  • Manage and maintain Simpleview CRM with clean and accurate data.
  • Become proficient in consumer, partners, meeting sales, tour/travel and events modules to maintain consistency across all organization functions.
  • Track information for follow up and partner benefit data integrity.
  • Provide monthly metrics outlining the lead generation, definite bookings and sales activity of market segments.
  • Collaborate with the marketing and communications teams to synthesize key insights and trends, and then share messaging with partners, elected officials, community members, and visitors.
  • Develop and monitor KPI's to evaluate ROI; track and communicate results on a regular basis to stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with Visit Napa Valley partners to be familiar with product and services available to all customers.
  • Develop and manage relationships with target International & Domestic trade organizations (Visit CA, SF Travel, Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network, etc.) to design and implement domestic & international tourism sales, strategies and budget for group and leisure travel.
  • Work with them to collect market research and keep departments informed of trends and opportunities.
  • Identify existing markets and develop new markets in the conference and group industry and create sales opportunities for VNV partners.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Departments, stakeholders and partners to ensure cohesive messaging and that the Napa Valley is always presented and positioned in an appropriate manner.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of all Napa Valley hotel facilities and services providers within the Napa Valley.
  • Oversee Welcome Center performance in guest services, staffing, operating budget, guest data collection, partner referral, retail operations, and the implementation of health and safety protocols in public areas.
  • Be a passionate and enthusiastic champion for our Visit Napa Valley brand, our key messages and year-round campaigns, and our programs in the community. Encourage engagement of hospitality partners.
    Required Skills and Experience:
    • 10 or more years in a leadership role in a field related to our industry, preferably within the Napa Valley.
    • Bachelor's Degree.
    • Masterful organizational, communication, and leadership skills, backed by previous professional success.
    • Superior knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, and employee management.
    • Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes for maximum efficiency and productivity.
    • Ability to streamline or implement structures and roles that boost speed and efficiency while supporting rapidly shifting business demands.
    • Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legal guidelines.
    • Expertise in data analysis, translating robust data into summaries to be reported out at regular intervals to stakeholders at all levels
    • Demonstrated history of building relationships with internal stakeholders and external partner organizations.
    • Proven track record of developing and managing successful B2B relationships.
    • Proven success in developing teams and championing a positive and inclusive culture.
    • Earn trust across a range of levels and disciplines to establish yourself and the team as a trusted partner.
    • Connect and inspire people to drive effective teamwork, communication, collaboration and commitment across multiple groups with competing priorities.
    • Proven ability to manage projects and process in a positive and time sensitive way.
    • Demonstrated strong written and oral communications and presentation skills.
    • Superb judgment and emotional intelligence.
    • Excellent prioritization and time management skills.
    • Technically savvy.
    • Meticulous attention to detail.
      Preferred Skills and Experience
      • Thorough knowledge of the travel industry to effectively target key markets with measurable results. Experience with the hotel industry is a plus.
      • Destination Marketing Organization or Association experience preferred.

Keywords: Visit Napa Valley, Napa , Director of Operations, Executive , Napa, California