General Manager, Operations

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Position Purpose

The General Manager, Airworks Operations is responsible for ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operational performance while driving strategic initiatives that support Airworks’ growth and integration with TAIT. This role focuses on operational excellence, financial oversight, facilities and systems management, and cross‑functional leadership. The General Manager serves as Airworks’ central operational leader, balancing hands‑on management with strategic planning to enable scale, efficiency, and long‑term success.

Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Translate Airworks' operational and growth goals into actionable plans aligned with TAIT's broader strategy.
• Serve as the primary operational leader, ensuring cross-functional alignment across Finance, People, Logistics, and GTS (IT) functions.
• Drive integration with TAIT, supporting harmonization of processes, systems, and performance expectations.
• Work with department leads on the implementation of strategic initiatives, including expansion programs, capability building, and efficiency improvements.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily operational activities across facilities, production support, IT systems, logistics, and inventory.
• Implement and monitor KPIs that measure operational efficiency, quality, delivery, and financial performance.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement processes to ensure cost‑effective operations.
• Ensure Health & Safety compliance and support facility renovation and infrastructure projects.
• Maintain oversight of legal coordination, regulatory compliance, and operational risks.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, coach, and mentor high‑performing operational teams that reflect Airworks’ culture and TAIT’s values.
• Partner with the People team on talent planning, org structure, role clarity, and succession planning.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the operational liaison to internal TAIT functions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and alignment.
• Maintain strong relationships with external partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Support client‑facing teams by ensuring operations enable successful project delivery.

Financial & Business Performance

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Monitor performance against revenue, margin, and EBITDA targets, ensuring responsible cost management.
• Manage banking access, financial controls, and secure operational procedures.
• Lead project performance tracking and support business development initiatives including rentals and new service opportunities.

Other

• Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and training sessions as required.
• Perform assigned duties according to the policies and expectations prescribed by the company.

To perform this position successfully, each essential responsibility/accountability must be fulfilled satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the responsibilities and accountabilities outlined above.

Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform the essential responsibilities, individuals must have the following level of education and experience, or equivalent combination. Additionally, the following certifications, knowledge, skills, or physical requirements are necessary for the position.

• Fluency in English communication skills required; Dutch preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, general management, or cross-functional project leadership, ideally within the media, live entertainment, staging, events, fabrication, festivals, technical studio operations, or similar sectors.
• Strong background in managing P&L, KPIs, and delivering measurable business results.
• Proven track record of leading large, diverse, cross-functional teams in complex project environments, delivering process improvement and workflow optimization.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on, pragmatic execution.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and decision‑making skills.
• Knowledge of IT systems, logistics, facilities, and vendor management.
• Fully on-site presence in the Amsterdam area (remote/hybrid not available due to nature of work)
• Willingness to travel domestically/internationally 15-20% annually

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.