Director of Operations – New Museum Openings

About the role

The Museum of Ice Cream is seeking a Director of Operations to own the end‑to‑end opening process for new museum locations. You will translate strategic plans into operational reality, ensuring each new site launches on time, on brand, and fully functional from day one.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the full opening lifecycle—from lease signing, through design and construction, to soft launch, go‑live, and stabilization.
• Partner with Development, Design, Construction, Facilities, Supply Chain, People, Training, Marketing, Ticketing, and Finance to embed operational requirements into every phase.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the opening playbook, incorporating lessons learned from each launch.
• Ensure new sites are staffed, trained, stocked, safe, and operationally sound at launch.
• Hand off each location to the Regional Director of Operations with complete documentation and training.

Required profile

• Proven multi‑site opening experience, preferably in experiential or hospitality environments.
• Strong systems orientation with the ability to create and refine operational processes.
• Hands‑on leader who thrives in ambiguous, high‑pressure situations.
• Passion for play, human connection, and delivering memorable guest experiences.

Required skills