Operations Manager Technical and SFX

The Company

BEAT THE BOMB is the next generation of immersive group entertainment where customers step into real-life video games. We use an innovative digital interactive game system to reimagine the intersection of technology and human social our classic Mission experience teams wearing hazmat suits go through a series of interactive game rooms including a laser maze before facing the Worlds Largest Paint Slime and Foam Bomb! Our original Brooklyn location opened in 2018. We now have locations in Atlanta Washington D.C. Philadelphia Charlotte Houston and Denver. Weve hosted over 500000 players including hundreds of corporate team building outings school groups and non-profit organizations. Beat The Bomb is one of the highest rated experiences in all 5 markets. We offer a full range of special event services including STEM Camps Kid and Adult Birthday parties Corporate Tournaments and Bachelorette parties. We also have a virtual team building platform called Beat The Bomb Virtual serving remote teams across the globe. Our #1 goal is to ensure every player has a BLAST!

The DC Location

Located in DCs hippest new neighborhood Ivy City DC this marks our third location in the nation and opened in February 2023. The 10000 square foot location offers our classic Mission experiences with glass-walled bomb rooms; 7 immersive arcade lounges (Game Bays); street food and a full selection of beer wine cocktails & signature slushies @ The Bomb Bar; a beer garden with sports viewing; and several dedicated private event spaces for large groups. The Bomb DC has already emerged as one of the highest rated experiences in DC with over 5000 5-star reviews on Google and has welcomed nearly 50000 customers in less than 6 months

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Technology and SFX Operations Manager will oversee the maintenance and seamless operation of Beat The Bomb DCs technology computers interactive video games rooms laser mazes projection walls and RFID technology. You will also ensure that our high-tech special-effects Worlds Largest Paint Foam and Slime Bomb rooms are properly maintained and always operational. Technical ability critical thinking strong communication skills and computer proficiency skills are a requirement.

The right candidate has likely done tech support for an office school church arts facility movie theater or entertainment facility like an Escape Room Lucky Strike Topgolf Dave & Busters Main Event or Laser Tag facility. You may have built your own PC can program a Raspberry Pi have experience taking apart mechanical and engineered devices and have a solid aptitude with audio-visual equipment. Friends might think of you as a real-life version of MacGuyver. You must also be excited to work in a hospitality environment with the ability and willingness to deal with customer service and learn new skills like bartending and doing basics in the kitchen.

This is a unique opportunity for a motivated technologist who wants a crossover management role where they can grow as a leader and contribute to a company that is creating a totally new category of gaming. To achieve your objectives you will manage and mentor a team of junior-level technology and special effects staff to complete all regular maintenance. The role requires night and weekend shifts during our busiest hours. Together with fellow location managers (GM AGM Operations Manager: Front of House and Shift Supervisors) you will work to deliver amazing guest service while supporting a continuous pipeline of new product and gaming initiatives working as the primary connection to the companys Chief Technology Officer as well as Technology Manager at Beat The Bomb Headquarters.

Core Responsibilities

• Responsible for smooth technology and special effects operations at all times to maximize the customer experience
• Directly serve as onsite tech support and special effects lead during key shifts responding under pressure to any urgent issues that arise
• Flexible to respond to emergency tech issues during non-working (off) hours
• Manage daily/weekly maintenance and replacement of all hardware and equipment in the location. Includes cleaning computers checking cable connections modifying the laser mazes compressor maintenance replacing HVAC filters and maintaining the bomb room special effects and photo bomb systems.
• Support HQ Tech team in ensuring all software is up-to-date and debugging issues with various applications
• Monitor track and address all tech and SFX issues with written End-of-Day reports
• Manage all technology inventory ensuring all equipment is properly tracked and sufficient spares are ordered and on standby
• Maintain server room and all location network operations
• Work with HQ team to ensure all technical support docs and SOPs are kept up to date
• Lead on technology training for all Managers Bomb Techs Tech Runners Game Runners and non-technical staff as needed
• Perform facilities maintenance tasks around the space
• Oversee our in-house laundry operation (hazmat suits)
• Manage key facility vendors (pest control repair services etc.)
• Support HQ Tech team in testing new games and software features

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as a generalist Operations Manager ensuring smooth running of a shift
• Ability to work hands on with the staff within all departments in the location and operate in any role
• Ability to manage opening and closing of the location weekends and holidays
• Ability to manage all aspects of any guests reservation in our booking software
• Ability to answer customer questions and support guest check-in and team onboarding
• Maintain exceptional guest-centered culture which exceeds customer expectations.
• Oversee service quality operational efficiency guest satisfaction standards compliance and financial measurements as applicable to your area of responsibility
• Assist with maintaining the appearance and safety of the facility
• Assist with managing inventory and ordering of supplies for the facility
• Assist with hiring performance reviews 1 on 1 meetings scheduling conflict resolution and coaching in particular for junior level technology staff and special effects staff
• Address operational performance productivity and efficiency gaps and work with your team to implement measures to correct those deficiencies
• Responsible for the management and coordination of tech & sfx staff schedules
• Communicate with headquarters CTO and Technology Manager on a regular basis
• Cultivate relationships with your staff and other businesses in the area to develop a strong culture that invites community relations
• Engage and have fun with our customers! Help maintain a safe environment and facilitate a safe experience for our customers and fellow team members
• Manage blasting customers with PAINT FOAM and SLIME!

Qualifications

• Experience doing IT technology support preferably 3-5 years. For example for an office school church arts facility movie theater or entertainment facility such as an Escape Room Bowling alley Topgolf Dave & Busters Main Event or Laser Tag.
• Experience with Windows
• Comfort with IP networking (Understanding and setting IP addresses)
• Experience with remote desktop/TeamViewer/VNC
• Comfort with replacing PC hardware and OS configuration
• Experience debugging hardware/software issues
• Ability to test hardware and software as necessary
• Experience in Microsoft Office and G-Suite products
• Generally handy and not afraid to figure out how to fix things - mechanical plumbing etc.
• Bachelors Degree preferred
• Nights/weekends and holiday availability is required
• Must be able to provide references upon request
  
  

Nice to haves:

• Management experience in a location-based entertainment business with a food & beverage service is a plus
• Basic electronics (soldering)
• Maker interest and experience
• Experience building a PC from scratch
• Professional special-effects experience
  
  

Additional attributes

• Embodies Beat The Bombs Values:
  • Bring Positivity
  • Take Responsibility
  • Build The Future
  • CREATE THE FUN
• Strong aptitude for technology and an interest and excitement to learn more
• An interest in live experiences / digital gaming
• Knows the importance of driving exemplary online customer reviews
• Strong personality and people skills are a must
• Experience building and working within a team
• Remains calm when faced with external pressures
• Isnt afraid to get a paint blast facility after all!
• Loves people! They thrive when engaging with both teammates and customers alike!
• The ultimate teammate - they are ready to jump in and help whenever necessary!
• Is solution oriented friendly outgoing and inclusive
• Doesnt mind physical activity... our paint buckets can weigh up to 50 lbs
• Demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities with a track record of attracting developing and motivating top talent swiftly adapting to change and leading others through the fast-paced environment of the job
• Ability to coach inspire support and motivate your team to provide a world-class and service-minded customer experience

Required Experience:

Manager