City Manager

Position Type: Full-Time, Contract
Contract Term: Through December 31, 2026, with potential for extension

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB //
The Story House team is dedicated to delivering impactful experiences for our clients. Our work takes many forms, including local marketing, small pop-up events, large-scale event productions and digital experiences.

The Agency City Manager leads the integrated performance of the city operation. The role translates client and program priorities into clear field execution through capable Area Managers, connected operational functions, disciplined performance management and strong cross-functional partnership. The City Manager creates the conditions for teams to deliver consistently by setting direction, developing leaders, removing barriers, protecting compliance and using data and field insight to drive action.

WHAT YOU’LL DO //
City Strategy and Integrated Execution

• Translate program strategy and client priorities into a clear city plan, operating rhythm and measurable actions.
• Connect Area Managers, stock, event, logistics, back-office and client-service activity around shared priorities.
• Identify execution risks early, resolve issues at the appropriate level and escalate with clear context and recommendations.

 Leadership Through Leaders

• Set clear expectations for Area Managers and designated city operational roles.
• Coach leaders to strengthen field capability, decision quality, accountability and performance consistency.
• Create regular leadership forums that turn information into action and maintain alignment across the city.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, development, succession and workforce readiness.

Performance and Insight

• Own city performance against agreed KPIs and operating standards.
• Manage daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting cadences.
• Combine performance data with field observation to diagnose root causes and prioritize corrective action.
• Communicate concise insights, risks, progress and recommendations to agency and client stakeholders.

 Field Quality and Compliance

• Maintain visible field presence and conduct structured visits and audits.
• Ensure execution follows approved SOPs, legal and regulatory requirements, client guidelines and data-privacy expectations.
• Address non-compliance promptly and escalate uncertainty rather than improvise outside approved guardrails.

 Operational Stewardship

• Oversee scheduling, attendance and punctuality across the city structure.
• Maintain effective controls for budgets, invoices, inventory, assets, fleet and required audits.
• Ensure teams have the tools, information, permits, access and operational support required to execute.
• Develop, apply and improve SOPs and program processes.

 Client and Stakeholder Partnership

• Act as the primary agency operational partner for the city.
• Build credibility through transparency, preparedness, constructive challenge and reliable follow-through.
• Coordinate effectively with internal functions, agency leadership, the client and relevant local or state bodies when required.

 Continuous Improvement and Change

• Convert lessons, recurring issues and team feedback into scalable improvements.
• Lead teams through changing priorities, market expansion and new operating requirements.
• Promote practical innovation while protecting consistency and compliance.

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS //

• Maintain knowledge of applicable company, client, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Use approved information, processes, systems and communication standards.
• Protect employee, candidate, customer and business information.

 YOUR EXPERIENCE //

• 7 to 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit retail, field operations, consumer activation, experiential marketing or a comparable environment, including experience leading managers or multi-site teams.
• Proven people leadership through other leaders or managers.
• Accountability for multi-team, multi-site or field-based operations.
• Experience translating strategy into structured execution and measurable action.
• Strong client or senior stakeholder partnership experience.
• Experience managing priorities, risk and resources in a complex operating environment.
• Experience in experiential marketing, field activation, premium retail, consumer operations or another regulated environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing budgets, inventory, fleet, assets, logistics or vendor operations is strongly preferred.
• Experience scaling a market, launching a new program or leading significant change is strongly preferred.

YOUR SKILLS // 

• Ability to use performance data and operational insight to make decisions and drive improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound judgment and disciplined follow-through.
• Ability to lead through other leaders and maintain accountability across multiple teams and functions.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex, field-based environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Excel, PowerPoint and business-intelligence or reporting tools.

 YOUR REQUIREMENTS //

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, operations or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ability to travel regularly within the assigned city or market.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on operational and business needs.

YOUR COMPENSATION //

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Monthly bonus based on team performance.