May 28, 2025
Job Title: External Operations Manager
Location: Remote with global travel
Reports To: Director of Operations
Company Overview:
MarathonFoto is the world’s leading event photography company, capturing unforgettable moments at endurance events across the globe. With a legacy of excellence and innovation, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality photography that enhances the race-day experience for athletes and race organizers alike.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and highly organized External Operations Manager to lead the hiring, staffing, and coaching of our global network of event photographers. The primary objective of this role is to increase the gross margin at each event through efficient operations, improved photographer performance, and strategic resource management. This position requires national travel, strong people management and communication skills, and a passion for detail driven excellence in operational execution.
Key Responsibilities:
• Hire, schedule, and manage freelance photographers for events around the country.
• Monitor and evaluate photographer and overall event performance, implementing improvements and best practices at each event.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with the photo team to ensure alignment and readiness.
• Provide pre-event training and on-site coaching to ensure photographers meet MarathonFoto standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand event needs, logistical challenges, and client expectations.
• Ensure all client needs and requests are met and deliver service that reflects our high standards.
• Ensure a smooth and rapid flow of photos from the event into athlete galleries by using propriety software tools.
• Manage and track event-specific budgets, making cost-effective decisions that support margin growth.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
• Optimize staffing and resource allocation to maximize profitability thru in-depth event analysis and better staff travel arrangements, e.g. flights, hotels, transportation.
• Maintain and utilize tools like spreadsheets for budgeting, tracking performance metrics, and planning logistics.
• Represent MarathonFoto professionally and positively at all events.
Qualifications:
• 3+ years of experience in event operations, field team management, or a similar role.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions and create relevant metrics
• Comfortable in fast-paced environments and solution oriented to get a job done.
• Ability to travel extensively and work flexible hours, including weekends.
• Tendency to learn new methods and tools.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other basic office tools.
• Photography or photo industry experience is a strong plus but not required.
• Foreign language skills are a plus.
What We Offer:
• The opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment at the forefront of event photography.
• A chance to travel and engage with athletes and race events around the world.
• A collaborative team culture that values innovation and operational excellence.
To Apply:
• To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter to HR@marathonfoto.com.