Manager, Event Operations

Manager, Event Operations

Prudential Center and the New Jersey Devils are seeking an experienced and highly organized Manager, Event Operations to join the Event Operations & Event Services Department. This role is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and flawless execution of all Prudential Center and New Jersey Devils events, including games, concerts, private events, and special off-site initiatives. The Manager of Event Operations will lead and support the Operations & Event Services team, ensuring events are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest professional standards. This position manages the arena's day-to-day internal event calendar, coordinates space reservations, and serves as a primary point of contact for both internal stakeholders and external clients. In this role, the Manager will plan and execute private events within the arena and support off-site events as required for the New Jersey Devils. The position collaborates closely with all building departmentsincluding facilities, security, guest services, food and beverage, production, and technical servicesto align operational plans, resolve challenges, and ensure seamless, world-class event execution.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the below:

• Produce, manager and execute events including, but not limited to: New Jersey Devils hockey games, concerts and live events, family shows, sporting events, Prudential Center ancillary events (inside and outside), and sales, sponsorship, community relations and marketing events
• Develop event documents to effectively communicate with all departments regarding operational needs
• Determine proper staffing levels according to event requirements and general facility security and safety
• Ensure production requirements, event estimates, and final billings are completed timely
• Maintain post event summaries and correspondence as required for all events.
• Act as liaison between the client and facility reassuring that all requirements are met and facility rules, regulations and policies are adhered to.
• Liaise with local governmental agencies regarding issues ranging from life safety and security to traffic and parking
• Analyze event operations and make recommendations for improving operational efficiencies within the events
• Work with union building employees and Arena Operations Department (Laborers, Electricians, HVAC, Operating Engineers and Plumbers) to set-up events of all scale
• Liaise with internal departments, including marketing, sales, sponsorship, and HR to gather information about proposed events and aid in their planning
• Disseminate information to security, housekeeping, catering, AV, and other internal event stakeholders
• Manage event department trade needs and liaise with operations management department to ensure proper scheduling of union trades
• Work with Bookings department to execute events for the arena
• Manage inbound event requests for internal and external events and meetings
• Handle administrative responsibilities for the Event Operations department
• Other tasks and responsibilities as directed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 57 years of progressive experience in event operations, venue management, or large-scale live event production, preferably within an arena, stadium, or major entertainment venue.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing complex, high-volume events, including professional sporting events, concerts, private events, and special events.
• Must be extremely organized and have superior communication skills, including speaking, writing, and proof-reading skills
• Ability to manage and maintain a dynamic event calendar, balancing competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to anticipate operational challenges and implement proactive solutions.
• Candidate should be self-motivated, mature, and detail oriented
• Fantastic client/customer service ethic and high expectations for quality
• Experience in event budgeting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Must be self-confident, resilient and possess a high energy level and enthusiasm
• Must be a strategic and critical thinker who is dynamic, forward thinking, and extremely analytical
• Must possess a strong research background and be an "out-of-the-box-thinker"
• Must have the ability to demonstrate uncompromised judgment and discretion with regard to interpersonal relationships.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and use utmost discretion when privy to sensitive information
• Must be flexible and a reliable team player, both within one's own department and within the company as a whole

Working Conditions:

• Travel Requirements: May travel up to 5% during the year
• Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 50lbs
• This position generally requires that work be performed from the Prudential Center/New Jersey Devils offices, but attendance at events taking place in the arena or offsite, including on weekends and/or holidays, may be required.
• Must have the ability and willingness to work long hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Compensation and Benefits:

• The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $80,000 and $90,000/year. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position will be an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
• The benefits package for the position may include the following, subject to the terms of the then-in-effect Company policies, plan documents and other eligibility criteria:
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pretax Transportation Benefit
• Generous Parental Leave policies
• 401K (with a company match after 1 year of service)
• Generous Paid Time Off policies
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Day Summer Fridays
• Complimentary or Discounted Sports & Concert Tickets
• On Site Fitness Rooms
• Other League & Partner Discounts

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.