Manager, Arena Operations

Legends Global•Brooklyn, NY

61d•$84,000 - $90,100

About The Position

Congratulations on taking your first step towards embarking on a new adventure at Barclays Center! At Barclays Center, our focus is YOU! Through investments in growth, resources, and technology we strive to enhance the experience of our internal Team Members and to continue creating amazing live experiences for the guests that we serve. We look for people who live and breathe events and have a passion for sports entertainment. Our success depends on people who are committed to our purpose and have an appetite for progress. If this sounds like you, come join our community! Our Company Values We understand that it’s important for you to know what our values are to determine if they align with yours. Our four company values, Care , Integrity , Accountability and Growth Mindset , are reflected in everything that we do here at Barclays Center. From the interview process to employee recognition, we make certain to incorporate our four values. JOB SUMMARY : The Manager, Arena Operations is a key leader responsible for ensuring Barclays Center is event-ready every day and every night. This role manages the full lifecycle of arena operations across conversions, event setups, maintenance coordination, and special projects. The Manager oversees overnight conversion activities, directing crews as the building transitions between basketball, concerts, family shows, and other live events. By day, the Manager leads the execution of all event setup operations, ensuring equipment, layouts, and event notes are delivered with accuracy, safety, and consistency. In addition to daily operations, the Manager supports the administrative, budgetary, and project needs of the department, partnering with Engineering, Trades, Event Services, and external vendors to maintain building standards and operational excellence. This position plays a critical role in supervising and developing staff, implementing Standard Operating Procedures, maintaining equipment and inventory, and driving efficiency across high-volume event operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, communicates effectively across departments, and embodies the values of Care, Integrity, Accountability, and Growth Mindset. Through strong leadership, operational expertise, and a commitment to The Brooklyn Way, the Manager, Arena Operations ensures that every event is executed at the highest standard and contributes to creating extraordinary experiences for guests, clients, teams, and partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in Sport Management, Business, Venue Management, or a related field.
3–5 years of progressive experience in facility or arena operations, with hands-on involvement in event setups and conversions within a large public assembly venue.
Proven experience supporting operations in an 18,000+ seat sports and entertainment facility, including planning and supervising event operations for sports, concerts, and family shows.
Strong leadership background with experience supervising, training, and developing union and non-union teams.
Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests, employees, tenants, and professional teams.
Highly detail-oriented, flexible, and able to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and enthusiasm in fast-paced or challenging environments.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays; must consistently demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and timely completion of responsibilities.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check, employment verification, and pre-employment drug screening.
Valid state driver’s license required.
Forklift and aerial lift certification required.
Ability to stand, sit, crouch, and bend throughout daily tasks; able to work in varying climates and environments.
Capable of remaining in a stationary position (standing or sitting) for up to four hours at a time.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Strong reading, writing, and communication skills in English.
Ability to adapt quickly and work effectively across multiple areas of the facility.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience working with NBA, NHL/AHL, NCAA basketball/hockey, FELD Entertainment, AEG Live, Live Nation, and similar promoters.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee full arena conversions between events—including NBA/WNBA games, concerts, family shows, graduations, and special events—ensuring each transition is executed safely, accurately, and on schedule.
Supervise overnight conversion crews; coordinate closely with internal departments to deliver efficient setups that meet all event and production requirements.
Manage operation of retractable seating systems, dasher boards, staging, floor protection, and other critical infrastructure to ensure safety compliance and event readiness.
Plan and track conversion timelines, labor hours, and key performance metrics, while managing associated cost accounting and budget reporting.
Develop, refine, and maintain SOPs for all conversion activities; proactively identify opportunities to increase speed, consistency, and operational efficiency.
Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate conversion staff; promote a culture of safety, quality, teamwork, and accountability.
Direct all daily event setup operations, including placement and configuration of chairs, tables, pipe and drape, carpet, signage, and event-specific equipment.
Partner with Event Services to ensure all setups align precisely with event notes, client expectations, and production requirements.
Support Operations teams throughout event load-ins and load-outs, adapting quickly to changing conditions and ensuring operational readiness.
Lead and supervise the Event Standby crew to ensure trained personnel and equipment are prepared for in-event dispatch calls and operational needs.
Maintain and track arena inventory of equipment, tools, furniture, carts, lifts, and other assets—ensuring proper storage, functionality, and availability.
Enhance guest experience by ensuring all front- and back-of-house areas consistently meet safety, cleanliness, and presentation standards.
Assist with planning, budgeting, and scheduling facility repairs, maintenance, and special projects in collaboration with Engineering and Trades teams.
Maintain accurate documentation, including work orders, inspection logs, inventory records, and operational reports.
Support the development of staff training programs, SOPs, and process improvements aligned with The Brooklyn Way service philosophy.
Monitor departmental expenses—including equipment rentals, supplies, contracted services, event supervision, and staffing—to support budgetary goals.
Continuously assess operational needs and recommend repairs, maintenance, or special projects to enhance efficiency and facility performance.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with leadership, staff, clients, service providers, partners, and sponsors to support seamless event operations.