Manager, Event Operations

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment•Newark, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 departments—including facilities, security, guest services, food and beverage, production, and technical services—to align operational plans, resolve challenges, and ensure seamless, world-class event execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum of 5–7 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

Responsibilities

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