Production Manager

Mall of America • East Rutherford, NJ

1d

About The Position

The Performing Arts Center at American Dream is a premier 3,000‑seat venue designed to host a dynamic range of live entertainment, from concerts and theatrical performances to comedy, cultural programming, and special events. Purposefully built to deliver an intimate yet high‑energy guest experience, the venue blends modern design with flexible staging and seating configurations to accommodate diverse productions and audiences. As a cornerstone of American Dream’s entertainment offerings, the Performing Arts Center brings world‑class talent and unforgettable experiences to the region, serving as a vibrant destination for artists, fans, and community partners alike.
We’re hiring a Production Manager to help launch and lead technical operations for a brand-new 3,000-capacity performing arts center at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for all backstage and production technical needs, including lighting, sound, video, rigging, stage operations, crew management, and event readiness.

Requirements

• 5+ years of technical theater, live event, or venue production experience.
• Strong knowledge of lighting, audio, video, rigging, and stage operations.
• Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Vectorworks Spotlight proficient

Nice To Haves

• Experience opening or operating a large-scale venue is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all technical production elements for performances, rehearsals, load‑ins, and load‑outs, ensuring seamless execution across audio, lighting, video, staging, rigging, and backline.
• Serve as the primary production contact for touring artists, promoters, production managers, and vendors, advancing shows and coordinating all technical and logistical requirements.
• Manage and maintain all venue production equipment, systems, and infrastructure, ensuring they are safe, functional, and show‑ready at all times.
• Develop, manage, and track production and technical budgets, including labor, equipment, rentals, and maintenance expenses.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise full‑time, part‑time, and over‑hire technical staff, fostering a professional, collaborative, and high‑performance production team.
• Advance shows by reviewing technical riders, creating production schedules, confirming staffing needs, and coordinating equipment and labor requirements.
• Collaborate closely with operations, programming, security, and front‑of‑house teams to ensure smooth show days and efficient backstage operations.
• Enforce all safety standards, OSHA requirements, and venue policies related to rigging, electrical systems, and backstage operations.
• Conduct pre‑show and post‑show walk‑throughs to ensure production quality, safety, and adherence to venue standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges quickly and effectively during rehearsals and live events.
• Oversee load‑in and load‑out timelines to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with labor agreements and venue schedules.
• Maintain accurate documentation including production schedules, equipment inventories, incident reports, and post‑event recaps.
• Ensure a professional, artist‑friendly environment that supports high‑quality performances and positive relationships with touring productions.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to continually enhance production capabilities and guest experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees