Manager, Arena Operations

ASM Global; New York (NY); On-site; USD 84,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event management company in New York is seeking a Manager, Arena Operations. In this role, you will ensure the arena is event-ready while leading a team and coordinating resources across various events. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Sport Management or a related field and at least 3–5 years of experience in a similar role. Key responsibilities include managing schedule transitions, supporting administrative tasks, and maintaining safety standards during events. This position offers a competitive salary and full responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in facility or arena operations,ing events.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• Forklift and aerial lift certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage event setups and transitions smoothly.
• Support the administrative and budgetary needs of the department.
• Ensure full arena readiness for all events, adhering to safety standards.

Skills

Leadership in event operations

Team supervision and training

Operational planning and tracking

Knowledge of event setups

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title: Manager, Arena Operations

Department: Arena Operations

Reports to: Senior Manager, Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time Salaried

Union Code: Non- Union

Minimum Pay Rate: $84,000

Maximum Pay Rate: $90,100

Congratulations on taking your first step towards embarking on a new adventure at Barclays Center! 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.

Key Attributes for Success

This is not a desk job. The Manager, Arena Operations plays a critical role in ensuring that Barclays Center is event-ready every day and every night. Success in this position requires a unique blend of operational expertise, leadership strength, and the ability to excel in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Success in this role requires operational discipline, sharp coordination, and a calm presence under pressure.

While these insights may be select elements that define this role, they also represent the exciting challenges and opportunities that come with being an integral part of the Barclays Center team. If you\'re ready to embrace these realities and contribute to the creation of extraordinary live experiences, we invite you to explore the details of the Manager, Arena Operations position. Together, we will set new standards in the live event industry.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: What You Will Do

• 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.

CANDIDATE PROFILE: Who You Are

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

KEY COMPETENCIES: Skills You Possess

• 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.

Legends Global reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. Legends Global may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal description.