Production Manager

American Dream; East Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ is seeking a Production Manager to launch and lead technical operations for a brand-new Event Center. This hands-on leadership role covers lighting, sound, video, rigging, staging, crew management, and event readiness.

You will oversee all production elements, manage budgets, hire and train staff, coordinate with operations and front-of-house, ensure safety standards, and drive high-quality performances with a professional, artist-friendly environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Oversee all technical production elements for event set up, load-ins, and load-outs.
• Serve as the primary production contact for vendors, artists, promoters, and production managers.
• Manage and maintain all venue production equipment, systems, and infrastructure.
• Develop, manage, and track production and technical budgets, including labor, equipment, rentals, and maintenance expenses.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise technical staff.
• Advance events 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.
• Enforce all safety standards, OSHA requirements, and venue policies.
• Conduct pre-show and post-show walk-throughs to ensure production quality and safety.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during rehearsals and live events.
• Oversee load-in/load-out timelines for efficiency and safety.
• Maintain documentation including production schedules, equipment inventories, and incident reports.

Skills

Lighting

Audio

Video

Rigging

Stage operations

Leadership

Tools

Vectorworks Spotlight

Job description

The Production Manager will help launch and lead technical operations for a brand-new Event Center at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for all production technical needs, including lighting, sound, video, rigging, staging operations, crew management, and event readiness.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee all technical production elements for event set up, load‑ins, and load‑outs, ensuring seamless execution across audio, lighting, video, staging, rigging, and backline.
• Serve as the primary production contact for vendors, artists, promoters, and production managers, advancing events 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 events 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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.
• Experience opening or operating a large‑scale venue is a plus.
• Vectorworks Spotlight proficient

The Event Center at American Dream is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.