Manager, Event Operations

About Us

Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) includes in its portfolio the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the Delaware Blue Coats, the Utica Comets and a variety of other sports and entertainment properties. HBSE positions itself as a pioneering and innovative global sports and entertainment business enterprise, led by industry leaders. We strive to positively impact the local communities in which we operate through the powerful platform of sports.

Prudential Center in downtown Newark, N.J. annually hosts more than 200 games, concerts, family shows and special events and is a top-5 ranked sports and entertainment venue in the U.S. by Pollstar and Billboard. It is home to the New Jersey Devils, a renowned NHL franchise with three Stanley Cup championships, and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, one of the most storied franchises in American sports.

About the Role

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. The Manager will plan and execute private events within the arena and support off-site events as required for the New Jersey Devils. The role 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.

Responsibilities

• Produce, manage, and execute events including New Jersey Devils hockey games, concerts, 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 operational needs with all departments.
• 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 to ensure 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.
• Work with union building employees and Arena Operations Department (Laborers, Electricians, HVAC, Operating Engineers, and Plumbers) to set up events of all scales.
• 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 to ensure proper scheduling of union trades.
• Work with the 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.

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.
• Extremely organized with superior communication skills, including speaking, writing, and proofreading.
• 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.
• Self-motivated, mature, and detail-oriented with a fantastic client/customer service ethic and high expectations for quality.
• Experience in event budgeting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Self-confident, resilient, and possess a high energy level and enthusiasm.
• Strategic and critical thinker who is dynamic, forward-thinking, and analytical.
• Strong research background and an “out-of-the-box” thinker.
• Ability to demonstrate uncompromised judgment and discretion in interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use utmost discretion when privy to sensitive information.
• Flexible and a reliable team player, both within one’s own department and within the company as a whole.

Working Conditions

• Travel Requirements: May travel up to 5% during the year.
• Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• This position generally requires work to be performed from the Prudential Center/New Jersey Devils offices, but attendance at events in the arena or offsite, including on weekends and/or holidays, may be required.
• Must have the ability and willingness to work long hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Pay

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $80,000 and $90,000/year. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pretax Transportation Benefit
• Generous Parental Leave policies
• 401K (with a company match after 1 year of service)
• Generous Paid Time Off policies
• 13 Paid Holidays
• ½ Day Summer Fridays
• Complimentary or Discounted Sports & Concert Tickets
• On-Site Fitness Rooms
• Other League & Partner Discounts