Production Manager

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.