Production and Operations Manager, Lakefront Arena

Production & Operations Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, supervision, and daily management of facility operations, production services, event logistics, and operational support for the Lakefront Arena. This position oversees facility readiness, production operations, event conversions, personnel, contractors, and third-party vendors while ensuring the Arena operates safely, efficiently, and in accordance with University policies and industry best practices.

Manage the operation, maintenance, and readiness of the Lakefront Arena, parking facilities, and surrounding grounds and maintains the facility for event readiness. Supervise a multi-trade maintenance operation supporting all facility systems and infrastructure. Submit, monitor, and coordinate facility maintenance and repair work orders to maintain the facility for event readiness. Operate, monitor, and maintain University-owned vehicles, equipment, tools, and maintenance supplies to maintain the facility for event readiness.

Ensure facility cleanliness, appearance, and operational readiness before, during, and after all events.

Oversee all production and operational logistics for concerts, athletic events, commencements, conventions, trade shows, and other special events. Review event specifications, production riders, schedules, venue diagrams, seating configurations, and logistical requirements to determine staffing, equipment, and operational needs. Coordinate event set‑ups, conversions, changeovers, rehearsals, and tear‑downs. Create and maintain digital venue layouts and production diagrams. Ensure all event setups comply with applicable life safety regulations, fire codes, ADA requirements, and venue operational standards.

Respond to on‑site operational issues, last‑minute production changes, and staffing adjustments.

Supervise the movement, storage, inventory, maintenance, and deployment of facility equipment including staging, portable flooring, risers, tables, chairs, drapery, barricades, crowd control equipment, temporary utilities, and other event infrastructure. Coordinate temporary electrical, telecommunications, internet, and production support services for events. Ensure venue equipment is properly maintained, inventoried, and available to support event operations.

Serve as the Arena's technical resource for production systems, including audio, video, lighting, communications, security, CCTV, computerized building systems, and related technologies. Coordinate installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of technical systems. Serve as liaison between the Arena, University Information Technology, and third‑party technology vendors to maintain the facility for event readiness. Coordinate computer installations, printer setup, wiring, network connectivity, and related technical support.

Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, evaluate, and develop full‑time, part‑time, and temporary production personnel. Assign daily work responsibilities and event staffing. Develop employee training programs and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain the facility for event readiness. Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with University policies and OSHA standards.

Coordinate and supervise third‑party contractors providing production labor, electricians, audiovisual services, custodial support, maintenance services, and other contracted work to maintain the facility for event readiness. Develop and maintain productive working relationships with vendors and contractors.…