Production Manager

The Performing Arts Center at American Dream is a premier 3,000 seat venue designed to host a dynamic range of live entertainment, from concerts and theatrical performances to comedy, cultural programming, and special events. Purposefully built to deliver an intimate yet high energy guest experience, the venue blends modern design with flexible staging and seating configurations to accommodate diverse productions and audiences. As a cornerstone of American Dream’s entertainment offerings, the Performing Arts Center brings world class talent and unforgettable experiences to the region, serving as a vibrant destination for artists, fans, and community partners alike.

Key Objective(s):
We’re hiring a Production Manager to help launch and lead technical operations for a brand-new 3,000-capacity performing arts center at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for all backstage and production technical needs, including lighting, sound, video, rigging, stage operations, crew management, and event readiness.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee all technical production elements for performances, rehearsals, load ins, and load outs, ensuring seamless execution across audio, lighting, video, staging, rigging, and backline.
• Serve as the primary production contact for touring artists, promoters, production managers, and vendors, advancing shows 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 shows 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 Performing Arts 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.