Production and Operations Manager, Lakefront Arena

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You must complete all required portions of the application and attach the required documents in order to be considered for employment.  

Department

Kiefer Lakefront ArenaProduction & 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.

Job Description

Production Operations & Maintenance

• 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.

Event Operations & Production

• 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.

Equipment & Venue Resources

• 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.

Production Systems & Technical Support

• 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.

Personnel Management

• 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.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• 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.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure compliance with contract specifications and Arena standards.

Event Advancement & Client Support

• Assist with advancing events through client meetings, production planning, site visits, venue walkthroughs, staffing coordination, and logistical planning.
• Coordinate with promoters, clients, University departments, contractors, and service providers to ensure successful event execution.
• Assist with post-event operational reports, invoicing, and event settlements as assigned.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Coordinate facility safety initiatives including inspections, training, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as an Arena liaison during emergency situations involving security, medical response, severe weather, evacuations, or facility incidents.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness planning, evacuation procedures, and employee training.
• Assist with emergency response operations, including utility outages and disaster recovery efforts.

Custodial Operations (In Absence of Production & Services Manager/Heavy Event Load)

When serving in the absence of the Production & Services Manager or during heavy event loads, this position shall:

• Assist in overseeing custodial operations and contracted janitorial services.
• Assist in coordinating event cleaning schedules with third-party custodial providers.
• Assist in supervising custodial personnel and contracted labor pools.
• Ensure offices, arena bowl, seating areas, locker rooms, meeting rooms, auxiliary gymnasium, restrooms, exterior areas, parking lots, and surrounding grounds are maintained in accordance with Arena standards to maintain the facility for event readiness.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure compliance with contractual specifications.
• Ensure the facility maintains a clean, safe, and professional appearance before, during, and after all events.
• Assume all responsibilities delegated to the Production & Services Manager.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain digital records, cloud-based facility documentation, structural drawings, equipment information, operating manuals, and related facility resources.
• Complete special projects and assignments supporting Arena operations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant General Manager, and the General Manager & Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Enterprises.
• Perform duties of the Production & Services Manager during absences and heavy event loads.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field; or
• In lieu of a bachelor's degree, four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory or managerial experience in facility operations, production services, entertainment venues, convention centers, sports facilities, or comparable operations.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience leading maintenance, production, or event operations personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event requirements.
• Valid driver's license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing operations within an arena, convention center, stadium, performing arts center, or similar public assembly facility.
• Working knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), and facility management software.
• Experience with AutoCAD or comparable computerized drafting software.
• Knowledge of theatrical production systems including audio, lighting, rigging, staging, and fly systems.
• Experience coordinating facility conversions and large-scale event logistics.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, life safety codes, ADA requirements, and public assembly facility operations.
• Experience supervising custodial operations and contracted service providers.
• Strong organizational, planning, budgeting, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard business software applications.
• Demonstrated leadership, customer service, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.

Required Attachments

Please upload the following documents in the Resume/Cover Letter section. 

• Detailed resume listing relevant qualifications and experience;
• Cover Letter indicating why you are a good fit for the position and LSU New Orleans;
• Names and contact information of three references;

Applications that do not include the required uploaded documents may not be considered.

Posting Close Date

This position will remain open until filled.

Note to Applicant:

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

  

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

  

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

  

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at LSU New Orleans may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

LSU New Orleans seeks to recruit a highly productive workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.