The Arena Manager (Ice Rink & Event Venue Management)
Job description
American Dream, developed by the Triple Five Group, is a premier entertainment, retail, and dining destination located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just minutes from New York City. Spanning over three million square feet, American Dream is a unique complex featuring world-class attractions and retail experiences. It houses some of the most popular family-friendly entertainment spots such as DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big SNOW Ski Hill, and Dream Wheel, a 300-foot observation wheel with stunning views of the New York City skyline. Furthermore, exciting new attractions like The Game Room Powered by Hasbro and Skip Barber Racing Go-Kart Academy are set to debut, ensuring the venue remains dynamic and relevant for visitors of all ages. The retail offering at American Dream is just as impressive with high-end luxury stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermès, Saint Laurent, and Dolce & Gabbana, complemented by fine dining options including Carpaccio, an exquisite Italian restaurant. The Avenue offers a luxury shopping and dining experience designed to meet the tastes of a sophisticated audience. Additionally, flagship stores for popular brands like Aritzia, H&M, PRIMARK, Uniqlo, Sephora, and Zara enhance the shopping experience. Notably, the complex features the Toys'R'Us global flagship, the only standalone location in the United States, and IT'SUGAR, which is the world’s first candy department store. This impressive mix adds layers of entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities under one roof, making American Dream a standout destination for both locals and tourists. For more information about American Dream, visitors can explore the official website or follow their social media channels on Instagram and TikTok at @americandream and @americandream_official respectively.
The role of Arena Manager at American Dream is a crucial leadership position responsible for the operational and business success of a multi-use arena within this vibrant complex. The Arena Manager will oversee a variety of ice sports programming including hockey tournaments, figure skating, curling, and public skating while also managing non-ice events such as concerts, corporate gatherings, trade shows, and community-focused programs. This management role demands a strategic leader skilled in event planning, business development, and financial oversight, particularly driving Net Operating Income (NOI) growth. The Arena Manager will be tasked with creating and implementing business strategies that optimize financial performance while ensuring operational efficiency and high-quality guest experiences. They will be responsible for engaging with diverse stakeholders including clients, partners, vendors, and internal teams to curate a rich and balanced event calendar that maximizes facility usage year-round. The role calls for a proactive and innovative approach, combining market analysis, competitive research, and community engagement to expand revenue streams and enhance the arena’s profile. The Arena Manager will also lead a dedicated team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in service delivery. This encompasses staff management, establishing operational protocols, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Additionally, the role requires effective networking and sales strategies to attract a wide variety of events and clientele, positioning American Dream’s arena as a leading venue in the region. The Arena Manager will ensure that each event is executed flawlessly, from initial booking through to post-event wrap-up, guaranteeing memorable experiences for attendees and repeat business for the facility. Commitment to flexibility in working hours will be essential given the nature of event scheduling, which includes evenings, weekends, and holidays. American Dream is a place where world-class entertainment meets exceptional operational leadership, offering the Arena Manager a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This is a full-time leadership role ideal for experienced professionals passionate about venue management and dedicated to excellence in guest experience, financial success, and community engagement.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, sports management, or related field
• Minimum 5 years experience in arena or venue management
• Proven track record in financial management and driving NOI growth
• Ability to manage diverse event types and client expectations
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage vendors
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficiency with event management and budgeting software
• Availability to work non-standard hours including evenings and weekends