Vice President of Arena Operations

Hornets Sports & Entertainment is in an exciting new phase, with new leadership in both basketball and business, and a renewed commitment to elevating our franchise. Building on a strong foundation, we are focused on becoming a premier NBA organization—one that sets the standard both on and off the court. The Hornets are about much more than just basketball. We are about the energy of live sports and entertainment—an experience that is truly unmatched. Beyond Hornets basketball, Spectrum Center serves as a premier destination for world-class concerts, family shows and marquee sporting events, bringing unforgettable experiences to Charlotte year-round.

We are deeply committed to our community, using our platform to create meaningful impact and drive positive change. We proudly represent the city of Charlotte, embracing its diversity, culture and unwavering spirit. As an organization, we strive to elevate our city by connecting people through the power of basketball and live entertainment, building something special for our fans, employees and community.

Position Overview:

The Vice President of Arena Operations is responsible for leading an integrated team to oversee the effective utilization of the Spectrum Center Arena. You are responsible for creating and fostering an efficient, productive and consistent working relationship among Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) and its Arena partners, including Jani King, Levy and CRVA to ensure operational excellence at Hornets home games and other events at the Arena. In collaboration with other members of the leadership team, develop and foster integrated initiatives that promote the basketball and arena event experience.

You will work closely with internal teams, partners, city and state entities and other external partners to maintain high operational standards, streamline efficiencies and support revenue-generating initiatives.

To be successful, you will need to be a dynamic, results-driven leader with exceptional organizational skills and a proven track record in large-scale venue operations. You possess a deep understanding of the complexities of managing both the operational and strategic sides of arena management. A strong communicator to foster positive relationships with internal teams, partners and city/state officials while maintaining a focus on sustainability, safety and compliance. You will demonstrate the ability to balance high-level strategic goals with day-to-day operational needs, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders, from event organizers to arena guests.

Core Values:

HSE embodies the following core values:

Integrity
Teamwork
Competitiveness
Candor
Accountability
Resilience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Arena Management & Operations

Oversee daily arena operations to ensure optimal functionality and readiness for events.
Collaborate with VP of Arena Booking on building calendar including, maintenance schedule and internal departments requests.
Ensure compliance with NBA regulations for building operations and facilities.
Lead sustainability initiatives and coordinate with the Green Team to meet environmental goals.
Oversee building safety programs and manage the safety committee to ensure compliance with safety standards and procedures.
Oversee the $10M+ annual budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to budgetary guidelines.
Manage cost controls, vendor relationships, and expense reconciliation.
Ensure all building setups, conversions, event executions and post-event cleaning are efficiently handled.
Plan and execute Hornets games, arena events and non-ticketed events.

Project Management

Oversee CIP design and construction, coordinating with internal HSE department, Levy, CRVA and other relevant parties.
Ensure construction projects meet deadlines, budgets and GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) standards.
Lead building and basketball operations projects, ensuring timely completion within budget.
Coordinate arena capital improvement projects (CIP), managing design, budget and scheduling.
Reconcile capital expenditures (Capex) and ensure necessary city approvals are obtained.
Oversee preventative maintenance, service agreements and building work orders, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire alarm and general repairs.

Team Leadership

Lead and mentor a diverse team across arena operations, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Provide direction, coaching and professional development opportunities to direct reports and teams within the arena operations.
Ensure team alignment with organizational goals, promoting engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.
Act as a role model for company values, leading by example in both professional behavior and decision-making.
Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback and promote career advancement for team members.
Create and maintain a positive, inclusive and supportive working environment for all employees.

Collaboration & Relationship Management

Foster strong relationships with internal departments to ensure effective communication and smooth event execution.
Serve as the primary contact for fire, police, medical, building departments, CDOT, NCDOT and city services to ensure resource coordination and regulatory compliance.

Develop and manage relationships with partners, including Levy and CRVA, ensuring coordination and execution of arena services.
Review partnership opportunities and ensure all contracts are in place for arena activations and events.
Collaborate with ownership and senior leadership to align on strategy, goals and initiatives.
Work with the NBA to obtain necessary approvals for capital improvement projects and building upgrades.
Participate in NBA meetings related to arena operations and compliance.

Required Skills, Experience, and Abilities:

To perform the job successfully, you should demonstrate the following competencies associated with the essential functions of this job.

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Facility Management, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Relevant certifications in arena/venue management, safety, or project management.
Minimum of 8+ years of leadership experience in arena or large-scale venue operations.
Strong background in facility management, budget oversight, safety compliance, project management, and team leadership.
Proven ability to manage capital improvement projects from concept to completion, including budget oversight and coordination.
Ability to manage relationships with city and state agencies, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to execute strategic initiatives while ensuring operational efficiency and cost control.
In-depth understanding of NBA building compliance requirements and processes.
Experience with sustainability initiatives and green building standards.
Strong background in risk management and insurance for large venues.
Highly organized, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Proven ability to gain buy-in and collaborate cross-functionally, ensuring alignment on objectives and smooth execution.
Flexibility to manage arena operations during evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Occasional travel required for industry events, project site visits, or partner meetings.

Additional Information

This is a full time benefit eligible position. HSE is dedicated to creating and upholding a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity.

HSE provides valuable benefits and competitive time off policies to help you and your family lead healthy, balanced lives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All requests for medical or religious accommodations to perform the stated job duties will be considered.

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