Senior Manager, Event Security

About the Organization

Player 15 Group is the sports and entertainment organization behind the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Valley Suns, and Mortgage Matchup Center. Based in downtown Phoenix, the company is guided by a workplace culture rooted in passion, creativity, innovation, and care. Its teams work together to deliver memorable experiences for fans, partners, and the wider community.

This role sits within a fast-moving, collaborative environment where each team member contributes to the success of the organization, the quality of the fan experience, and its community impact.

Role Overview

The company is looking for an accomplished and driven Senior Manager, Event Security to support every part of event security across Player 15 Group and contribute to broader department priorities. This is a high-visibility position responsible for leading event security operations and strengthening safety, readiness, and guest experience.

Key Duties

• Oversee all event security activities for NBA and WNBA games, concerts, family shows, and private events, including staffing, deployment, communications, and response coverage based on each event’s needs.
• Create and implement event-specific security plans with event management, team operations, touring security teams, and public safety partners.
• Act as the primary senior contact for security-related incidents and emergency situations during events.
• Develop a dependable, high-performing team culture centered on safety, professionalism, and excellent guest experience.
• Recruit, oversee, and support both full-time and part-time event security personnel.
• Maintain compliance with NBA, WNBA, and broader industry security requirements, and lead scenario-based training for emergency preparedness.
• Partner with senior leadership to build ongoing training for part-time staff in emergency response, crowd control, de-escalation, access management, and arena rules.
• Review team performance regularly and provide coaching and feedback to improve readiness and results.
• Work closely with Operations, Guest Services, and Event Management teams.
• Support the creation and review of arena-wide emergency action plans and standard operating procedures.
• Compile after-action reports covering security performance, incidents, and improvement opportunities.
• Handle other responsibilities as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

Applicants should bring at least 5 years of progressive management experience in sports, entertainment, or public venue environments. The ideal candidate understands NBA and WNBA security standards and the operational demands of live events.

Experience should include leading large security teams, building training programs, and managing event-specific staffing and operations. Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are essential.

The job also requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Interest in obtaining security credentials such as CPP, NCS4, FEMA/NIMS ICS, First Aid/CPR, and Crowd Manager is important.

Education Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, emergency management, or a related discipline is preferred, though relevant experience may also be considered.

Team Culture

Player 15 Group emphasizes an in-person, collaborative, people-first workplace where team members are encouraged to take ownership, show initiative, and step in with a can-do attitude in support of colleagues and fans.

The organization also aims to create a workplace where people can grow professionally and enjoy the day-to-day experience of coming to work.

Benefits and Perks

Benefits may vary by employment status and eligibility, and can include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage options; paid vacation, sick time, volunteer time, and company holidays; and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Additional perks include team member events throughout the year, team merchandise and store discounts, and complimentary tickets to Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns games, plus selected local sporting events and concerts when available.

Team members may also have access to amenities such as a full fitness center with locker rooms and showers, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a pickleball court, a golf simulator and putting green, an on-site cafeteria, and collaborative gathering spaces.

Equal Opportunity and Other Notices

Player 15 Group is committed to building a diverse workforce and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

This job description is intended as a general overview and is not a complete list of duties or responsibilities. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

For questions, contact the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@suns.com.