Director, Production Infrastructure and Planning

The Metropolitan Opera•New York, NY

About The Position

The Production Department of The Metropolitan Opera manages production and technical details for developing and creating opera productions and performing grand opera in repertory on the Met stage. It also oversees the operation and maintenance of the stage and shop machinery, as well as offsite warehouse and storage operations. Facilities include construction, electric, scenic, and costume shops, along with in-house design and engineering studios. The Director of Production Infrastructure and Planning is responsible for planning and executing the department’s capital improvement projects and developing infrastructure systems and safety protocols in support of performances on the Met stage. The role leads long-term strategic planning to advance the Met’s production capabilities and manages key vendor relationships. This is a new position that will evolve with the department’s needs.

Requirements

A terminal degree in Theater, Production, or Management, or equivalent professional experience.
Five years of experience in a similar position at a major theatrical venue.
Demonstrated knowledge of standard project management practices.
Knowledge and experience with all aspects of technical backstage operation.
Fundamental knowledge of theater production organization, practices, and techniques.
Computer literacy, including MS Office products.
Experience with standard technical and theatrical drafting procedures.
Ability to clearly communicate technical and artistic concepts in writing.
Problem-solving skills, including the ability to synthesize and evaluate solutions in three-dimensional space.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work on a team in a fast-paced, detail-oriented workplace.
Flexibility, communication, and collaboration.
Balanced judgment and discretion.
Ability to work with a diverse group of creative people and bring teams together for complex projects.
Ability to meet the significant work commitment demanded by a 24/7 theater.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of standard opera repertory.

Responsibilities

Develop a long-term capital improvement plan and execute production capital projects.
Assess stage equipment and machinery, prioritize capital needs, and develop a capital master plan and project timelines in coordination with the technical team and organization-wide capital planning, accounting for the performance schedule.
Plan individual capital projects, including budgets, RFPs, and resource requirements, in collaboration with the technical team.
Negotiate and contract with third-party project management firms, consultants, and equipment vendors in coordination with the Met legal department.
Supervise production capital project execution, including safety plans and training, permitting, and budget tracking.
Oversee the functionality, safety, permits, and regulatory compliance of stage and workshop equipment and machinery in coordination with the in-house technical team, safety director, and legal team.
Monitor current and developing industry standards and guidelines regarding stage facilities.
Coordinate planning and use of external production workshops and storage spaces with in-house and contracted resources.
Develop annual budgets and track expenses for production systems.
Negotiate and execute third-party service and purchase agreements for stage equipment and systems in coordination with Met legal and finance departments.
Maintain production software licenses and administer production software in consultation with IS.
Participate in strategic planning for future production operations and infrastructure.
Participate in season scheduling and planning.
Collaborate with technical and production colleagues to evaluate new production designs for facility and system requirements and to evaluate and develop production safety plans and protocols.