Event Production Manager

Sotheby's•New York, NY

16h•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Sotheby's, established in 1744, is a renowned institution for art and luxury objects, operating through auctions, private sales, and retail. With expertise across 70 categories and a global network in 40 countries, Sotheby's offers a wide range of services including art sales, collectible cars, real estate, and financial services for collectors. The company's new global headquarters is located at the iconic Breuer building in New York City. The Event Production Manager serves as the operational lead for the Events team, managing all aspects of event production and venue rentals. This role is crucial for maintaining smooth operations through robust systems, effective communication, and high-quality on-site execution. Key responsibilities include overseeing timelines, permits, budgets, calendars, and client interactions to ensure the successful delivery of events and rentals.

Requirements

4–6+ years in event production, event operations, show calling, or experiential environments.
Strong project management, multitasking, and organizational skills.
Solid understanding of event logistics, technical production, permits, and vendor coordination.
Excellent communication and client-facing abilities.
Ability to interpret and produce floor plans and production documents.
Calm under pressure with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

Serve as the central logistics lead and primary on-the-ground producer for all internal events.
Develop and maintain production schedules, run-of-show documents, and task lists.
Coordinate with internal departments (gallery operations, AV, security, facilities, engineering, etc.) on all production requirements.
Manage permits, compliance documentation, and required filings.
Liaise with external vendors on all logistical elements.
Lead on-site execution and ensure timelines and deliverables stay on track.
Maintain and manage the Events Master Calendar across teams.
Support budget oversight, reconciliation, and post-event reporting.
Improve workflows, templates, and project management tools for operational efficiency.
Partner with Sales during inquiries to assess feasibility, technical needs, staffing, and operational viability.
Provide clear guidance on layouts, production constraints, estimated costs, and considerations that affect proposals.
After contracting, act as the primary client contact—managing communication, expectations, and production details throughout planning and execution.
Coordinate internal stakeholders (facilities, security, engineering, AV, hospitality, IT, etc.) to translate client needs into actionable plans.
Lead walk-throughs, site visits, technical meetings, and planning calls.
Oversee on-site execution for rental events, ensuring schedules, technical requirements, and client expectations are met for a seamless, high-touch experience.