Event Rigging Manager, Audio Visual - Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Encore Global•Oxon Hill, MD

About The Position

The Rigging Manager (RM) is responsible for the planning, coordination, and overall safety of rigging operations within Encore-approved venues. This role ensures all rigging designs are reviewed and approved based on structural data and engineered capacity limits. Acting as the primary liaison between internal production teams, external clients, and sales, the RM manages all rigging-related communications. The Rigging Manager also determines workforce requirements, specifies equipment needs, and ensures that all rigging team members are qualified and operate in compliance with Encore rigging’s standard operating procedures (SOP). Reporting to either the Area Manager or Regional Manager of Rigging Services, this above-property leadership position plays a critical role in the successful and safe execution of rigging operations across assigned locations.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
4+ years of experience in rigging in either the entertainment, theatrical or production environment, including but not limited to, working as a rigger with Encore and its rigging team
Ability to interpret structural drawings for relevant information
2+ years effectively managing rigging teams, preferably of 10+ riggers
Lift operation experience with current lift certification
High rigging with harness experience preferred
Working knowledge of drafting and load calculation software (Vectorworks and Production Assist preferred)
Ability to interact professionally and communicate effectively with customers and leadership teams
Working Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre or equivalent preferred
ETCP Arena or Theatre certification preferred. o Must be able to obtain within timeline specified by Senior Rigging Management

Responsibilities

Staff Development
Supervise riggers on show site as needed, based on size and complexity of event.
Identify and seek approval for staffing and support the recruiting efforts.
Assist in all aspects of team member training, career development, and performance management.
Develop a pool of part-time riggers who can be called upon to aid on a local and regional basis.
Support as required the training oversight and support for union workforce for markets having jurisdiction.
Provide consistent leadership and learning opportunities for Rigging Services support to our venue team members.
Safety Compliance
Provide necessary rigging safety compliance information to supervisor to ensure completion of field assessments within assigned region.
Assist with periodic site inspections of new and existing facilities and evaluation of safety of existing rigging points as required.
Perform load calculations and approve production loads on all shows and events. Provide the approved plot with Load Calculations, point locations, and symbol key to riggers on site for each event.
Utilize CAD and related software to analyze weight distribution of suspended loads.
Equipment Compliance
Ensure compliance with Encore’s working at height program
Make recommendations and escalate compliance and safety needs to their supervisor.
Support and provide guidance to annual certification teams on point, truss, and hoist inspections.
Provide guidance to venue teams to specify the rigging equipment to best meet the event needs.
Review industry-accepted technical and safety standards and support venue / regional operations management in their implementation.
Equipment/Labor Management
Define workforce needs and skill levels needed for each event requiring rigging services and communicate those needs via the equipment request form and in e-mail to venue staff and/or a labor coordinator.
Define the specific gear required to safely execute any event requiring rigging services and communicate that list to the venue operations staff via e-mail and equipment request form.
Advise Regional Equipment Manager as needed for gear sourcing.
Participate in the labor, operations, and Demand Planning calls within the assigned market.
Operations
Attend production site visits or other events as necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of the show.
For all rigging productions, advise the sales, operations, project management, and external teams on best practices, safety requirements, and design feasibility, while vetting and approving all rigging designs.
Collaborate with venue leadership on SOP communication and adherence.