Live Streaming Production Manager

Midwest Cards•Columbus, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Midwest Cards is seeking a Live Streaming Production Manager to own every frame the company puts on air. This role is responsible for the creative direction, technical execution, and overall success of live streaming channels on platforms like Whatnot and Fanatics Live. The goal is to elevate live selling from a simple webcam operation to engaging programming. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in television-grade production and a genuine understanding of the live selling ecosystem, particularly within the trading card hobby.

Requirements

4+ years producing or directing live or live-to-tape programming (broadcast, sports, esports, shopping, event, or high-volume creator production).
Demonstrated experience building a show from a blank page: format, rundown, segments, graphics, set, talent.
Hands-on experience with multi-camera switching and live production software and hardware (vMix, OBS, Blackmagic ATEM, Companion/Stream Deck, or equivalents).
Working command of lighting, audio, and camera fundamentals.
Calmness under live failure and decisiveness in problem-solving.
Active, current participation in the live selling ecosystem (watching Whatnot, Fanatics Live, TikTok Shop, eBay Live).
Understanding of live commerce mechanics (breaks, auctions, giveaways, sweeps, drops, pacing, chat behavior).
Fluency in the trading card hobby, or the ability to acquire it quickly.
Strong point of view on creative, adaptable to testing and data.
Comfortable directing on-air talent.
Organized to manage schedules, crews, and budgets alongside creative responsibilities.
Willingness to work nights and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a control room on a well-known show.
Experience building a channel, series, or format from zero and growing it.
Personal involvement in collecting, breaking, or selling cards.
Demonstrated ability to work well within a team.
Motion graphics, editing, or set-build skills.
Ability to analyze and critique streams, suggesting specific improvements.
Opinions on audience retention strategies for live sellers.

Responsibilities

Create and maintain a weekly programming grid across Whatnot, Fanatics Live, and any future channels.
Develop original show formats, recurring segments, and franchise bits.
Write and manage the run-of-show for every broadcast, including timing and planned moments.
Build tentpole programming around product releases, hobby events, holidays, and store moments.
Develop engaging mechanics like competitions, games, and reveals.
Maintain a format pipeline: pitch, pilot, measure, keep or kill.
Own the on-air visual identity, including set design, staging, backdrop, product presentation, and physical space.
Design and maintain the graphics package (lower thirds, break boards, odds and price cards, etc.).
Direct lighting design to ensure a visually appealing on-camera environment.
Build a camera language with appropriate angles, coverage, and shot types.
Own audio as a first-class discipline, managing microphones, mix, music, and sound design.
Ensure visual consistency across channels and clips for social media integration.
Direct live shows, including switching, camera calls, graphics triggers, audio cues, and replays.
Produce on-air talent, including preparation, live direction, and post-show notes.
Cast and rotate hosts and guests, building chemistry and matching personalities to formats.
Own the end-to-end technical stack, including cameras, switchers, encoders, streaming software, and network redundancy.
Build and lead the production crew, setting quality standards.
Oversee pre-show checklists and post-show teardown.
Own and analyze key performance metrics such as concurrent viewers, watch time, retention, chat participation, conversion, and revenue.
Review broadcast recordings to identify and address issues.
Run structured tests on formats, time slots, and segments, making data-driven decisions.
Report weekly on show performance and upcoming changes.
Monitor the competition and the wider live-selling and creator ecosystem.