Make Up Artist Manager

THIRTEENTH FLOOR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP•San Jose, CA

1d•$27 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

As our Seasonal Makeup Manager, you're the creative and operational leader of the department that transforms performers into nightmares. You'll balance hands-on artistry with team leadership, keeping every character show-ready, every artist supported, and every night flawlessly executed. This is a seasonal/temporary position with an anticipated end date. Employment beyond the stated season is not guaranteed.

Requirements

Proven experience as a lead or supervisory makeup artist in theatrical, film, themed entertainment, or haunted attraction settings
Strong portfolio demonstrating advanced special effects, prosthetics, and character design skills
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities with experience managing a creative team
Ability to balance hands-on artistry with department-level oversight and scheduling
Comfortable working in low light, outdoor, and fast-paced environments for extended shifts
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and all scheduled event dates—mandatory training and pre-show prep included
Must be 18 years of age or older

Responsibilities

Supervise, train, and mentor a team of makeup artists, providing guidance on technique, character execution, and professional standards
Assign artists to specific actors and characters based on skill set and nightly production needs
Conduct pre-shift meetings to communicate goals, character updates, and address challenges before doors open
Oversee the design and execution of all character makeup, ensuring consistency and quality across the entire attraction
Collaborate with creative leadership to approve and refine makeup concepts throughout the season
Step in to personally apply makeup for complex characters or during high-volume peak periods
Build and manage nightly makeup schedules to ensure all performers are show-ready on time
Coordinate with costume and stage management to align preparation timelines across departments
Monitor application progress each night, reallocating artists and adjusting workflows to meet deadlines
Maintain inventory of all makeup products, prosthetics, and tools; order supplies proactively to avoid shortages
Ensure all stations are clean, organized, and fully compliant with health and sanitation standards
Implement and enforce protocols for proper sanitation, product storage, and material handling
Serve as the primary liaison between the makeup team and costume, hair, special effects, and production departments
Foster a collaborative, creative environment where artists feel supported and inspired
Provide consistent feedback and development opportunities to grow your team's skills throughout the season
Address last-minute character changes, actor substitutions, and product challenges in real time
Troubleshoot prosthetic, product, or application issues during live performances without disrupting show flow
Remain flexible to work in varying conditions including low light, outdoor environments, and tight prep windows
Lead pre-season training sessions covering character designs, techniques, and safety standards
Stay current on SFX industry trends and products, sharing knowledge to continuously elevate the team's output
Model a calm, positive, and professional demeanor—especially in high-pressure moments—and hold the team to the same standard