Manager Production Design

About the position

The Manager, Entertainment Production Design leads the Production Design team in the creation and execution of environmental designs for both new and recurring entertainment projects, guiding them from concept through completion. This role is responsible for overseeing team operations, including hiring, budgeting, project assignments, and workflow management. The Manager also plays a key role in the ongoing development and performance management of staff, ensuring creative excellence and operational efficiency across all design initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Foster a Positive Team Culture: Champion a collaborative, professional, and inspiring work environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and a sense of fun among all team members.
• Project Oversight & Delegation: Assign projects and responsibilities to direct reports, clearly communicating expectations and ensuring alignment with departmental goals.
• Schedule & Workflow Management: Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to manage design calendars, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring all milestones and deadlines are met.
• Brand & IP Compliance: Serve as the primary liaison with intellectual property (IP) holders, ensuring all creative work adheres to brand guidelines, style guides, and specific IP requirements.
• Design Presentation: Present design concepts and implementation plans to project teams and senior leadership, effectively communicating creative vision and execution strategy.
• Construction Oversight: Monitor construction progress, proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies between design intent, construction drawings, and on-site conditions.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct ongoing quality checks to ensure creative integrity and maintenance of design elements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Team & Vendor Management: Lead and coordinate internal staff, freelance artists, and external vendors across all phases of production.
• Technical Knowledge: Apply a strong understanding of construction materials, paint specifications, and finishing techniques to support design execution.
• Multitasking & Delegation: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, confidently prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities to ensure timely delivery.
• Leadership & Development: Inspire and guide teams through effective leadership, coaching, and performance development strategies.
• Creative Problem Solving: Identify challenges and implement innovative solutions while maintaining focus on project priorities and consistent follow-through.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Communicate effectively across departments and with all levels of management to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Adaptability: Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change and ambiguity.
• Commitment to Excellence: Maintain a strong passion for delivering high-quality results in both creative output and operational processes.
• Budget Management: Oversee labor and non-labor budgets, including IOP and Capital Expenditures. Assist in developing operating budgets, manage expenditures, and ensure timely reconciliation and reporting.
• Administrative Oversight: Ensure timely completion of administrative tasks such as scheduling, payroll, budget tracking, and employee relations, in partnership with HR and Labor Relations.
• Staffing & Recruitment: Maintain optimal staffing levels and lead recruitment efforts to support departmental needs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments, partners, and stakeholders to support project success.
• Safety & Compliance: Actively participate in Environmental, Health, and Safety initiatives, ensuring compliance with policies and completion of required documentation.
• Labor Relations: Uphold collective bargaining agreements and maintain positive union relationships through collaboration with HR and Labor Relations.
• Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in theatrical and/or themed entertainment design and production, with a strong portfolio demonstrating creative and technical expertise.
• Proficient in both hand-drawing and digital drafting. Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), SketchUp, and AutoCAD are required.
• Proven experience in on-site art direction, scenic fabrication, and installation processes, with a strong understanding of materials and production techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to lead design projects from concept through completion, managing timelines, resources, and creative direction effectively.
• Solid understanding of live entertainment production within a theme park or similar immersive environment.
• Must be flexible and available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by production schedules.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety protocols, and operational manuals. Skilled in writing clear reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation.
• Confident in presenting ideas and designs in both one-on-one and group settings, with the ability to respond to questions and feedback effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments. Analytical thinker with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently under pressure, demonstrating initiative and a strong sense of ownership.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Variety of other discounts and perks