Manager, Sea Production (Cruise Ship Entertainment)

RWS Global•New York, NY

12d•$69,000 - $72,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Sea Production is responsible for the development, production, rehearsal, installation, deployment, and ongoing quality of assigned entertainment products for cruise line clients. Reporting to the Director, Sea Production, this role is the primary liaison among Creative, Casting, Technical, Studio Operations, Shipboard Leadership, and onboard teams throughout the product lifecycle. The Manager oversees delivery and handoff from concept development through installation and operational launch. The role coordinates production projects, cast changeovers, rehearsals, installations, travel and personnel readiness, shipboard communications, and production budgets. It supports a successful transition of each production into shipboard operations and maintains client and company entertainment standards. The position is based at the NYC headquarters and operates on a mobile schedule of three days in office and two days remote, with normal office hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role allows for up to 35% domestic and international travel and occasional work during non-standard hours, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements

BFA/BA degree in Theatrical Production or Musical Production, or equivalent professional experience.
At least 3 years of experience in the entertainment industry in theatre, performance venues, or live entertainment settings.
At least 2 years in a management position.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including strong cross-functional collaboration abilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
Flexible schedule allowing up to 35% domestic and international travel and occasional work during non-standard hours, including weekends and holidays.
Passion for live entertainment, operational excellence, and collaborative teamwork.
Highly self-motivated and organized, with exceptional attention to detail.
Valid passport for the duration of employment.
Existing legal right to work in the USA; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Cruise ship experience.
Theatrical administration experience, such as stage management, production management, or general management.
Experience with cruise ship and/or theme park entertainment.
Familiarity with Wrike or other project management software.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary project manager and cross-functional coordinator for development and deployment of entertainment productions, experiences, and onboard programming.
Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
Coordinate across Creative, Casting, Music, Scenic, Props, Costumes/Wardrobe, Technical, Studio Operations, Production, and other stakeholder groups.
Align project objectives, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and operational requirements through cross-functional communication.
Track progress, identify risks, resolve issues, and ensure delivery meets schedules and client, operational, creative, and production requirements.
Coordinate handoff from development through rehearsal, installation, and operational launch.
Lead post-mortem reviews after installations and cast changeovers, document lessons learned, and implement process improvements.
Manage rehearsals, production schedules, installation timelines, and deployment plans.
Lead production planning and execution for cast changeovers and coordinate launch of new productions, experiences, and onboard programming.
Oversee production workflows and operational readiness during rehearsal and installation periods.
Maintain production documentation, SOPs, and show records; review and action rehearsal reports.
Support shipboard installations remotely and onsite, ensuring timely execution and upholding client and company entertainment standards.
Coordinate cast travel for rehearsals, shipboard assignments, and cast changeovers.
Manage production-specific readiness for cast members, installation personnel, and contractors.
Coordinate onboarding, travel, payment processes, and travel insurance for installation personnel and contractors, partnering with Creative and Studio Operations.
Communicate production-specific expectations to cast and installation personnel.
Support shipboard team leadership interviews and selection processes when requested by the Delivery Manager, providing input on rehearsal performance, readiness, and artistic considerations.
Lead assigned shipboard installations and cast changeovers; manage related cabin requests.
Serve as primary production liaison with shipboard leadership before and during installations and cast changeovers.
Lead pre-production communication and coordinate schedules, personnel requirements, logistical needs, and operational impacts with shipboard leaders.
Serve as the primary onboard production contact during installations and changeovers, then hand operational responsibility to the Delivery Manager.
Lead the initial onboard Company Connection during installation periods and support talent Welcome Meetings with production-specific information as needed.
Gather and act on feedback about rehearsals, installations, and production delivery, including Talent Experience Surveys and stakeholder feedback.
Partner with the Delivery Manager to support a successful transition into shipboard operations.
Manage production and changeover budgets; coordinate contractor travel expenses and installation-related expenditures.
Track and allocate production expenses, monitor financial performance, and identify efficiency and cost-management opportunities.