Production Manager (Live Events)
About The Position
The Production Manager collaborates with Producers, Technical Directors, Coordinators, and Creative teams to turn client objectives and approved creative concepts into executable production plans. The role manages production logistics, vendor partnerships, budgets, schedules, and on-site execution, ensuring all elements are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. The Production Manager serves as an operational leader throughout pre-production, load-in, live event execution, and dismantle, maintaining alignment among internal teams, vendors, and clients. The position requires regular work on location throughout the South San Francisco Bay Area, with travel as needed.
Requirements
- At least 5 years of experience managing production for large-scale live events, trade shows, or experiential installations.
- Proven experience overseeing event load-in and dismantle operations.
- Working knowledge of scenic construction, electrical systems, lighting, AV, IT, and rigging.
- Experience managing union and non-union labor crews.
- Strong understanding of event safety standards and operational best practices.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under aggressive timelines.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with retail, technology, or corporate brand clients.
- CAD experience, including creating, marking up, or managing design files provided by others.
- Familiarity with production management software, budgeting tools, and scheduling platforms.
- Advanced cross-functional collaboration with creative, technical, and production teams.
- Strong vendor negotiation and relationship management capabilities.
- Risk assessment and contingency planning for live environments.
- Clear client-facing communication and expectation management.
- High attention to detail in documentation, schedules, and budgets.
- Ability to lead under pressure during live show conditions.
- Proactive on-site problem-solving and decision-making.
- Understanding of scalable production workflows for multi-city or repeat events.
Responsibilities
- Manage scenic, exhibit, and environmental production elements, including graphics, signage, and physical structures.
- Oversee on-site labor for installation, show operation, and dismantle, ensuring safety and quality standards are followed.
- Coordinate freight logistics, including shipping schedules, load-in/load-out plans, and on-site material handling.
- Develop and manage detailed production schedules with the Technical Director.
- Coordinate power, lighting, audiovisual, IT, rigging, and heavy equipment requirements with Technical Directors.
- Collaborate with Producers to manage assigned budget line items, track expenses, and forecast costs.
- Source, negotiate with, and manage vendors; ensure contractual obligations, timelines, and deliverables are met.
- Maintain production documentation, including vendor quotes, purchase orders, labor calls, and production reports.
- Work directly with clients, vendors, venues, and internal stakeholders to scope deliverables and manage expectations.
- Identify production risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Support on-site client engagement to provide a seamless and professional event experience.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, venue requirements, and union labor rules.
- Coordinate security and medical resources as required by event scope.
- Promote and enforce safety, labor standards, and operational efficiency best practices.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
