Production Manager, Live Programs and Rentals

Powerhouse Arts•New York, NY

5h•$100,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Powerhouse Arts (PHA), a not-for-profit organization in Brooklyn, seeks a Production Manager, Live Programs and Rentals to plan, coordinate, and execute public programs, performances, exhibitions, private events, and venue rentals. The role manages event logistics from initial planning through load-out, working with artists, producers, rental clients, vendors, internal stakeholders, and external production partners to deliver productions safely, efficiently, and to professional standards. The position reports to the Director of Production, Live Programs and Rentals and collaborates with production, rentals, operations, security, facilities, program, and development teams. The Production Manager advances and manages assigned productions, leads planning meetings and site visits, prepares production documentation, coordinates crews and vendors, and supervises event activity from load-in through load-out. The role also supports production scheduling, labor and resource allocation, budgets and expense tracking, equipment and inventory management, departmental procedures, and accurate event records. The position promotes safe working practices and compliance with applicable health and safety requirements, including OSHA, FDNY, DOB, and venue regulations. It includes hands-on setup, breakdown, and load-in support as needed, participation in departmental planning, and other duties as assigned. A flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, is required as dictated by event schedules.

Requirements

Minimum of 5–7 years of professional management experience in live event production, technical theatre, venue operations, performing arts, festivals, or related production environments.
Demonstrated experience managing complex productions from pre-production through event execution.
Working knowledge of theatrical production disciplines, including lighting, audio, video, rigging, staging, and backstage operations.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities.
Strong interpersonal, client management, and communication skills.
Experience supervising freelance crews, vendors, and production teams.
Ability to remain calm and solutions-oriented in fast-paced live-event environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and production scheduling tools.
Knowledge of OSHA, FDNY, DOB, and entertainment industry safety standards.
Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Vectorworks, CAD, or event management software.
Experience preparing production budgets and tracking project expenses.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned productions from confirmation through completion and serve as the primary production contact for organizers, artists, presenters, and rental clients.
Advance productions by collecting technical requirements, schedules, staffing needs, venue layouts, equipment requirements, and operational logistics.
Lead production meetings, site visits, walkthroughs, and planning sessions with internal departments and external clients.
Coordinate production information across departments and ensure timely, accurate communication to stakeholders.
Prepare production schedules, ground plans, detail sketches, cue documentation, staffing plans, venue diagrams, event logistics, scopes, and checklists for part-time personnel.
Coordinate with the Venue Rentals team from contract execution through event delivery.
Serve as Production Manager on assigned events and supervise production activity during load-in, rehearsals, performances, events, and load-out.
Coordinate freelance technicians, stagehands, vendors, and production contractors.
Keep productions on schedule while supporting clients and artists.
Coordinate with Lighting, Audio/Video, Operations, Security, Facilities, Catering, and Front of House teams; oversee shift timekeeping and break schedules.
Anticipate production challenges and implement solutions in real time.
Ensure venues are restored to house standards after events.
Assist with departmental scheduling, labor coordination, and resource allocation.
Track production budgets, labor costs, rentals, purchases, and project expenses.
Coordinate equipment rentals, transportation, deliveries, and vendor logistics.
Assist production team members with supply and equipment purchasing.
Help maintain production inventories, equipment tracking, and storage organization.
Support development of departmental procedures, documentation, templates, and operating standards.
Maintain accurate production records and event documentation.
Maintain safety standards and ensure compliance with Health & Safety, OSHA, FDNY, DOB, and applicable venue regulations.
Explore and organize professional training opportunities for the production department as needed.
Promote safe working practices among staff, freelancers, artists, and vendors.
Monitor production activity to protect PHA facilities, equipment, and artwork.
Document and communicate production incidents, accidents, and operational concerns.
Participate in departmental planning meetings and organizational initiatives.
Support improvements to production systems, workflows, and venue operations.
Provide hands-on setup, breakdown, and load-in assistance as needed.
Stay current with industry best practices in live event production, production management, and entertainment technology.
Perform other duties as assigned.