Senior Production Manager | Full-Time | Navy Pier Events Facility

Oak View Group•Chicago, IL

9h•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Senior Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all technical production elements and all union labor staffing needs for events across Navy Pier’s event spaces. This position serves as the primary production and labor liaison for all live entertainment, concerts, festivals, and large-scale events, and works closely with Event Managers and union trade partners to ensure operational excellence. Under general direction from the Senior Director of Event Management & Operations, the Senior Production Manager coordinates, schedules, and supervises all union labor; advances all production requirements with clients; and ensures compliance with labor contracts, venue policies, and safety standards. This role ensures that the delivery of event services—including staging, rigging, lighting, sound, electrical, and A/V support—meets the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and client satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent training and experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of production management experience, ideally in a convention center, theater, arena, or live entertainment environment.
Significant experience working with union labor and interpreting collective bargaining agreements.
Strong knowledge of technical production disciplines: rigging, lighting, sound, staging, electrical, and show operations.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
Ability to read and interpret CAD drawings, technical documents, and production schematics.
Ability to anticipate challenges, develop creative solutions, and perform effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
Strong customer service orientation with ability to interact professionally with clients, promoters, and internal departments.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Ability and willingness to work long, irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with EBMS or event management systems preferred.
AutoCAD experience is highly desirable.
ETCP Rigging Certification, OSHA training, or related credentials preferred.

Responsibilities

Union Labor Management Serves as primary point of contact for all union labor needs related to events across Navy Pier venues.
Contracts, schedules, coordinates, and supervises all union trades, including stagehands, riggers, electricians, carpenters, teamsters, and other required classifications.
Works closely with Event Managers to determine labor requirements based on event type, technical needs, and contractual obligations.
Reviews, approves, and tracks all stagehand and union labor payroll; ensures accuracy and compliance with labor agreements.
Ensures proper interpretation and application of all collective bargaining agreements and assists in resolving labor-related issues.
Analyzes annual labor rate increases and ensures client pricing structures reflect updated hard costs.
Maintains detailed labor and production history for future reference and continuous improvement.
Production Management & Live Entertainment Oversight Acts as the lead production representative for all live entertainment, concerts, festivals, and experiential activations on Navy Pier.
Advances all technical needs with show promoters, touring production teams, A/V partners, and outside vendors.
Reviews all technical riders, plots, and production documents (lighting, rigging, sound, electrical, staging) to assess feasibility, identify resource needs, and ensure compliance with venue capabilities.
Provides creative, efficient technical solutions that benefit both the client and the venue.
Manages the venue’s exclusive rigging program and coordinates all rigging installations and approvals.
Coordinates all rental equipment needs (lifts, staging, truss, etc.) and works directly with internal and external production vendors.
Serves as the primary liaison with the in-house A/V service provider.
Oversee load-ins, rehearsals, performances, and loadouts to ensure professional execution and timely completion.
Event Planning & Coordination Works with Event Managers to ensure seamless delivery of all production and labor components from pre-event planning through post-event evaluation.
Participates in pre-event meetings, site visits, and walkthroughs to evaluate historical data and define production expectations.
Provides clear and timely communication to internal departments regarding staffing, technical requirements, safety measures, and operational impacts.
Ensures compliance with all facility rules, safety regulations, and governmental requirements.
Supports Event Managers in preparing client labor estimates, production budgets, and final billing.
Conducts post-event debriefs with Event Managers, clients, and service partners to evaluate performance and identify improvements.
Administrative & Operational Support Prepare periodic reports related to labor usage, production efficiencies, and event-related equipment needs.
Assists in the development of the annual operating and capital budgets for production-related systems, services, and equipment.
Maintains vendor compliance documentation including COIs, right-of-entry forms, and regulatory requirements.
Supports safety programs and tracks training records, OSH logs, and compliance documentation in coordination with the designated Safety Officer.
Implements and enforces facility policies, procedures, pricing models, and operational standards related to production and event management.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.