Audio Visual Technical Director

Shepard Exposition Services•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Technical Director, Audio Visual serves as the national technical subject-matter expert for complex live-event productions. The role provides hands-on technical direction, develops and reviews technical drawings and system designs, and advises Production Management and Sales teams. It also serves as the client-facing technical lead on designated events and establishes technical standards to improve production quality, consistency, safety, efficiency, and margin performance. The position may manage designated large-scale or complex events as Production Manager, with full accountability for event margins. It supports planning, design, technical review, training, operational standardization, sales opportunities, and recommendations about emerging technologies and process improvements. The role enforces company policies, safety requirements, technical standards, and approved operating procedures. Duties may change, and additional tasks may be assigned as company needs evolve.

Requirements

At least ten years of progressive audio visual or live-event production experience, including at least three years as a Technical Director on large-scale or technically complex productions.
Advanced knowledge of live-event audio, video, lighting, projection, LED, rigging, staging, power, networking, signal flow, and system integration.
Advanced ability to create and interpret technical drawings, production plans, equipment specifications, and system documentation.
Proficiency using Vectorworks or another approved CAD platform.
Strong client-facing presentation, facilitation, problem-solving, organization, prioritization, and deadline-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple design and event-support priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and short-notice assignments.
Bachelor’s degree in event production, engineering technology, theater technology, business, or a related field; relevant experience may be substituted for formal education.
Ability to demonstrate the stated Core Values of Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, and Teamwork.
Ability to perform as a responsible ESOP owner, making daily decisions to benefit the client and the company.

Responsibilities

Manage designated large-scale or complex events as Production Manager when assigned, with full accountability for event margins.
Participate in client and internal planning calls to evaluate event objectives, technical requirements, design feasibility, risk, and execution strategy.
Partner with the Design team to develop viable concepts and supporting drawings.
Develop and maintain technical standard operating procedures, design standards, documentation requirements, and planning tools.
Collaborate with AV Operations leadership to standardize audio, video, lighting, projection, LED, rigging, and staging workflows across locations.
Provide training, coaching, design reviews, and escalated technical support to Production Managers and technical personnel.
Evaluate labor, equipment, safety, and cost implications of technical plans and recommend adjustments that protect execution quality and event margins.
Assess emerging production technologies and recurring technical challenges, and present documented recommendations on investments, deployment, and process improvements to AV Operations leadership.
Support technically complex sales opportunities and customer presentations in collaboration with the Vice President, General Managers, and Sales Managers.
Enforce Shepard policies, safety requirements, technical standards, and approved operating procedures.
Demonstrate the company’s stated core values and make daily decisions as an ESOP owner that benefit clients and the company.
Treat internal and external customers with courtesy and respect, as outlined in the Blue Diamond Customer Service Program.