Production manager

The ABTT says:

The production manager is responsible for coordinating many technical activities including rehearsals, props, production of the set, sound effects and lighting. They oversee the work of the various departments and make sure they are keeping to an agreed schedule and may also oversee design budgets. The production manager is most likely to have spent some years rising through the various jobs in stage management or alternatively may have been head of one of the departments such as electrics or scenic workshop.

 

An example job description:

Production manager

Reporting to:
Executive Director

Working with:
Artistic Director/ Associate Producer/ Associate Director, Finance Manager/ Freelance Creative and Producing Teams

Responsible for:
Technical Team

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • realising the theatre’s productions within the agreed budget parameters and available resources
  • scheduling and managing pre-production timelines and production schedules to maximise efficiency and minimise staff costs; also overseeing the recruitment and management of casual production crew for this period
  • overseeing the realisation of all physical production elements, ensuring these are created / constructed to the highest possible standards and are fit for purpose
  • support of and liaison with production creative teams and producing personnel as appropriate
  • quality control of all production aspects throughout roduction runs
  • management and support of the theatre’s in-house Technical Staff
  • building an appropriate technical staff team for the season and scheduling their time in the most effective manner; also to be the management first point of contact in respect of any discussions or negotiations regarding pay and conditions for the Technical Staff
  • ensuring that technical staff receive appropriate training and development
  • ensuring at all times a safe working environment and compliance with all Health & Safety and licensing regulations, including liaison with relevant authorities; also to participate in the theatre’s Health & Safety committee, representing production aspects and areas
  • ensuring effective financial management including the consistent following of financial procedures and providing budgetary information when required
  • with the Resources and Technical Manager, ensuring that the theatre’s technical equipment, resources and facilities are properly maintained and managed
  • any other duties required, commensurate with the scope of the role

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

  • experience in a producing theatre preferably across a range of technical departments at a senior level
  • proven expertise in production budgeting and financial control
  • commitment to achieving high standards within limited resources
  • up-to-date knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and practice
  • strong personnel management and team leadership skills
  • commitment to equality of opportunity and staff development
  • a flexible approach to working, including the ability to work unsocial hours
  • ability to plan and prioritise work effectively
  • a commitment to the work of the theatre

Desirable:

  • detailed understanding of working within the terms of national union agreements, in particular TMA BECTU, Equity & Musicians’ Union
  • experience and contacts in out-sourcing set, prop and costume making
  • experience of working with and supporting freelance creative team
  • experience of co-production / collaboration with a variety of partners
  • working within a building-based arts organisation
  • awareness of current trends in theatre technology
  • computer literacy: word processing, spreadsheets and CAD/similar

Note: This is not an actual job vacency, this is an example job description to illustrate what you might expect from a career as a Production manager.