The Technical Production Manager reports to the Director of Operations and manages technical operations for assigned performances and events at the Hippodrome Theatre and M&T Bank Exchange. Working closely with the Technical Director, the position directs technical personnel, determines event staffing and equipment needs, manages approved production budgets and exercises independent judgment in resolving operational issues. The position assumes the Technical Director’s operational duties in his absence, within established policies and delegated authority.
Duties and Responsibilities
Event Planning and Technical Management
Manage the technical advance for assigned Broadway engagements, concerts, private events and other programming, evaluating riders, event schedules and production requirements with clients, touring personnel and vendors.
Determine staffing, equipment and scheduling requirements for assigned events, balancing production needs, budget, safety and available venue resources.
Develop and direct technical schedules, crew assignments and work plans for load-in, setup, testing, rehearsals, performances and load-out.
Allocate technical resources across assigned events and coordinate shared equipment and personnel between the two venues in consultation with the Technical Director and venue operations.
Explain the venue’s technical services and confirm client responsibilities for finished presentation content, program direction, stage management and any outside production services.
Participate in client site visits, venue walk-throughs and technical planning meetings to assess event needs, explain venue capabilities and identify equipment, staffing and production requirements.
Event Execution and Crew Management
Serve as the venue’s technical management representative for assigned events, making operational decisions and resolving production issues within approved budgets, venue policies and delegated authority.
Direct stagehands, department heads and technical personnel during assigned events; assign work, establish priorities and oversee vendor performance in accordance with union agreements and venue policies.
Evaluate crew performance, address operational concerns and provide performance feedback and staffing recommendations to the Technical Director and Director of Operations.
Provide technical management coverage in the Technical Director’s absence, directing event operations and responding to technical or safety issues while referring major decisions for approval.
Production Estimates and Budget Management
Develop labor and equipment estimates and manage approved technical budgets for assigned events, evaluating production options and recommending cost-effective solutions.
Evaluate rental and vendor proposals, select appropriate equipment and services within delegated authority, and authorize expenditures within approved limits.
Monitor labor utilization and production expenses, adjust event resources within approved parameters and obtain approval for commitments beyond delegated authority.
Review labor records, rental charges and production expenses for accuracy and oversee the preparation of technical information for payroll, client billing and event settlements.
Equipment and Technical Readiness
Manage technical readiness for assigned events and coordinate preventive maintenance, inspections and repairs with the Technical Director and qualified personnel.
Maintain oversight of equipment inventories and maintenance records; evaluate repair, replacement and purchasing needs and recommend priorities to the Technical Director.
Direct advance testing of client media and playback arrangements, establish technical preparation requirements and resolve compatibility issues before event day.
Maintain technical packets, client preparation guides and technical support packages, recommending improvements to event procedures and resource planning.
Safety and Professional Standards
Oversee safe technical operations for assigned events and enforce venue safety procedures, applicable safety requirements and union work rules.
Assess technical risks, stop unsafe work when necessary and direct an appropriate operational response in coordination with venue management and qualified personnel.
Maintain clear, professional communication with clients, visiting personnel, vendors and colleagues, particularly when explaining technical limitations or resolving event issues.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Cooperation
Establishes and maintains effective relationships
Active listener
Offers assistance and support to co-workers
Works cooperatively in group situations
Adaptability
Able to work around unexpected changes of circumstance or workload
Modifies a planned course of action based on new circumstances
Changes communication style to achieve the best results
Functional Competencies
Looks for ways to improve and promote quality
Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in all internal and external communications
Applies sound technical judgment and identifies production needs in advance
Team Orientation
Fosters team cooperation
Understands team roles and responsibilities
Supports group problem solving
Qualifications aka KSAOs
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, the requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
At least three years of relevant experience in live event production, theatre operations, audiovisual services or a comparable technical environment; performing arts venue experience preferred.
Strong working knowledge of professional audio, lighting, video, staging and backstage operations, with the ability to evaluate technical riders and determine practical production requirements.
Experience supervising technical crews, managing vendors and directing event operations; experience working with IATSE or other union crews preferred.
Demonstrated ability to develop production estimates, manage event budgets, evaluate vendor proposals and monitor labor and equipment costs.
Strong organizational skills, sound judgment and the ability to explain technical information clearly to clients with varying levels of experience.
Ability to independently manage assigned events, exercise sound judgment within delegated authority and provide technical management coverage for the Technical Director.
Availability to work a flexible, event-driven schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays and late nights, as productions, events, load-ins and load-outs require.
Degree or technical training in theatre production, production management or a related field preferred; equivalent practical experience welcomed.
Communication Skills
Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, touring personnel, union crews, vendors and internal departments.
Read and interpret technical riders, event schedules, equipment specifications and production estimates.
Explain technical capabilities, limitations and client responsibilities to people with varying levels of technical experience.
Critical Thinking
Prioritize competing event needs and respond effectively to schedule changes and technical issues.
Evaluate equipment, staffing and scheduling options with attention to safety, cost and the agreed scope of services.
Exercise independent judgment within delegated responsibilities and escalate significant issues promptly.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work includes computer-based planning, budget and personnel management, moving throughout the venues and backstage areas, and standing and walking while overseeing event operations.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work takes place in offices, performance spaces, backstage areas and loading areas at both the Hippodrome Theatre and M&T Bank Exchange. Event activity may involve amplified sound, changing lighting conditions, moving equipment and time-sensitive work. The schedule includes evenings, weekends, holidays and late nights as required.
Acknowledgement
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Employees will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
We offer competitive compensation including Vacation and Holiday Pay, health & welfare benefits, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The John Gore Organization is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal employment opportunity to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other legally protected classification under local, state or federal laws.
HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification or position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
The John Gore Organization’s recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. The John Gore Organization may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, Internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms.
