Job Purpose
SXSW is seeking a Production Manager to support the Production team in event production, including planning and executing the logistics of various production elements and events. This position will work with artists, clients, vendors, City of Austin officials, and more to manage the development of venue plans, vendor acquisition, production advancement, and on-site coordination of all production elements and staffing, from inception to completion.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Collaborate with Production staff and other departments to plan, organize, and implement various aspects of the Music Festival, client activations, and other initiatives.
- Manage a team of Stage Managers who advance the Music Festival
- Develop and implement training programs for the advancement of the Music Festival
- Design site plans and layouts for various music venues, lounges, and street activations as needed
- Work with clients to produce their events by providing guidance, consultation, and referrals for production elements
- Ensure client activations meet established regulations, obtain necessary permits, and follow appropriate timelines
- Attend pre-event meetings with the City of Austin, PARD, and Emergency officials, as necessary.
- Manage and acquire vendors, from contracting and placing orders to onsite implementation and payment.
On-Site Event Responsibilities
- Manage the fulfillment and safe implementation of all production elements, ensuring everything is built according to plan.
- Ensure production elements do not significantly reduce venue capacity, obstruct points of entry or egress, or violate existing regulations, codes, or public safety conditions.
- Accompany SXSW Staff, City of Austin, PARD, and emergency officials on any inspections to ensure compliance and correct any issues that may affect permits or approval.
- Coordinate with clients, vendors, venue staff, and other stakeholders during the construction of various sites.
- Coordinate with Stage Managers, Assistant Production Managers, SXSW staff, artists, and more to ensure that Music venues are running on time.
Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications include:
- 5+ years of experience in the event industry and event production.
- Familiarity with Mac OS and the Google suite.
- Familiarity with CAD software or the equivalent.
- Thorough technical knowledge of all event production elements: audio, lighting, staging, electrical, etc.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong initiative for problem solving and desire to create efficient work processes.
- Ability to work freely and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work with different personality types and maintain high customer service standards.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully:
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to lift up to 25 - 40 pounds occasionally, as needed.
- Manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
- May require occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, or climbing stairs.
- Ability to work outdoors, including exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Location & Schedule
The position is full-time and located in Austin, Texas. Core business office hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must be available to work additional hours from January through March, including evenings and weekends. You must also be available for the March event, which will have extended working hours onsite.
