Model Shop Manager Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Position: Scene Shop Supervisor          

Department: Production (Scenery)

FT or PT: FT

Classification: Salaried ($68,000 – $72,000 per year)

Schedule: 7:30a – 4p weekdays, including occasional over-time on weeknights & weekends

Status: Exempt

Reports To: Technical Director, Associate Technical Director

Statement of Job:

The Scene Shop Supervisor leads the daily operations of The Huntington’s Scene Shop, guiding a talented team of carpenters and welders through fastpaced builds and creative problemsolving.  This leader supports fulltime and overhire staff as they bring bold designs to life for The Huntington productions and external projects.  With a focus on collaboration, clarity, and detail-driven craftsmanship, the Shop Supervisor ensures scenery moves smoothly through every stage of the build process while championing safe and sustainable work practices.  In partnership with the Technical Director team, the Shop Supervisor keeps the shop efficient, organized, and communicative while driving a positive, professional environment where the team can excel and produce exceptional scenery.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

Project & Personnel Management

• Under the guidance of the Technical Director team, oversee and direct the layout, fabrication, and assembly of scenery.
• Manage daily workflow of scene shop, ensuring productivity, consistency, and adherence to shop policies.
• Supervise full-time, over-hire, and apprentice personnel, setting clear expectations and maintaining a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Assist project planning by contributing to build schedules, workflow strategies, and material needs.  Provide regular updates on progress, timelines, and challenges.
• Ensure all scenic elements meet quality standards before transitioning to other departments, storage, or stage.
• Prepare hardware, materials, and tooling to support efficient loadins and installations.
• Maintain clean, organized shop and storage areas to support safe, efficient operations.
• On seldom occasions, hands-on fabrication of scenery is required, working from design drawings as needed.

Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate clear scheduling and smooth movement of scenery through the build process.
• Communicate resource needs, design questions, build concerns, and scheduling updates with the Technical Director team in a timely and solutionsfocused manner.
• Execute loadins, strikes, and onsite installations as assigned, supervising assigned crews.

Safety, Shop Maintenance & General Support

• Promote, monitor, and enforce safe working practices, ensuring adherence to company safety policies and OSHA best practices.
• Conduct and document regular inspections of equipment and safety related items.
• Coordinate routine maintenance and inventory management for tools and shop equipment.
• Assist with routine facility tasks and other facility related duties within the Production Center as assigned by the Technical Director.
• Support other production activities as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS – Candidate MUST meet the following qualifications to be considered for the role:

• B.A./B.F.A. in Technical Production or equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in a theatrical scene shop or related fabrication environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and teambuilding skills, with experience supervising diverse crews.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects in a fastpaced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain workflow under pressure.
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute fabrication from technical drawings, drafting, and designer plates.
• Advanced knowledge of scenic construction methods, materials, and standard shop practices.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and stationary woodworking and metalworking equipment, with a strong commitment to safe operation and maintenance.
• Proficient welder with strong steel welding skills; aluminum welding experience a plus.
• Experience with stage rigging, including singlepurchase line sets and standard chainhoist systems.
• Strong problemsolving skills and the ability to troubleshoot construction and rigging challenges.
• Clear, proactive communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Strong commitment to safe working practices and the ability to model and enforce safety protocols.
• Ability to work collaboratively, remain solutions-oriented, and support a positive shop culture.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and basic digital documentation tools.
• Ability to work safely at heights, including on ladders, personnel lifts, and catwalks.
• Ability to lift and move 50+ lbs and perform physical tasks typical of shop and stage environments.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends during loadins, strikes, or peak production periods.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience with AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or other drafting software.
• CNC programming and operation experience.
• Ability to drive a 26’ box truck.
• Familiarity with stage machinery and automation systems (Creative Conners)
• Experience with automated rigging systems (Raynok).
• Additional metalworking, fabrication, or machining skills beyond core scenic construction.
• Experience mentoring earlycareer technicians, apprentices, or interns.
• Familiarity with sustainable shop practices and materials.
• Experience in fastpaced, multiproduction environments.