Description
Role Summary
The
Scenic Production Manager is a full-time, on-site position based at Precon's office and warehouse in Rockville, Maryland, reporting directly to the
Director of Warehouse Operations. This role is responsible for managing the planning, fabrication, and execution of Precon's custom scenic elements, exhibits, displays, and environmental builds from concept through installation. Working closely with the Director of Warehouse Operations, Creative, Project Management, and Production teams, the Scenic Production Manager ensures that scenic projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and to Precon's quality standards. This position provides day-to-day oversight of the scenic shop, oversees custom fabrication activities, and leads warehouse and freelance production crews assigned to scenic builds and installations. The Scenic Production Manager plays a hands-on role in both fabrication and field execution while helping translate creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions. This is an on-site position with hours that vary based on production schedules, event timelines, and client needs. When not supporting on-site installations, this position works from the Precon office and warehouse during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, with time tracked in accordance with Precon's payroll and timekeeping policies.
Key Responsibilities
The person in this role must be a collaborative team player who can manage multiple projects simultaneously while working across Precon's departments. This position may require occasional travel. The Scenic Production Manager is responsible for the following:
- Work closely with the Precon management team, project teams, and field crews to oversee the fabrication, installation, and dismantle of scenic elements and other event components provided by Precon.
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- Collaborate with the Graphic Design team to review dimensional renderings, technical drawings, and production details related to the design and fabrication of custom projects.
- Assist with estimating labor, materials, and production costs for custom scenic builds, as needed.
- Oversee and participate in the fabrication of custom scenic elements.
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- Manage day-to-day operations of the carpentry and scenic shop, including fabrication activities, tools, equipment, materials, and production workflow.
- Coordinate production schedules and assign work to warehouse staff to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
- Maintain quality standards by inspecting scenic elements throughout fabrication and prior to deployment.
- Identify production and operational challenges, develop practical solutions, and recommend alternative fabrication methods when appropriate to improve quality, efficiency, or cost.
- Participate in client site inspections, pre-production meetings, and project walkthroughs as needed to support successful event execution.
- Serve as Crew Chief for on-site installations and dismantles of scenic elements, pipe and drape, lighting, décor, staging, and related event equipment.
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- Forecast labor requirements and coordinate seasonal labor and staffing resources needed for installations and dismantles.
- Assist in training and mentoring warehouse staff, seasonal crew members, and on-site labor.
- Brainstorm, troubleshoot, and help transition projects from design through fabrication and field implementation, including mock-ups and test setups when appropriate.
- Manage the procurement of materials, specialty supplies, and fabrication-related equipment.
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- Track event-related purchases and warehouse expenses while sourcing and ordering materials, expendables, and specialty items as needed.
- Assist the Director of Warehouse Operations in maintaining and continuously improving the organization, functionality, and safety of the warehouse, scenic inventory, workshop, and fabrication areas.
- Provide regular updates to management regarding fabrication progress, production schedules, and potential risks.
- Assist with the preparation, loading, unloading, and secure transport of trucks, shipping crates, and event materials as needed.
- Perform other duties and special projects assigned in support of Precon's clients, team, and continued growth.
Requirements
Preferred Location & Travel Requirements
This is a full-time, warehouse-based role requiring significant onsite presence. This role is deeply integrated with Precon's production, fabrication, and event operations and requires regular onsite presence. Candidates should expect to travel to production facilities, venues, and event sites as needed to support planning and execution. Flexibility is critical, as event schedules and operational demands may occasionally require evening, weekend, and travel commitments.
What You Bring to the Table
We're looking for someone who enjoys building things, solving problems, and working as part of a collaborative production team. The ideal candidate brings a combination of technical fabrication skills, event production experience, and a hands-on approach to getting the job done.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- At least three years of experience in live events, experiential marketing, trade shows, theater, exhibit production, scenic fabrication, or a related production environment.
- Hands-on experience with carpentry, painting, general construction, or scenic fabrication.
- The ability to interpret design concepts and translate them into quality finished products.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing schedules and deadlines.
- A collaborative, positive, and solutions-oriented approach to teamwork.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, positive, and solutions-oriented approach.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and travel, based on production schedules and event needs.
- A valid driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to operate vehicles up to a 26-foot straight truck (CDL not required).
You'll stand out if you have experience with:
- You've worked in experiential marketing, trade shows, themed entertainment, museum exhibits, or custom millwork.
- You have experience leading fabrication teams, production crews, or freelance labor.
- You have experience installing adhesive graphics, vinyl, or similar substrates.
- You're comfortable moving between the shop, show site, and design discussions to help solve production challenges.
- You take pride in craftsmanship, quality, and continuous improvement.