Production Manager
Cincinnati, Ohio | Full Time
About Access Audio
Access Audio is a faith-based, full-service production company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. We provide professional audio, lighting, video, and consulting for entertainment, corporate, nonprofit, and worship events.
We exist to serve our clients with excellence. That means best-in-class equipment, experienced and respectful team members, thoughtful preparation, and the creativity to make every event exceptional.
We care deeply about what we do and how we do it.
The Role
We are seeking a full-time Production Manager to lead the planning and execution of live events from initial client conversation through final load-out.
This is a live entertainment production role. It is not a factory operations position or a process-only management role. We are looking for someone with real-world experience in audio, lighting, and or video systems who is ready to step into leading events at a higher level.
The Production Manager serves as the quarterback of each event. You will care for the client, build the plan, coordinate internal departments, manage logistics, and lead the day on-site.
Access Audio is in a season of rapid growth. That means opportunity, responsibility, and the need for leaders who can help us build structure as we scale. If you enjoy creating order, taking initiative, and building something meaningful alongside a team, this role is for you.
This position reports to the Director of Production.
What We're Looking For
This role requires someone who can lead with confidence, operate with excellence, and drive the event.
Humility is the number one personality trait we're looking for. We want someone who is steady, teachable, and others-focused. Production Managers set the tone for the entire event. Ego has no place here. This is servant leadership... take care of the client, take care of the crew, do what it takes to have a great show.
We also need a true self-starter. No one will hand you a checklist each morning. You will be trusted to own projects, anticipate needs, and drive events forward without constant oversight.
This role is ideal for someone who has spent years in technical production and is ready to level up into full event leadership.
Why You'll Love This Role
- You'll lead events, not just support them: You will own the client relationship and execution from start to finish.
- You'll build structure as we grow: Help refine systems, workflows, and standards as Access Audio scales. We don't just want someone to run shows. We want someone to develop the gold standard of how we run shows.
- You'll lead, not just operate: This is a leadership role with real ownership and responsibility.
- You'll work with skilled department leaders: Audio, Lighting, and Video Directors who collaborate to build excellent systems.
- You'll care for great crews: We value our staff and independent contractors deeply. We take care of our people so they keep coming back.
- You'll be part of meaningful work: We're mission-driven, and we care about how we serve and how we treat each other.
What You Will Do
Client Leadership and Pre-Production
- Serve as the primary client contact throughout planning and execution. The ability to talk to humans is the key here.
- Define event scope by deeply understanding the client's goals, schedule, budget, and expectations. A little bit of sales, a little bit of coaching, a lot of listening.
- Build trust and create confidence through proactive communication. This job requires follow-up. A lot of follow-up. Dotting I's and crossing T's.
- Translate client needs into clear deliverables for internal departments
- Collaborate with Directors of Audio, Lighting, and Live Video to determine appropriate systems and rental needs
- Develop production timelines, load-in schedules, show flow, and load-out plans
- Build and manage event budgets, ensuring projects stay on track financially
Logistics and Coordination
- Plan staffing in coordination with the departments involved
- Coordinate trucking, gear movement, and equipment logistics
- Interface with venues, union stagehands, riggers, and third-party vendors
- Coordinate crew hospitality and ensure teams are set up for success
- Maintain clear and accurate project documentation
On-Site Event Leadership
- Lead the day on-site, keeping the schedule on time and the team aligned
- Oversee load-in, rehearsal, show execution, and strike
- Troubleshoot issues quickly and calmly
- Maintain professional standards in all client and crew interactions
- Protect both the client experience and the crew experience
What You Won't Do
- You won't work every single show. You'll be part of a team of other PMs. Busy seasons... yes. Beat people down...no.
- You won't be alone. Our PMs are supported above by a Director of Production and below by Production Coordinators and Department Heads.
What Success Looks Like
- Clients feel cared for, confident, and well served
- Events run on time, on budget, and at a high professional standard
- Internal teams feel supported, informed, and set up for success
- Independent contractors feel respected and valued
- Systems and workflows improve as the company grows
- You are happy and have a good work/life balance
Qualifications
Experience
- 4 to 6 years of live event production experience required
- Working knowledge of audio, lighting, and video systems in the live entertainment industry
- Experience advancing shows, building production schedules, and managing logistics
- Prior hands-on A/V/L experience strongly preferred
Professional Skills
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Highly organized and capable of managing multiple complex projects with many details
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure with an emphasis on safety, client experience, and taking care of people
- Strong budgeting and resource management skills
- Builder mindset: you enjoy creating systems and improving processes
- Humble, service-oriented, and team-first
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and follow-up consistently.
- The ability to crack some heads when needed but in no way come off like a jerk
- Real world experience and some street smarts
Technical Proficiency
- Comfortable working in Google Workspace tools
- Experience with Vectorworks preferred, but not required
- Working knowledge of live production workflows and terminology
Additional Requirements
- Alignment with and passion for Access Audio's mission
- Commitment to "The Hills We Die On"
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- Ability to operate a fork truck
- Availability to work weekdays, weekends, and some evenings
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to climb ladders and stairs
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to pass a basic background check
Compensation and Schedule
This is a full-time position that includes both shop and show work. Hours vary based on event schedules and client needs. This is not a remote position.
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with skills and experience. Access Audio offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan options, and ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
