Role:

Production Manager - Event ProductionPosition SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee event production operations from planning through execution. This role is responsible for leading production teams, coordinating event logistics, managing inventory, and ensuring successful event setups and breakdowns.

The ideal candidate has experience managing teams in a service-based environment, with event production, hospitality, live production, or a similar background strongly preferred. The position requires strong organizational skills, hands-on leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesEvent Production & OperationsOversee all aspects of event production from preparation through execution and breakdown.

Coordinate with sales and internal teams regarding upcoming events, orders, timelines, and production requirements.

Lead teams responsible for preparing, pulling, loading, installing, striking, unloading, and returning event materials and inventory.

Ensure event installations are completed accurately, efficiently, safely, and according to established quality standards.

Coordinate production schedules and priorities across multiple events.

Work closely with designers, team leads, floral teams, and other internal departments to plan installations and strikes.

Troubleshoot production and logistical issues and make timely decisions under pressure.

Ensure compliance with venue requirements, safety standards, and operational procedures.

Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, manage, schedule, and support production team members.

Hire and train production employees as needed.

Establish clear expectations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.

Create a positive, engaging, and productive team environment.

Balance employee experience, operational efficiency, and customer expectations.

Ensure adequate staffing for event preparation, installation, strike, and inventory operations.

Inventory & Warehouse ManagementOversee event inventory and maintain accurate inventory records.

Ensure inventory is properly added to and removed from the inventory management system.

Maintain accurate inventory counts and identify discrepancies.

Organize and maintain warehouse inventory according to established standards and applicable building/safety requirements.

Ensure materials and equipment are prepared and available for scheduled events.

Implement processes that improve inventory accuracy, organization, and efficiency.

Vendor & Event CoordinationCoordinate with vendors, venues, suppliers, and external partners as required.

Support contract and logistics coordination.

Maintain effective communication with internal teams and external partners.

Ensure production requirements are clearly communicated and executed.

Required Qualifications3+ years of experience in event production, event management, live production, hospitality, or a related service-based industry.

Previous experience managing and leading teams.

Strong organizational, scheduling, and project management skills.

Ability to manage multiple events, projects, and priorities simultaneously.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making ability in time-sensitive situations.

Experience coordinating logistics and on-site operations.

Comfortable performing and supervising hands-on physical event production work.

Basic proficiency with Google Workspace, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Gmail.

Valid driver's license.

Associate degree required.

Ability to work fully on-site in the Greater Chicago Area.

Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Event Management, Communications, Business, Hospitality, or a related field.

Experience specifically within the events, event decor, floral, hospitality, or live production industry.

Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Experience managing event installations, strikes, warehouse operations, or event inventory.

Experience with event management or inventory management software.

Experience working with vendors, venues, designers, and production teams.

Ideal Candidate ProfileHands-on and comfortable leading teams in a fast-paced service environment.

Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

Able to manage changing priorities and tight event deadlines.

Strong leadership and team-building skills.

Customer-service oriented with a focus on quality and execution.

Comfortable balancing operational, financial, employee, and client expectations.

Reliable, proactive, and capable of working independently.

Willing to be physically involved in event production and warehouse operations.

RelocationQualified candidates outside the local area may be considered; relocation assistance is not provided.