Technical Production Manager

David Stark Design and Production is seeking an experienced Technical Production Manager to join our Technical Design Department. Reporting to the Technical Director and working alongside our Technical Production Managers, you will lead the technical production of projects that transform innovative concepts into extraordinary events. This is an individual contributor role that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and exceptional collaboration skills to oversee all aspects of technical execution—from initial concept and budgeting through on-site supervision and final strike.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with our design and production teams, oversee internal and external resources, and coordinate with technical designers, technical directors, lighting designers, and vendors to bring spectacularly designed and thoughtfully produced events to life—both in NYC and around the world.

• Lead and manage the technical aspects and delivery of projects from conception through completion, maintaining consistently high standards
• Conduct site surveys and create and maintain floor plans in VectorWorks Spotlight throughout the project's lifespan, often collecting and archiving data for the venue database.
• Engineer technical builds, provide creative solutions, and identify areas for escalation to professional services such as riggers, licensed engineers, event architects, or specialty teams vendors. 
• Oversee all technical elements, including scenic builds, staging, audio, video, lighting, rigging, power, permitting, and safety plans.
• Assist in load-in/load-out operations and supervise vendor load-in/out on-site.
• Value engineer solutions that balance creative vision with budgetary constraints

• Assist the production team with selecting, negotiating, and managing all technical vendors based on project scope, budget, timeline, and alignment with creative vision.
• Coordinate and collaborate with our internal teams which includes Studio fabrication Managers,catering managers, floral and styling teams
• Serve as liaison between the fabrication studio and the Production team
• Collaborate cross-functionally with freelance specialist such as technical designers, technical directors, and lighting designers
• When working with outside scenic vendors, share oversight responsibilities with the Lead Producer for vendor management, reviews, budget management, and daily coordination

• Collaborate with creative and design teams to provide guidance on technical aspects, construction methods, and achieving the overall look, feel, and creative vision.
• Review design intent drawings with the design team before handoff to in-house studio or outside scenic vendors
• Support the Technical Director with shop drawings as necessary
• Manage outside drafting partners and redline, and distribute shop drawings 
• Set projects up for success in challenging venues, both domestically and internationally

• Collaborate on technical budgets with the project Producers
• Pitch value engineering solutions that align with the shop's capabilities and the Producer's budget
• Actively manage the early stages of all projects to ensure cost-effectiveness and feasibility
• Ensure the Producer understands budget implications throughout the project lifecycle
• Maintain strong cost control while delivering exceptional results

• Advise on production schedules for across multiple teams for on-site installation and dismantling
• Manage on-site supervision in conjunction with the Production lead and Producer
• Oversee implementation of approved health and safety standards in accordance with OSHA General Industry Standards

• Communicate proactively with internal teams to ensure production stays on time and within budget
• Provide clear, timely updates to stakeholders at all project updates, both internally and with external vendors
• Effectively interact with co-workers at various levels across multiple disciplines
  

• 6 years in technical production or equivalent relevant experience
• Proven track record managing complex, high-profile events from start to finish
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with standard fabrication methods and materials used in scenery production
• Past fabrication experience or a deep understanding of typical processes in the scenic fabrication and event production world

• Proficiency in VectorWorks Spotlight (willing to train the right candidate with transferable CAD experience)
• Proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.)
• Fundamental knowledge of lighting and audio systems
• Fundamental knowledge of rigging principles and safety protocols
• Understanding of OSHA General Industry Standards and safety best practices
• Competency in heavy machinery and the ability to spec and manage vendors and licensed operators onsite 

• Effective negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Strong financial acumen in budgeting, estimating, and managing profitability
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain composure in high-pressure, stressful situations
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Outstanding initiative and follow-through abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, creative environment
• Proven ability to earn trust and respect from team members, vendors, and clients

• Available for after-hours work, including late nights and overnights
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally as projects require
• Occasionally work late nights, overnights, and travel for out-of-town and international projects

Salary range: $85k-$100k

Unique Opportunities & Perks

• Work on extraordinary, one-of-a-kind events with high-profile clients
• National and international travel to some of the world's most renowned, historic, picturesque, and unique locations and elite venues
• Collaboration with some of the most passionate, dedicated, and talented production teams in NYC
• Exposure to innovative design and cutting-edge technical solutions
• Work/life balance – we work hard but prioritize balance and well-being.
• The company structure is designed to prevent overload and allow team members to focus on what they do best
• Professional growth within a creative, supportive environment
• Engagement in projects that push the boundaries of experiential design
  

David Stark Design and Production (www.davidstarkdesign.com) is an event design and experiential marketing agency that guides our partners—including philanthropic leaders, corporate innovators, and outstanding individuals—on a collaborative journey culminating in memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences.

Our team consists of storytellers, idea generators, overachievers, and passionate perfectionists who collectively speak a shared language of innovation and artistic excellence in service of our clients. In essence, we are artists who come together to make magic happen.

We are restless innovators—smart, passionate, and kind. We believe in the power of creating inspiring and groundbreaking art; in building memories that connect people for a lifetime; in continual innovation; in making the journey extraordinary; in treating our clients as friends; and in over-delivering on our promises.

David Stark Design and Production is dedicated to equal employment opportunity. It is a fundamental principle at David Stark not to discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on any legally protected characteristic, including but not limited to: age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity/transgender status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, and other protected characteristics as established by law.