Director, Production Operations

Role Summary

Precon is seeking a senior experiential production leader who understands how ambitious creative ideas become exceptional real-world environments. This role is responsible for bridging creative vision, production feasibility, fabrication, scenic construction, production strategy, logistics, and live event execution. Working closely with our Creative team, Producers, Warehouse Operations, Technical Directors, Project Managers, and executive leadership, this individual serves as Precon's authority on how projects should be built not simply how they should be produced. Success in this role requires someone who is equally comfortable reviewing a creative rendering, discussing fabrication methods with a scenic shop, evaluating material selections, solving production challenges, and leading cross-functional teams through execution.

The ideal candidate understands not only production systems, but also the materials, fabrication methods, and construction techniques used to bring custom environments to life. This is not a traditional AV Technical Director, Broadcast Production, Touring Production, Audio Engineering, or Venue Operations role. While technical production knowledge is important, our ideal candidate has significant experience in experiential production, scenic fabrication, custom environments, and concept-to-execution planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Precon's production authority, evaluating creative concepts and determining the most effective approach for fabrication, technical execution, installation, and live event delivery.
• Partner with Creative, Sales, Producers, Project Managers, Warehouse Operations, and Technical Directors during concept development to ensure ideas are achievable, cost-effective, and operationally sound.
• Lead production planning from concept through execution, providing guidance on scenic construction, fabrication methods, material selection, graphics, structural systems, technical integration, logistics, and installation.
• Develop production strategies that balance creative vision, quality, schedule, risk, and profitability while identifying opportunities for value engineering without compromising the client experience.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to oversee the successful execution of scenic, fabrication, print, technical, and production elements across multiple concurrent projects.
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to warehouse, fabrication, production, and creative teams while fostering strong cross-functional communication and accountability.
• Establish and continuously improve production standards, workflows, estimating practices, and execution processes that support scalability and operational excellence.
• Evaluate new materials, fabrication techniques, production technologies, and industry best practices to strengthen Precon's production capabilities and competitive position.
• Challenge assumptions and recommend innovative production approaches that improve constructability, efficiency, and client impact.
• Support business development by providing production expertise during proposal development, client presentations, and pre-sale planning when appropriate.
• Mentor team members and serve as a trusted resource for solving complex production challenges through the project lifecycle.

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.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $125,000–$160,000 annually, commensurate with experience, leadership capability, qualifications, and fit with Precon’s needs.

What You Bring to the Table

You thrive at the intersection of creative vision, production strategy, fabrication, and execution, and you're energized by solving complex production challenges before they become problems.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in experiential marketing, live events, scenic fabrication, exhibit production, theater, museum installations, branded environments, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success translating creative concepts into practical, buildable, cost-effective production solutions.
• Deep knowledge of scenic construction, fabrication methods, materials, graphics production, exhibit systems, staging, and technical production.
• Experience evaluating production feasibility, identifying risks, recommending alternative approaches, and balancing creativity, quality, schedule, and budget.
• Strong understanding of how custom environments are designed, fabricated, transported, installed, and executed.
• Experience collaborating with creative teams, production partners, warehouse operations, fabricators, and technical specialists throughout the project lifecycle.
• Working knowledge of production drawings, shop drawings, CAD or similar design tools, and the ability to confidently review technical documentation.
• Strong commercial acumen, including estimating, vendor management, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence decision-making, and build collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Exceptional communication, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm and decisive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

You'll stand out if you have experience with:

• Scenic fabrication or custom exhibit construction
• Trade shows, corporate events, museums, or branded environments
• beMatrix, Aluvision, modular exhibit systems, or similar products
• Large-format graphics, print production, or environmental graphics
• Production planning for custom scenic builds and installations
• Theatrical production applied to corporate events and experiential marketing

About Precon Events

Precon Events is an industry leader in live event production, known for creating emotional, memorable experiences around the world. Our team of Producers, Technical Directors, Project Managers, and Event Gurus brings together world-class talent and cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional events. We thrive under pressure and are committed to excellence in every facet of event planning and execution.

Why you will love working here

You'll help shape some of the most ambitious experiential projects we deliver. You'll influence creative direction, production strategy, fabrication decisions, and execution while helping define how Precon scales for the future.

The Perks (Because You Deserve Them)

At Precon Events, we take care of our people. Our benefits include medical, dental, life, and both short- and long-term disability insurance, plus a 401(k) plan. We offer generous paid time off that grows into uncapped vacation after your first year. Please note that while we value flexibility, this role requires candidates to be based in the Washington, DC metro area. Only local applicants will be considered.

An Inclusive Place to Do Your Best Work

Precon Events is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants and team members of all backgrounds and identities. We’re committed to creating a workplace that’s free of discrimination, harassment, and anything that gets in the way of great work and good people.

How to Apply

Excited to take the next step? If you apply via LinkedIn and we’d like to move forward with your candidacy, we’ll ask you to complete your application through our recruitment portal. We carefully review every application and look forward to getting to know you.