Fabrication and Production Manager - Live Event & Trade Show

Role Overview

The Fabrication & Production Manager is responsible for the hands-on execution of

fabricated elements supporting Smörgåsbord’s trade shows, live events, and experiential

environments. This role bridges planning and execution—translating design intent into

buildable solutions and ensuring projects are fabricated, prepared, and installed accurately.

This position requires deep technical knowledge and a willingness to be hands-on. The

Fabrication & Production Manager is equally comfortable reviewing shop drawings,

coordinating logistics, and working directly in the shop, warehouse, or on the show floor to

see projects through to completion.

Primary Focus

• Execute fabrication and production plans with precision
• Translate design intent into accurate builds through the review of shop drawings, material samples and fabrication methodology
• Coordinate logistics, prep, and onsite execution
• Solve problems hands-on to ensure successful delivery

Key Responsibilities

Fabrication & Build Execution

• Execute fabrication plans for trade show exhibits, scenic elements, and live event environments.
• Produce and/or review detailed shop drawings and fabrication documents.
• Work hands-on in fabrication shops, warehouses, or onsite as needed.
• Ensure builds meet design intent, quality standards, and durability requirements.

Production Coordination & Logistics

• Coordinate materials, equipment, and labor for fabrication and prep.
• Manage packing, shipping, and asset tracking.
• Support international and domestic logistics in coordination with leadership.
• Ensure fabricated elements are show-ready upon arrival.

Design Translation & Technical Support

• Interpret 3D models and design drawings into buildable solutions.
• Identify fabrication risks early and propose practical solutions.
• Collaborate with designers and project teams to resolve constructability issues.
• Ensure drawings and builds reflect final design intent.

Onsite Installation & Support

• Support or lead onsite installation, adjustments, and strike.
• Work alongside crews to solve real-time challenges.
• Ensure fabricated elements integrate cleanly with staging, AV, lighting, and graphics.

Multi-Project Management

• Manage multiple fabrication and production efforts simultaneously.
• Maintain accurate documentation, schedules, and task tracking.
• Balance priorities across overlapping timelines without sacrificing detail.

What Success Looks Like

• Fabricated elements are accurate, durable, and install-ready.
• Projects move smoothly from shop to show floor without last-minute rework.
• Issues are identified and resolved before impacting schedule or quality.
• Multiple programs are managed simultaneously without loss of detail.
• The team trusts execution quality and follow-through.

Core Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience in fabrication, scenic production, or trade show environments.
• Strong understanding of build methodology, materials, and construction techniques.
• Experience producing or reviewing detailed shop drawings and fabrication

documents.

• Ability to work comfortably in shop, warehouse, and onsite environments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Team player - able to work closely with project leaders and clients, but also a self

starter who can take initiative.

Technical Proficiency

• Vectorworks or comparable CAD software for viewing and editing designs and shop

drawings.

• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Drive, Sheets, Docs, Slides).