Job Description: Director of Production
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: President
Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000
Benefits: PTO, Health, Vision, Dental
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Job Purpose
The Director of Production oversees all technical production operations for Preston
Productions, ensuring the successful planning, execution, and completion of live
events. This role provides strategic leadership over audio, video, lighting, staging,
and rigging operations while managing production personnel, budgets, client
relationships, and operational processes. The Director of Production is responsible
for delivering exceptional production quality, maintaining operational efficiency,
ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the organization's overall business
objectives.
Essential Functions of the Job
Financial & Operational Oversight
● Develop, manage, and monitor production budgets to ensure projects meet
profitability and financial performance objectives.
● Collaborate with the Director of Operations to negotiate vendor agreements
and oversee subcontractor relationships.
● Make operational and financial decisions regarding labor allocation,
equipment utilization, and production resources.
● Monitor project performance, identify operational risks, and implement
corrective actions as necessary.
● Collaborate with the President and Director of Operations on project bids,
production strategy, and operational process improvements.
Technical & Event Oversight
● Oversee the technical execution of live events from pre-production through
load-out.
● Provide executive oversight of audio, video, lighting, staging, rigging, and
related production systems to ensure technical excellence and quality
standards.
● Translate client creative concepts and production requirements into
comprehensive production plans.
● Direct production teams during load-in, rehearsals, event execution, and
load-out while delegating technical responsibilities and maintaining overall
accountability for project success.
● Serve as the senior production leader on-site, making critical operational
decisions to ensure successful event execution.
● Maintain strong client relationships by serving as the primary technical point
of contact throughout the production process.
Leadership & Staff Management
● Supervise, mentor, and provide leadership to in-house production staff and
freelance technical crews.
● Assign, coordinate, and monitor production personnel to ensure projects are
completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards.
● Foster a collaborative, high-performing work environment through coaching,
communication, and ongoing staff development.
Safety & Compliance
● Establish, implement, and enforce company safety standards and
production protocols.
● Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, venue requirements, permitting
standards, and applicable industry best practices.
● Promote a safe working environment through leadership, training, and
continuous oversight of production operations.
Additional Duties
● Perform additional related duties as assigned.
● Support business development initiatives and assist with special projects as
needed.
● Participate in strategic planning and operational improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
● Minimum of five (5) years of experience in technical direction, audiovisual
project management, or production management within the live events,
theater, or corporate AV industry.
● Extensive knowledge of professional audio, video, lighting, staging, and
rigging systems.
● Strong proficiency with Vectorworks required; experience with Lightwright
and Lasso is preferred.
● Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams in
fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
● Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
● Strong verbal and written communication skills with a professional,
customer-focused approach.
● Ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions
regarding production operations, budgets, staffing, and client service.
● Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays,
and overnight travel as business needs require.
Work Conditions (with or without reasonable accommodation):
● Must be able to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends,
holidays, and overnight travel based on event schedules.
● Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods while overseeing event
setup, execution, and load-out.
● Must be able to move throughout event venues, warehouses, construction
areas, backstage spaces, catwalks, stairs, and uneven surfaces.
● Must be able to visually inspect production equipment, staging, lighting,
rigging, and event installations.
● Must be able to communicate effectively in high-noise environments using
radios, headsets, and other communication devices.
● Must be able to operate a computer and standard office equipment for
extended periods while preparing budgets, production plans, schedules,
CAD drawings, and technical documentation.
● Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and materials
weighing up to 50 pounds as needed to support production operations.
Routine manual labor is not an essential function of this position.
● Must be able to work in both indoor and outdoor environments and in
varying weather conditions.
● Must be able to travel locally and overnight as required to support client
events and business operations.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- This job requires the ability to draft in vectorworks and extensive experience as a technical director. Please tell us a little about your technical directing/drafting experience.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Los Angeles, CA 90007
