ROYAL PRODUCTIONS
Director of Audio Visual Sales & Operations
Chicago, IL | Full-Time | On-Site
About Royal Productions
Royal Productions is a national AV and live event production company with over 37 years in the business. We partner with premier hotel properties across the United States to deliver in-house AV and event technology programs that set the standard for quality and service. From high-profile conferences and galas to corporate general sessions and national media events, our teams are on the ground making it happen every day.
The Role
We are launching a new in-house AV program at a premier full-service hotel in downtown Chicago and are looking for a Director of Audio Visual Sales & Operations to lead it from the ground up. This is a high-visibility role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, knows how to build client relationships, and can run a technical operation without missing a beat.
You will own everything - sales, operations, staffing, and client experience. You will be the face of Royal Productions at this property and the standard-setter for everything that happens in that AV department. If you are someone who takes pride in running a tight ship, developing your team, and making clients feel like they are in the best hands in the building, this role was built for you.
What You'll Do
Sales & Revenue
- Drive AV revenue at the property through proactive client engagement, upselling, and strategic relationship building with event planners, meeting professionals, and the hotel sales team
- Serve as the primary AV contact during the pre-event planning process - consult with clients, understand their vision, and present solutions that exceed their expectations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with repeat clients and key accounts
- Partner closely with the hotel's catering and events team to stay ahead of the booking calendar and maximize AV capture
Operations & Event Execution
- Oversee the setup, operation, and strike of AV equipment for all hotel events - general sessions, banquets, breakouts, social events, and everything in between
- Make sure every event runs on time, on spec, and without surprises
- Serve as the on-site technical lead for complex or high-profile productions when needed
- Establish and enforce quality control procedures so every event reflects Royal Productions' standards, not just minimum requirements
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and manage your AV team - set the tone, hold the standard, and develop people who want to grow
- Handle scheduling, performance feedback, and day-to-day team management
- Run ongoing technical and soft skills training to keep the team sharp and current
- Build a department culture where accountability and excellent service are the baseline, not the goal
Budget, Inventory & Reporting
- Own the department budget - forecast revenue, manage expenses, and hit profitability targets
- Oversee AV equipment inventory - maintenance, condition tracking, and recommending upgrades when needed
- Generate and present regular performance reports on sales, operations, and team metrics to Royal Productions leadership
- Make sure all AV setups meet safety standards, hotel policies, and applicable regulations
What We're Looking For
The Essentials
- 4+ years of experience in AV operations and sales, with at least 2 years in a leadership role in a hotel or hospitality environment
- Strong technical background across audio, video, lighting, and control systems - you can troubleshoot on your feet and teach others to do the same
- Proven track record driving AV revenue and building client relationships in a hotel setting
- Experience managing a team and developing people, not just supervising them
- Comfortable managing a budget and being held accountable to revenue and expense targets
- Excellent communicator - with clients, hotel staff, your team, and Royal Productions leadership
- Willing to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as event schedules require
Bonus Points
- CTS, CTS-D, or CTS-I certification
- Experience with a national in-house AV company in a hotel environment
- Familiarity with Crestron, Q-SYS, or similar control and DSP platforms
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (equivalent experience absolutely considered)
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and growth opportunities within a national company
Why Royal Productions
- 37+ years in business - stable, respected, and still growing into new markets
- The autonomy to run your department like it's yours - because it is
- The opportunity to build something from the ground up at a premier Chicago property
Royal Productions is an equal opportunity employer.
www.royalproductions.com
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
