Position Summary
The Audio, Video & Lighting (AVL) Manager is a senior technical leadership role responsible for the planning, technical execution, and operational oversight of all AVL production elements across proprietary events, client activations, and managed productions. This role leads pre-production planning, equipment logistics, labor coordination, vendor management, show-site execution, and post-event strike while ensuring technical excellence, safety compliance, and budget alignment.
The AVL Manager collaborates closely with Project Managers, Creative Directors, Producers, and clients to translate creative vision into technically sound and scalable AVL solutions. This position supervises AVL Technicians specializing in Audio (A1/A2), Video (V1/V2), and Lighting (L1/L2), ensuring consistent quality, system reliability, and seamless show execution. This position reports to the Vice President of Operations with a dotted line to the Director of Project Management.
SALARY IS COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE
Core ResponsibilitiesAudio/Visual Production Oversight
- Lead end-to-end AVL production planning and execution for live, hybrid, and experiential events
- Design and oversee audio, video, lighting, and show control systems based on event requirements and technical riders
- Ensure proper signal flow, system integration, redundancy planning, and technical documentation
- Oversee system tuning, calibration, and testing (audio alignment, video mapping, lighting programming)
- Maintain show readiness and technical excellence across multiple concurrent productions
Equipment & Inventory Management
- Oversee AVL inventory, asset tracking, maintenance schedules, and lifecycle management
- Manage warehouse operations related to AVL gear prep, QC, and post-event inspection
- Ensure equipment is properly tested, labeled, and packed per show specifications
- Coordinate repairs, firmware updates, and preventative maintenance
- Evaluate and recommend capital equipment purchases based on operational needs and ROI
Labor Coordination & Team Leadership
- Supervise AVL Technicians, freelancers, and technical crew
- Assign roles (A1, V1, L1, etc.) based on skillset and event complexity
- Develop crew schedules, labor calls, and onsite staffing plans
- Provide mentorship, training, and technical development for junior technicians
- Conduct performance evaluations and enforce company production standards
Show-Site Execution & Technical Direction
- Serve as Lead Technical Manager or Technical Director (as needed) on show site
- Oversee load-in, rigging coordination, system integration, rehearsals, show operation, and strike
- Troubleshoot live technical issues under time-sensitive conditions
- Ensure compliance with safety protocols, rigging standards, and venue regulations
- Interface with venue production teams, union labor, and house AV staff when applicable
Vendor & Partner Management
- Source and manage AVL vendors, rental houses, and subcontractors
- Review technical proposals, quotes, and equipment lists
- Negotiate pricing, delivery timelines, and service level expectations
- Ensure vendor deliverables align with production specs and creative intent
Budgeting & Financial Support
- Support project budgeting, cost forecasting, and labor allocation
- Review AVL equipment rental costs, labor estimates, and technical scopes
- Identify cost efficiencies without compromising production quality
- Track project expenditures related to AVL operations
Production Lifecycle
- Lead end-to-end AVL production from pre-production planning through show execution and post-event strike
- Conduct technical discovery, client consultation, and venue/site assessments
- Develop equipment specifications, system designs, signal flow diagrams, and patch plans
- Coordinate crew planning, labor scheduling, budgets, and vendor alignment
- Oversee load-in, rigging coordination, system setup, configuration, and testing
- Manage rehearsals, cue validation, and overall technical readiness
- Provide live show technical direction, troubleshooting, and stakeholder liaison support
- Supervise strike operations, equipment reconciliation, and quality control
- Ensure equipment maintenance, restocking, and accurate post-show documentation
- Lead post-event debriefs, lessons learned, and continuous process improvement
Required Technical Competencies
- Audio distribution, gain structure, and system tuning
- Video routing, switching, projection, and LED wall workflows
- Intelligent lighting systems, DMX/RDM, and console programming
- Power distribution and electrical safety fundamentals
- Networking for AVL including Dante and managed AV networks
- Show control and playback systems (QLab, timecode workflows)
- Familiarity with tools such as ATEM, Barco Event Master, Novastar, MA3, ETC consoles, QSC SysNav, Smaart, and Ubiquiti networking
Leadership Expectations
- Demonstrate ownership of technical production quality and operational excellence
- Lead by example in high-pressure live event environments
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence
- Mentor AVL Technicians and develop internal talent pipelines
- Maintain composure during live troubleshooting and critical show moments
- Drive operational efficiency and scalable production workflows
Education & Experience RequirementsMinimum Requirements
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering, Live Event Production, Theater Technology, Broadcast Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5–8+ years of professional AVL production experience
- 2–3+ years in a lead, supervisor, or management role within live events or production
- Proven experience managing large-scale live events, activations, or touring productions
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in full-service event production companies or creative agencies
- Experience managing proprietary events and client activations
- Background in technical direction or production management
- Experience working with union and non-union labor environments
Preferred Certifications
- CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) – AVIXA
- Dante Certification (Level 2 or 3)
- OSHA 10/30
- ETCP Certification
- Rigging and Fall Protection Training
- Manufacturer certifications (ETC, MA Lighting, Barco, QSC)
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50+ lbs
- Comfortable working in warehouses, venues, outdoor activations, and production environments
- Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and travel as required
- Capability to work at heights and in fast-paced live event settings
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
Education:
Experience:
- Professional AVL Production: 5 years (Required)
- Lead, supervisor, or management role with live event: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Drivers License (Required)
- OSHA 10 (Preferred)
- OSHA 30 (Preferred)
- Rigging and Fall Protection Training (Preferred)
- Manufacturer Certs (ETC, MA Lighting, Barco, QSC (Preferred)
- Dante Certification 2 or 3 (Preferred)
- AVIXA CTS (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Huntington Beach, CA 92649 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
