Overview:
The Event Production Manager is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, installation, execution, operation, and strike of seasonal events, entertainment activations, décor programs, and special productions at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. This position oversees the execution of production elements including scenic installations, staging, lighting, audio systems, props, décor, signage, technical equipment, atmospheric details, and immersive guest experience elements.
This role serves as both an operational production leader and creative execution partner, helping translate event concepts, seasonal themes, and guest experience goals into safe, practical, visually engaging, and operationally successful park experiences.
Working closely with the Assistant Director of Event Production & Project Development, the Event Production Manager ensures all productions are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with park brand standards, creative direction, and guest experience objectives.
This position serves as a key cross-functional leader collaborating with Operations, Entertainment, Marketing, Maintenance, In-Park Revenue, Finance, Safety, and external vendors to ensure seamless event execution and operational readiness.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Event Production Leadership
- Coordinate execution of Voyage to the Islands, Cherry Jubilee, Carnival Nights, The Great Big Boo, North Pole Nights, and other specialty events.
- Manage event production schedules, logistics, installation plans, and strike operations.
- Oversee scenic, technical, and environmental production elements.
Installation & Technical Management
- Develop installation and strike timelines.
- Coordinate rehearsals, operational readiness reviews, and production testing.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational requirements.
- Conduct daily event/show quality walks during operating periods to identify needed repairs, adjustments, safety concerns, missing décor, lighting issues, signage needs, or guest experience improvements.
- Ensure all event installations are practical for daily park operations, guest flow, emergency access, ADA considerations, maintenance access, and overnight reset needs.
- Coordinate with Operations and Safety to ensure temporary structures, décor, cabling, lighting, props, and guest-facing elements are safely installed and maintained.
Creative Development & Guest Experience
- Support the development and execution of seasonal event themes, visual storytelling, décor concepts, scenic treatments, and atmospheric enhancements.
- Partner with leadership, Entertainment, Marketing, Operations, and In-Park Revenue to ensure event elements support the intended guest experience, brand identity, and operational flow.
- Identify opportunities to enhance event environments through lighting, sound, props, signage, décor, music, photo opportunities, and interactive or immersive elements.
- Assist in translating creative concepts into practical production plans, including materials, labor, timelines, installation methods, and ongoing operational needs.
- Walk event areas regularly from a guest perspective to evaluate show quality, visual impact, cleanliness, functionality, and overall atmosphere.
- Recommend creative enhancements that improve guest satisfaction, photo value, repeat visitation, and seasonal event appeal.
Vendor & Contractor Management
- Coordinate scenic fabricators, technical vendors, rental providers, and contractors.
- Manage production schedules, deliveries, and vendor performance.
- Support procurement and contract administration processes.
Budget & Resource Management
- Track event production budgets, labor costs, rentals, and materials.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
- Assist with forecasting and financial reporting.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Serve as liaison between Operations, Marketing, Entertainment, Maintenance, Finance, and vendors.
- Participate in planning meetings and ensure department readiness.
Asset & Inventory Management
- Maintain production inventory and event assets.
- Coordinate storage, transportation, repairs, and refurbishment.
Continuous Improvement
- Conduct post-event reviews and recommend operational enhancements.
- Develop and refine production SOPs and installation procedures.
Other:
- Adhere to and enforce all Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park policies and procedures, including safety, attendance, and EEO policies, and demonstrate commitment to customer service in all aspects of employment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Skills:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Event Production, Entertainment Management, Technical Theater, Hospitality, Project Management, or related field.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in live events, entertainment production, theme parks, attractions, festivals, or related industries.
- Supervisory experience preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of staging, lighting, audio, scenic construction, and event logistics.
- Vendor management and negotiation capabilities.
- Ability to balance creative vision with operational practicality, safety requirements, budget limits, labor availability, and installation timelines.
- Strong eye for detail, visual presentation, show quality, guest flow, and themed environmental design.
- Ability to read or interpret basic production drawings, scenic plans, layouts, schedules, installation maps, and technical specifications.
- Experience supporting seasonal events, themed environments, live entertainment, décor programs, festivals, or immersive guest experiences preferred.
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software.
Physical Demands
- Ability to stand and walk throughout the park for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work around production equipment and temporary structures.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Work Environment
Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments. Position requires availability during evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal operating periods. High activity levels are expected during event installation and seasonal production periods.
Team Leadership, Coaching & Accountability
- Lead, coach, and hold accountable seasonal production staff, event coordinators, technical crews, and contracted production personnel.
- Conduct regular coaching, counseling, and performance conversations with assigned staff to ensure safe, timely, professional, and high-quality event execution.
- Address performance, attendance, safety, conduct, productivity, and teamwork concerns in partnership with Human Resources and department leadership.
- Set clear expectations for installation standards, show quality, backstage organization, tool and equipment use, communication, and worksite safety.
- Create a team culture focused on creativity, accountability, urgency, safety, teamwork, and pride in the guest experience.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises seasonal production staff, event coordinators, technical crews, and contracted production personnel.
- Provides leadership during event installations, operating periods, and strike operations.
- Supervises assigned staff by instructing, assigning, reviewing, and planning work; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel; supporting hiring decisions; addressing employee concerns; and making recommendations regarding promotions, transfers, discipline, discharge, and compensation changes.
- Conduct regular one-on-one coaching sessions with subordinate staff.
- Recognize and reward outstanding performance and achievement.
Acknowledgement & Acceptance
This job description outlines primary responsibilities but does not encompass all duties that may be assigned. Responsibilities may be modified or expanded based on organizational needs and business requirements.
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off
- Company Holidays
- Eligibility for Performance-Based Annual Bonus
- Medical and Dental
- 403(b) plan
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park Tickets and Passes
- Discount on Food and Merchandise
This job description serves to provide an overview of the general responsibilities and scope of work expected from potential candidates. It should be noted that it does not encompass every task, duty, or qualification necessary for the position.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
