Director of Production Operations (Live Events)

Are you an Operations Manager or Senior Project Manager looking for a new opportunity to bring leadership, process, KPI metrics and strategic management to an engaged and highly successful team? Do you value serving customers on a mission with a company whose vision is to define quality through the product, process, relationships, and the quality of life of its people?

We are a leading national Live Event and Concert Production provider of Audio-Video-Lighting (A/V/L) design and services and are looking for an experienced Director of Production Operations to join our growing team.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of leadership experience in operations as well as a Bachelor's Degree in a related field. The Director of Production Operations will work from our Nashville suburban office, overseeing planning and workflow across the Production Operations Department, leading the Operations Team Managers and other direct reports, with budget adherence and operational KPI's. Candidate will also be responsible for delivering the highest level of customer service through the Production Operations Team. This position reports directly to the C-Suite and should be comfortable with written and oral reporting.

We believe that the keys to succeeding in this role lie in bridging relationships between sales and delivery, managing and improving process, adhering to standards, pro-active communication with all stakeholders, and serving the team so they can do their best work, driving clarity in decision-making, and solving challenges along the way.

Here's what winning looks like in this role:

• Oversee planning and workflow across the Production Operations Team, both internal team members and contractors, providing engineering, installation, programming, and commissioning, on all projects.
• Manage all Production Operations Team Managers and other direct reports; recruit, train, monitor and develop as needed
• Partner with Production Sales Leadership to develop customer solutions through quality design and event planning with efficient pricing.
• Determine from review of various information, necessary changes in event design, contract price, production plan or other activity. Works between engineering and sales department to resolve any scope and/or design issues.
• Create visibility to the work utilizing departmental resources, and appropriate software.
• Drive communication across all teams working on deliverables
• Actively clear workflow blockers to keep the team focused on project goals
• Coach the team in agile practices to efficiently deliver the best solutions for our customers
• Own metrics for project/event/tour efficiency and profitability.
• Responsible for managing project and departmental budgets, KPIs, and report variances
• Developing relationships with key decision makers, client representatives and related trades
• Continuously monitoring project deliverables and pushing for resolution.
• Ensuring Sales team is updated immediately as key events unfold.
• Collaborate with Finance on the annual budget by providing reliable cost estimates and realistic forecasts.
• Provides clear direction to the Procurement Team for when materials, supplies and services are due.
• Makes periodic event site visits to ensure plans and standards are being met
• Provides solutions to challenging problems and works across departments.

Required Skills and Experience:

• At least 4 years of overall Live Event Production experience with at least 3 recent years in progressive team leadership positions as an Operations Manager, Senior Project Manager, or similar role.
• Minimum 3 years of managing a team of direct reports
• Experience in reporting to the C-Suite level of leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial A/V/L Production equipment

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Must be responsible, self-motivated, personable, and organized.
• Superior customer service skills to deal with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to prioritize when managing multiple projects and tasks.
• Ability to see the field and adjust workload and team resources to meet schedule demands.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Conflict management and problem-solving skills with a solution-oriented mentality
• PMI - PMP Certification desired, but not required
• Has an understanding of project financial reports, and demonstrated ability to control project costs

• Prior scheduling experience
• Strong Technical Aptitude: ability to Quickly learn new technologies, software programs and procedures
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business communications and contracts. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure documents.

• Communicate effectively; read and write English/take verbal direction; use simple math

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, client and manufacturer representatives, freelance labor and similar trades.
• Fluent in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Advanced math skills required to perform various calculation as may be necessary for reports
• Be readily available for phone support outside of office hours when teams are in the field.
• Valid and current driver's license.
• Willingness to travel to Project Sites, Trade Shows and Training Locations as required

• Physical requirements include the ability to stand and walk, to lift and carry items weighing 50+ pounds throughout the day in warehouse and construction site environments, and to be able to sit at a desk for long periods of time

Education:

• Four-year college degree and at least 3 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in a similar position.

YOU CAN COUNT ON US TO PROVIDE THESE PERKS:

Our commitment to setting the highest of high standards for quality is measured in 4 equal parts; the performance, the process, the relationships, - and here, where it all begins - in the lives of our people. Providing a high level of service to our customers, starts with taking great care of our employees.

• Insurance Benefits - 90% paid Health, Vision, Dental coverage for employee
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a 4% company match
• Profit Sharing
• Up to 21 PTO Days - range of 16 - 21 days based upon years of service
• Various Earned Bonus Opportunities
• Good Times! Think ice cream trucks, catered lunches, cookouts, Top Golf, and more for our Employee Appreciation Days
• A fully stocked Coffee Bar, every day