Production Manager

Imagination is a world-leading experience design company founded on the principle of independent creativity. We create experiences that change the status quo, from strategy through to delivery.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic Production Manager to join our Live Production department. You will work to provide office and on-site management for the delivery of technical and production requirements, for a wide range of sometimes complex live events and exhibitions.

Reporting into the Head of Live Production, your curiosity will help us research and develop innovative technical solutions, whilst your rigorous attention to detail will be important in making sure budgets, schedules and safety risks are managed accurately.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop client brief and assessment of the requirements with Account Management & Creative Teams
• Ensure projects are delivered on budget and on-time to the highest possible standards
• Conduct supplier bids, market tests and negotiate pricing
• Value engineer project proposals
• Establish project feasibility and introduce new innovative products, services and technologies
• Take the lead in delivering the production aspects of exhibitions and events around the world
• Issue material finishes & technical specification documents
• Work with the wider production team on the delivery of large-scale events
• Work alongside client servicing, strategic and creative teams to assess client requirements
• Create practical working solutions to creative proposals – turning the vision into reality
• Management of all technical and manufacturing trades throughout the process, including logistics and plant hire
• Create budgets and manage 3rd party spend on projects, ensuring best value
• Developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers and ensuring new and innovative products and services are introduced
• Present production solutions and project proposals at internal and client meetings
• Provide experienced and knowledgeable input for the specification and management of all technical and manufacturing processes throughout the project lifecycle
• Balance creative ambition with safe and practical delivery as well as offering value to our clients
• Working with the Health and Safety Manager, manage the Health and Safety requirements on projects, including assessing work activities, creating necessary documentation and implementing on site
• Supervise our worksites and ensure our suppliers are adhering to our standards
• Scheduling of all trades throughout pre production and delivery phases and managing this to ensure project deadlines are adhered to
• Liaise with venues and carry out site visits as appropriate
• Travel to and work on site helping deliver our projects globally
• Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and continuing to broaden our global network of partners
• Collaborate across disciplines and ensure that project updates and information are communicated in a timely, effective manner.
• Comply with company policies and procedures, for example (but not limited to) ISO documentation, Information Security training.
• Mentor junior production staff offering guidance and support with their development

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Demonstrable experience of delivering Live events.
• Experience across a range of events (exhibition/conference/theatrical/outdoor/permanent install)
• Experience of working in an agency environment
• Robust understanding of scenic construction, audio visual and technical staging processes
• High proficiency in Google Docs, Microsoft Office, video conferencing applications
• Excellent budget management skills and proven history of project spend management
• Be a highly self-motivated team player, with a commitment to quality and professionalism
• Be articulate and able to communicate and build relationships across our business internally and externally
• Be extremely organised with meticulous attention to detail
• Have the ability to deliver under pressure and multi-task
• Willing and able to travel internationally for work, and from time to time work unsociable hours (inc. weekends) for extended periods

Job Benefits

What we can offer you:

• Work with a state-of-the-art product and deliver it to exciting and innovative brands
• Learning and development opportunities that contribute to professional growth

Wellness

• Private Medical Insurance (including discounted gym options)
• Discounted Healthcare Cash Plan
• Discounted Private Dental Insurance
• Paid leave to support caring requirements, dependents, sickness, compassionate leave etc.
• Employee Assistance Programme (Help@ hand)
• In-Office Gym (London office only)
• Life Insurance - 4xsalary
• Annual Health Assessment & Flu Vaccinations
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders are available for support

Benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave (pro-rata for part-time roles)
• Birthday Day Off plus a birthday gift
• Discretionary Annual Bonus
• Generous Family Leave Policies with coaching and support for new parents
• Tailored Learning & Development for Career Development
• Enhanced Pension Contributions
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Travel Loans
• Income Protection (employee-only benefit)
• Subsidised Electric Car Scheme
• Home Technology Scheme (tax-efficient loan for tech equipment)
• Unpaid Sabbatical opportunities

Perks

• Hybrid Working (3 in-office days per week)
• Company Events and socials
• Pet-friendly office
• Lunch & Learns sessions
• Wellness & Educational webinars
• Subsidised Café (London office only)