Title: Production Manager
Reports to: General Manager
Works with: Programs and Operations team ; Festival staff including Venue Managers and Technicians, Artists and Venues; Volunteers
Status: Full-time, fixed-term contract: Mid-April – 1 November 2025
Remuneration: $90k per annum plus super pro rata
Location: Marrickville, NSW
The Sydney Fringe Incorporated is a cultural industries organisation and advocacy group for the live arts and music sectors. The Sydney Fringe Festival was established in 2010 (www.sydneyfringe.com) and has received widespread industry support and engagement from the artistic community. In 2024, 2181 artists were featured in 400 events across all disciplines in 80 venues. Over 100,000 people attended the event that generated over $40.7 million in economic impact.
Assisting artists is at the forefront of everything we do. Sydney Fringe offers a professional platform from which emerging, early career and professional artists can promote their work to new audiences. The Sydney Fringe strives to ensure that all artists have a positive Fringe experience. We believe that Sydney’s independent artists are what make this city so great, and as such we are dedicated to promoting the independent sector to Sydney’s mainstream audiences.
The Sydney Fringe team goes to great lengths to ensure that audiences, artists, and venues have a successful festival experience; this is the essence of what makes the Sydney Fringe so unique and is essential to the success of our festival.
Our Vision
To be celebrated as one of the world’s leading Fringe Festivals.
Our Purpose
To champion the independent cultural sector, placing it at the heart of Sydney.
Our Values
Expression; Access; Connection; Integrity; Excellence
Role description
Reporting to the General Manager, the Production Manager is a key member of the Programs and Operations team and is responsible for the management and coordination of all production, operational, logistical and technical aspects of the planning, delivery and reporting of the Open Access components, specifically Hubs and Programs, of the Sydney Fringe Festival. The Production Manager will also provide support to other streams as required.
The Sydney Fringe Festival framework includes three streams:
- Hubs and Programs including Managed Venues, Festival Hubs, Satellite Venues, and the Open Access program
- Festival Gardens
- Major and headline events
This hands-on position will advise on the production, technical and operation strategies and actions necessary to deliver the Hubs and Programs stream on time, within budget and meeting all legal and safety compliance requirements.
The Production Manager works closely with the Programs Manager and Coordinators, Ticketing Manager and Sydney Fringe Executive team to service the key stakeholders of the Sydney Fringe Festival – the Artists/Presenters, Venues and Program partners.
Key Responsibilities
Artists and Venues
- Work with the Programs Manager to ensure that all operational elements of Managed Venues, Festival Hubs, Satellite Venues, and the Open Access program are delivered on time, within budget and meeting all WH&S, and safety compliance requirements.
- Consult with Artists/Presenters on technical aspects of their work ensuring suitability to Fringe Managed Venues, while prioritising safe and effective delivery of all technical requirements.
- Determine and document venue key information including space dimensions, dressing room facilities and technical capabilities of managed venues and provide this to the Programs Manager for communication with artists..
Event Management
- Work alongside key producers and Programs Manager to provide consultation and advice on the day-to-day management of production, operations, and technical aspects ensuring events are delivered on schedule and on budget.
- Develop and implement event/projects plans and schedules, following professional event management processes.
- Work alongside Sydney Fringe Access team to increase the accessibility of the festival and ensure that event planning considers access and people with varying abilities. Manage all event licenses, approvals, and requirements.
- Manage all event licenses, approvals and compliance requirements.
- Maintain and develop relationships with festival suppliers, venues, and technical providers in consultation with the Programs Manager
- Coordinate with the Marketing team to oversee the creation and installation of all venue-specific signage.
- Provide costings for activating Managed Venues/Festival Hubs and contribute to venue-specific budgets.
- Oversee and manage all technical requirements of the Hubs and Programs stream, including engagement and management of contracted technical providers and venue technicians.
- Source specialist equipment (staging, lighting, audio-visual etc.) as needed for festival venues.
- Manage Venue Technicians to implement technical requirements across Hubs and Programs.
Risk and Compliance
- Conduct formal risk assessments for Managed Venues, Festival Hubs, and Satellite Venues, documenting and implementing appropriate risk management plans.
- Ensure venues and all festival events comply with WH&S, Building Code, Access audits and other relevant legal requirements. Oversee compliance with the Sydney Fringe Festival’s liquor license and report to the designated liquor licensee for Hubs and Programs.
- Prepare required Plans of Management as per Council or the Police requirements for Hubs and Programs.
- Advise the General Manager on necessary insurance coverage for Hubs and Programs.
- Ensure all required licenses (e.g., APRA/AMCOS, PCCA) are in place for the festival.
- Comply with the Work Health and Safety Act and all related legislation.
- Oversee annual tag and testing of all festival equipment.
Administration and Human Resources
- Manage contractors and casual staff within the Hubs and Programs stream, including Front of House and Technicians.
- Oversee the Sydney Fringe storage facility and equipment register, ensuring efficient check in and out processes and maintenance of all equipment.
- Manage the induction process for technical staff, Front of House teams and volunteers.
- Participate in regular meetings to ensure Project milestones are met.
- Maintain shared folder systems, files and procedural documents.
- Gather data for reporting and statistical analysis in collaboration with the Programs Manager.
- Be available for contact during pre-production through to the conclusion of the festival, including weekends, as required.
Key skills and requirements
- Proven experience managing production and technical aspects of festivals and/or major events.
- Extensive knowledge of event and festival operations with the ability to support to key stakeholders throughout delivery.
- Strong understanding of the needs of artists, presenters, and venues, with the ability to effectively schedule and manage events.
- Financial and contract management expertise, with the ability to plan and maximise event financial viability. Highly developed project and event management skills.
- Experience managing event budgets, tracking expenditures, and reforecasting as needed.
- Ability to effectively liaise with senior management and oversee large teams.
- Strong skills in creating, maintaining, and executing project timelines.
- High level proficiency with Excel and project management software.
- Advanced reporting and data analysis skills.
- Proactive approach to workload management with strong prioritization skills.
- Thorough understanding of event production compliance, including Council approvals, event licensing, and risk management.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including government agencies, property owners, and sponsors.
- Ability to efficiently use in-house organisational and business systems. Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget while motivating others to do the same.
- Experience working in not-for-profit environments with a flexible work ethic and cost-effective approach.
- Appreciation for the contribution of volunteers within the not-for-profit sector.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in operations and technical roles within cultural events, festivals, or large-scale event management.
- Extensive background in the arts, culture, entertainment, or events industry.
- Established industry contacts in the Sydney area (highly desirable).
- Strong knowledge of Sydney’s Independent Arts sector.
- Desirable certifications: RSA, First Aid, White Card.
- Valid driver’s license.
Judgment, decision making, and authority
The Production Manager is expected to exercise sound judgment and make decisions regarding all aspects of event management and delivery, ensuring the highest level of service and operational excellence.
While self-managed, the Production Manager reports to the General Manager and collaborates closely with the Sydney Fringe team, including contractors, volunteers, and casual staff.
Diversity and Opportunity
Sydney Fringe provides equal access to all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or marital status.
How to Apply
Applications must be no longer than 3 pages, respond to the position description, address the key responsibilities and experience, and include:
- A covering letter outlining your relevant experience and alignment with our values
- A current resume
- The names and contact details of three professional referees
Applications should be submitted as a PDF document with your name and the position title as the document’s title and emailed to hq@sydneyfringe.com by 5pm on Friday 4th April 2025 Please ensure that the subject of the email reads as “Sydney Fringe Production Manager application: name of applicant”.
Covering letters can be submitted as an audio or video recording if preferred. If you have any access requirements or further questions regarding this position please contact the Sydney Fringe General Manager, on hq@sydneyfringe.com.
Sydney Fringe is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our organisation is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
