The Production Manager role is responsible for the production resources and technical delivery of events for the Wheeler Centre. This includes: the Centre’s in-house and off-site events; a range of activities conducted at the Wheeler Centre by resident organisations and external hirers; and other company projects, as required. Alongside this, the Production Manager supports the smooth functioning of the Wheeler Centre as a building, primarily through the maintenance of key spaces and infrastructure and liaison with between the Centre, the independently run café, and State Library Victoria.
The Wheeler Centre is a fast-paced and ambitious organisation. To succeed in this position, you will enjoy working in a hands-on role as part of a highly-motivated and collaborative workforce. You will bring exemplary production planning and technical know-how to the Operations team, and display a solutions-focused approach to overseeing the physical assets of a busy venue. Managing the end-to-end production and technical process of approximately 250 events annually, the Production Manager is responsible for maintaining the highest standards in event delivery and safety at all times. This role includes regular evening and occasional weekend work.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
The Production Manager:
- Reports to the General Manager, works as part of the Operations team, including a full-time Events Coordinator and two part-time Venue Coordinators, and collaborates with programming team on conception and delivery of public programme.
- Maintains keys relationships with external venues, and production and technical suppliers.
- Liaises regularly with SLV People & Property Dept regarding matters affecting the safe delivery of events at the Wheeler Centre, including security and electricians.
- Liaises regularly with the Moat Café regarding matters affecting the safe operations of the café, with particular focus on liaison between the café and SLV People & Property Dept
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Programme & Projects
- Planning and coordinating production and technical requirements, including sourcing and securing venues, equipment, contractors, and technical staff.
- Preparing/monitoring production budgets in collaboration with the programming team.
- Ensuring the Centre’s activities are delivered with awareness of, commitment to, OH&S policies and procedures.
- Provide technical and production advice within agreed budgets to all departments.
- Maintain knowledge and awareness of contemporary production management and application of new technology and processes.
- Operate technical aspects of in-house events, including lighting, sound, audio and video recording.
- In collaboration with the Marketing & Comms team, ensure consistently high production values, including staging and branding for live events and video and audio recordings.
- Act as Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) representative at events, in conjunction with Events Coordinator.
- Contribute to event reports and project debriefs, as applicable.
Facilities Management
- Liaise with the General Manager regarding ongoing technical requirements of the Centre’s public spaces relating to the day- to-day operation of key spaces.
- Ensure the Centre’s AV, lighting, sounds and other technical equipment is maintained in good order.
- Anticipate common technical issues and problems, and identify and implement backup policies and strategies.
- Make recommendations and source quotes for production equipment upgrade and replacement, in line with the Centre’s assets management plan.
- Implement and maintain test and tag regime for technical & production equipment.
- Ensure the Centre’s Workplace Health & Safety policies are upheld at all times.
- Act as first point-of-contact for State Library Victoria for reactive facilities maintenance issues (e.g., electricians, plumbing)
Venue Hire Support
- Ensure the successful delivery of hirers’ events at the Wheeler Centre by: planning and coordinating production and technical requirements for events (includes AV, lighting, sound, recordings, and staff in response to hirers’ requests); and ensuring hire events are delivered with an awareness of, and commitment to, OH&S policies and procedures.
Residents
- Support the successful delivery of Resident Literary Organisations’ (RLO) events at the Wheeler Centre by: liaising with RLO’s staff during event planning phase, as required; and training RLO staff on use of equipment and systems; and ensuring all RLOs’ events are delivered with an awareness of, and commitment to, OH&S policies and procedures.
Staffing
- Recruit and supervise a pool of casual technical staff who are solutions-focused professionals, and perform their duties with strong attention to detail, high levels of customer service, and a calm demeanour at all times.
- Roster casual staff, and approve timesheets.
Administration
- Attend and contribute production input at regular meetings.
- Maintain First Aid qualifications.
- Perform other duties, as required.
Financial
- Act within financial delegations at all times.
- Obtain & approve quotes and invoices for production-related expenditure.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a relevant role focused on event production, e.g., production management or technical operation within a live events context.
- Technical proficiency in sound production for the delivery of live events: e.g., experience with software based digital audio systems, recording software and audio processing in live and studio environments; knowledge and understanding of AMX control systems.
- Understanding of video production techniques, technical production and lighting.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including negotiation and problem-solving abilities and a talent for remaining calm under pressure.
- Good working knowledge of OH&S requirements and risk management for public events.
- An unrestricted driver’s licence.
Desirable
- Prior experience in facilities or venue management, preferably for a cultural institution.
- Demonstrated ability to lead event staff and manage contractors, creating an effective team.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
- The Centre is an Equal Opportunity Employer
- The Centre provides a smoke-free environment
- This role requires occasional use of a vehicle and occasional physical activity.
- Interviews are intended to take place on 16 or 17 December 2015 with the preferred start date for the successful candidate of early-January 2016. Please indicate your availability for this timeline in your cover letter.
A cover letter outlining your interest in the role
A current CV, including the contact details of two professional referees
A written response to the key selection criteria
Application Format
Applications should not exceed six pages in length.
Please combine your application into a single PDF document, with the filename format “First Name Last Name – Production Manager”.
Applications should be submitted by email to recruitment@wheelercentre.com
