Scenic Production Manager - Contract

Ethara; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Ethara is seeking an experienced Scenic Production Manager for a contract-based role in Abu Dhabi. You will oversee end-to-end scenic production, from design development and fabrication to installation, onsite operations and dismantling, ensuring safety, quality and on-time delivery for a high-profile international event.

You will coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, review CAD and shop drawings, manage budgets and procurement, and lead supplier performance to meet venue requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years in scenic production, event fabrication or large temporary events.
• At least 4 years in a management/production leadership role.
• Experience delivering scenic production for large conferences, exhibitions, summits or major events.
• Strong knowledge of scenic fabrication methods, materials and temporary construction.
• Experience managing suppliers, subcontractors and delivery schedules.
• Ability to review CAD drawings, shop drawings and technical specs.
• Knowledge of integrating scenic with stages, LED/projection, lighting and AV.
• Proven cost control, procurement and vendor negotiation skills.
• Bachelor level or equivalent in a related discipline; UAE/GCC experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-to-end scenic production workstreams aligning with budgets, schedules and quality standards.
• Translate creative concepts into safe, buildable scenic solutions.
• Review CAD/shop drawings, technical specs, BOMs and material samples.
• Conduct site surveys and verify dimensions, access routes and venue constraints.
• Lead design reviews with跨 functional teams (Creative, Ops, Technical Production, AV, Lighting, Rigging, MEP).
• Develop procurement packages, review supplier quotations and evaluate value engineering.
• Manage supplier performance, fabrication progress, installation and onsite operations.
• Oversee fabrication of stages, backdrops, walls, platforms, flooring and temporary structures.
• Coordinate integration with LED, projection, lighting, power and other services.
• Ensure compliance with safety, fire, accessibility and venue requirements.
• Maintain production schedules, approvals, transportation, rehearsals and dismantling.
• Provide onsite support during rehearsals and live events; manage repairs.

Skills

Scenic production

Project coordination

Budget management

Supplier management

CAD review

Team leadership

HSE compliance

Venue compliance

Construction management

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Production

Tools

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Adobe Acrobat

MS Office

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Scenic Production Manager to join our team in Abu Dhabi on a contract basis, supporting the planning and delivery of scenic production elements for a high-profile international event.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the end-to-end scenic production process, from design development, technical reviews and procurement through to fabrication, installation, onsite operations and dismantling.

The role requires strong experience in scenic fabrication, technical production, supplier management and large-scale event delivery, ensuring that all scenic elements are delivered safely, within budget, on schedule and in compliance with venue requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage the planning, coordination and delivery of assigned scenic production workstreams in line with project objectives, budgets, schedules and quality standards.
• Translate approved creative concepts and technical requirements into practical, safe and buildable scenic production solutions.
• Review and coordinate CAD drawings, renders, shop drawings, technical specifications, material samples, mock-ups and bills of quantities (BOQs).
• Conduct site surveys and verify dimensions, access routes, venue restrictions, loading requirements and technical interfaces before fabrication.
• Coordinate scenic design reviews with Creative, Event Operations, Technical Production, AV, Lighting, Rigging, MEP, Branding, HSE and Logistics teams.
• Develop scenic production scopes, technical specifications, procurement packages and supplier deliverables.
• Review supplier quotations, tenders, commercial proposals, variations and value-engineering opportunities to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Manage supplier performance, fabrication progress, delivery schedules and installation requirements.
• Oversee scenic fabrication, including stages, backdrops, scenic walls, platforms, flooring, cladding, specialist finishes, branding and temporary structures.
• Coordinate scenic integration with LED screens, projection systems, lighting, rigging, AV control rooms, power and other technical services.
• Ensure scenic designs and installations meet accessibility, structural, fire safety and venue compliance requirements.
• Conduct workshop inspections to monitor fabrication quality, material finishes, dimensions and production readiness.
• Develop and maintain integrated scenic production schedules covering approvals, fabrication, transportation, installation, rehearsals, event operations and dismantling.
• Coordinate onsite logistics, including deliveries, loading areas, material handling, storage, installation sequencing and access requirements.
• Supervise onsite scenic teams, subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring effective task allocation, progress tracking and safe working practices.
• Manage installation inspections, snagging, corrective actions, operational readiness checks and formal handover.
• Provide onsite scenic production support during rehearsals and live event operations, coordinating urgent repairs and adjustments where required.
• Oversee safe dismantling, venue reinstatement, material removal, storage and waste management.
• Work closely with HSE and venue teams to ensure compliance with approved safety procedures, risk assessments and relevant regulations.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, approval trackers, cost forecasts, progress reports, risk registers and close-out records.
• Identify and escalation potential design, safety, quality, supplier, budget or programme risks, recommending practical solutions and recovery actions.

Job Specifications:

• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant experience in scenic production, event fabrication, technical production or large-scale temporary event delivery.
• At least 4 years of experience in a management or production workstream leadership role.
• Proven experience delivering scenic production for large-scale conferences, exhibitions, summits, broadcast environments or comparable major events.
• Strong technical knowledge of scenic fabrication methods, materials, finishes and temporary construction.
• Demonstrated experience managing suppliers, subcontractors, fabrication teams, production budgets and delivery schedules.
• Ability to review and interpret CAD drawings, shop drawings, structural details, technical specifications and production documentation.
• Strong understanding of scenic integration with stages, platforms, LED screens, projection, lighting, rigging, AV, power and MEP services.
• Experience preparing and reviewing BOQs, supplier quotations, tender submissions, procurement packages and variations.
• Knowledge of production scheduling, critical-path planning, progress monitoring and cost control.
• Familiarity with fire certification, structural documentation, risk assessments, method statements, venue approvals and HSE requirements.
• Proven experience supervising fabrication, onsite installation, live event support and dismantling activities.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills, supplier management and value-engineering capabilities.
• Excellent communication, coordination, leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and coordinate multiple technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and working knowledge of AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat or equivalent drawing review tools.
• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Technical Production, Theatre Production, Event Management, Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline. Equivalent substantial industry experience may be considered.
• Previous UAE/GCC event delivery experience is preferred.
• Relevant HSE training and a valid UAE driving licence are advantageous.
• Flexibility to work onsite, including evenings, night shifts, weekends and public holidays, in line with event requirements.