Assistant Production Manager, Sea

RWS Entertainment Group; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment firm based in Milton Keynes seeks an Assistant Production Manager to support operations for onboard entertainment. This role involves managing budgets, coordinating logistics, and ensuring high-quality production standards. Ideal candidates have a degree in theatrical production or relevant experience, coupled with strong organisational skills and a willingness to travel. The company offers competitive salary and benefits including flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company pension

25 days paid holiday

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• A degree in theatrical arts or similar is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in relevant industry roles required.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 25% of the year.

Responsibilities

• Support managing client budgets and preparing updates.
• Coordinate production and operations meetings.
• Assist in developing master production timelines.

Skills

Project coordination

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Organisational skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Theatrical Production or related field

1–2 years in entertainment or live event production

Tools

Microsoft Office

Apple platforms

Airtable

Job description

JOBS DETAILS

Job Title: Assistant Production Manager, Sea
Reports To: Senior Production Manager, Sea Production
Working Hours: Normal office hours are 09:30 to 17:30, Monday – Thursday, 09:30 to 17:00 Friday
Place of Work: UK HQ, Mill Court, Featherstone Rd, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK12 5EU
Other: Full Time, Mobile (3x days/week in MK HQ)

ABOUT RWS GLOBAL
RWS Global creates meaningful connections and bespoke experiences spanning theatrical productions, events, multimedia, and more. In 2024, the entertainment leader expanded its capabilities into live sporting events with the launch of RWS Global Sports.
Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, and Sydney—with dedicated RWS Studios in both NYC and the UK to support its extensive talent pipeline and client base—RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, theme parks, resorts, and more.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Production Manager, Sea Production, the Assistant Production Manager, Sea supports the primary client contact for assigned Sea portfolio clients by contributing to exceptional client service, ensuring smooth production operations, and maintaining high standards of quality and brand integrity.

The role assists in the project management of RWS-produced onboard entertainment, helping to preserve the artistic vision of each production. It provides operational support throughout the production lifecycle, including rehearsals and onboard transitions.

KEY TASKS

• Support the management of assigned client budgets, including tracking expenses and preparing updates for internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate project-specific budget needs with full-time and freelance staff, as appropriate.
• Assist with production and operations meetings with assigned clients, ensuring professional communication and representation of RWS Global.
• Help develop and maintain master production timelines in collaboration with Sea Production and other departments.
• Provide logistical support to the assigned account team and assist with task execution to meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Assist in the coordination of cast leadership roles, such as scheduling interviews and communicating cabin assignments with vessels.
• Create and update production-related schedules (e.g., production calendars, rehearsal schedules, wardrobe schedules), if applicable.
• Coordinate changeover logistics, including communication with internal teams and vessel partners.
• Organise transport logistics for wardrobe and other production materials.
• Track and summarise talent survey feedback, preparing it for review and follow-up by relevant team members.
• Serve as point of contact for scheduling wardrobe fittings and shoe logistics, if applicable.
• Schedule and help facilitate onboarding/travel meetings, delegating or supporting as needed.
• Prepare and organise documentation for new show installs with input from internal stakeholders.
• Monitor and process rehearsal and voyage reports, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Travel to vessels for installs and changeovers as required (approximately 25% annually).
• Coordinate logistics for Creative Waves host training days (UK), as needed.
• Maintain communication with production team members and external manufacturers during the design and build phases.
• Update Wrike timelines and tasks for new projects, cast and host changes.
• Coordinate host rotations alongside internal teams on Airtable.
• Track payment schedules and communicate with vendors regarding production elements.
• Assist in preparing digital screen content for onboard use (e.g., cast decks).
• Manage show materials with direction from creatives and designers.
• Support procurement, invoicing, logistics, and operational workflows to ensure project progression.
• Act as a liaison between the onboard team and internal production staff.
• Send embarkation advisories and manage travel communications.
• Provide in-studio support for product changeovers, including set-up/tape-outs.
• Assist with or participate in onboard installations as needed.
• Help document and maintain ‘show bibles’ in collaboration with Creative Teams.
• Handle day-to-day production needs to ensure show and rehearsal operations run smoothly.
• Provide consistent communication and support to talent across the fleet.
• Ensure adherence to policies and procedures set by the client delivery team.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Theatrical Production, Arts Management, or a related field, OR 1–2 years of experience in the entertainment, education, or live event production industry.
• Basic understanding of project or production coordination.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a willingness to take initiative.
• Ability to multitask effectively and manage shifting priorities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Teams), Apple platforms (including familiarity with Numbers and Keynote), and Airtable.
• Strong organisational and documentation skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 25% of the year.
• Positive attitude with a high level of motivation, reliability, collaboration, and adaptability.

Additional Qualifications

• Musical-theatre or music venue experience.
• Theatrical administration experience (stage management, production management, general management).
• Cruise ship and/or theme park experience.

A valid passport for the duration of employment is required for all travel-related roles. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or proof of exemption) will also be required.

COMPANY BENEFITS

• Competitive salary.
• Company pension.
• 25 days’ paid holiday excluding bank holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Computer (Mac/Windows).
• Company phone programme.
• Flexible working (office/remote).
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme.
• Childcare Support Policy.
• Employer-sponsored vision programme.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
RWS Global values diversity and promotes it. All differences are welcome here.