Drone Technology Manager - Live Events

ER Productions; Dartford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary DOE + Overtime

4 Weeks Holiday + Bank Holidays

Enrollment into 401K Savings scheme

Participation in Bonus Scheme

Job summary

A leading technology company in live events seeks a Drone Technology Manager to lead the development and management of innovative drone technology. You will oversee a global team, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and maintaining operational excellence. With at least 2 years of experience in hands-on drone operations and a background in live events technology, you will help shape the future of drone shows. Competitive salary and opportunities for growth offered.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years hands-on experience leading LED drone show operations at a senior level.
• Track record of managing global technical crews and training.
• Proven involvement in commercial bidding processes.
• Involvement in commercial bidding, cost input and feasibility assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a reliable and scalable drone technology platform.
• Ensure compliance with aviation licensing and safety requirements.
• Support project managers with drone scopes and feasibility assessments.
• Design and deliver global training programs for certified pilots and technicians.
• Support project managers with drone scopes, costings and bid feasibility assessments.
• Collaborate with creative, operational and project teams to execute drone shows worldwide.

Skills

Hands-on experience leading LED drone show operations

Building and managing global technical crews

Operational risk assessment

Project management skills

Cost input & bidding

Excel/Google Suite

Tools

Drone fleet management platforms

Google Suite

Excel

Job description

Do you have hands‑on experience leading drone shows and live events technology? Are you looking to work in a growing, international, fast paced, exciting and global business working with some of the worlds best known live acts and biggest shows?

Would you like to work for the world's largest, most exciting and innovative supplier of laser, special effects and now Drone Shows?

ER Productions is the world record holder for the world's largest laser display performed in Dubai in 2021 and is now pushing the boundaries of drone light shows worldwide – would you like to join the team and be part of delivering the most spectacular drone displays on planet earth? This could be the job for you.

For the right candidates there are development and career opportunities as our business continues to implement our ambitious long term growth strategy. Our work will truly give you the opportunity to lead innovation, shape our drone capability and grow with one of the most dynamic companies in the industry.

We want applicants that have senior‑level drone show experience, a strong commercial and regulatory mindset, and a brilliant can‑do attitude. The purpose of the role is to lead the development, management and continuous improvement of ER’s drone technology capability, ensuring we have a reliable, scalable and innovative drone platform capable of delivering world‑class drone shows globally.

You will be working in a fast paced international business working to tight deadlines and last minute changes, therefore it is important that you have the following Skills and Experience:

• At least 2 years hands‑on experience leading LED drone show operations at a senior level, ideally including large‑scale public or broadcast events
• At least 2 years experience in an operational role across multiple international territories
• Track record of building and managing global technical crews, including training design, certification management, and succession planning
• 4 years experience in live events / entertainment technology or 2 years in aerospace / UAV industries (preferred)
• Experience evaluating and integrating emerging drone technologies and managing supplier / manufacturer relationships
• Proven involvement in the commercial bidding process, reviewing scopes, providing cost input, and assessing feasibility
• Good commercial acumen with knowledge of Excel and Google Suite
• Competence in operational risk assessment, safety case development, and incident management
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply aviation authority regulations across multiple international jurisdictions
• Proficiency in drone fleet management platforms, service history systems, and maintenance tracking tools
• Strong project management skills with the ability to support multiple simultaneous productions across different time zones

As a Drone Technology Manager your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and documentation of a clearly defined, reliable and scalable drone technology platform (hardware, control systems, software and infrastructure) that integrates seamlessly with ER’s laser and show systems
• Oversee fleet maintenance, expansion, preparation, testing and readiness to ensure ≥95% uptime and flawless show delivery
• Ensure 100% compliance with all aviation licensing, safety and regulatory requirements across every operating territory, maintaining full documentation and a proactive compliance calendar
• Design and deliver a global training programme so that certified pilots and technicians are available in every key location, while researching, testing and introducing new drone technologies in a structured way
• Support project managers with accurate drone scopes, costings and feasibility assessments for bids, and manage drone‑related capital investment and operational costs responsibly
• Work collaboratively with creative, operational and project teams to turn ER’s ambitious creative visions into reality on stage and around the world

This hands‑on role requires physical capability, including the ability to perform heavy lifting when needed for event setup and preparation.

Package on Offer:

• Competitive Salary DOE + Overtime
• 4 Weeks Holiday + Bank Holidays + Seasonal Shut Down
• Enrollment into 401K Savings scheme, after qualifying period
• Participation in ER Productions Bonus Scheme, after qualifying period

A little about us:

ER Productions is an international, award‑winning laser & special effects specialist, with credits spanning high profile events, advertising, television and worldwide concert tours.

Constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to the ongoing development, manufacture and sourcing of cutting‑edge laser, drone & SFX products, we have the largest collection of laser and drone solutions worldwide.

With offices in the UK, Spain, Australia, Saudi Arabia and USA, ER Productions is perfectly placed to deliver systems and show‑stopping laser & drone displays around the world.

If you’re ready to lead the next generation of drone technology at the most exciting company in the industry, we’d love to hear from you.