Events Production Manager, FRAME

Frieze Publishing Ltd.; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Frieze Publishing Ltd. seeks a Production Manager to oversee physical elements of international art fairs. The role involves project management, collaboration with clients and suppliers, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Applicants should have significant experience in production, especially within luxury brand environments and the art sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a Production Manager in event production.
• Experience in luxury brand activations and experiential marketing.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables with clients.
• Manage project resources, tasks, and progress.
• Oversee onsite delivery and execution.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management

Health & Safety qualification(s)

Job description

Frieze is the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art, dedicated to artists, galleries, collectors, and art lovers alike. Frieze comprises three magazines – frieze, Frieze Masters Magazine, and Frieze Week – and seven international art fairs – Frieze London, Frieze Masters, Frieze New York, Frieze Los Angeles, Frieze Seoul, The Armory Show, and EXPO Chicago. Legacy art fair brands The Armory Show and EXPO Chicago were acquired by Frieze in September 2023. In October 2021, Frieze also launched No.9 Cork Street, a permanent space for visiting international galleries in Mayfair, London.

At Frieze, we believe art is vital to communities and cultures, bringing together galleries, artists, institutions, and art lovers worldwide to make art flourish.

Frieze is part of the IMG network, a global leader in sports, fashion, events, and media, and a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global entertainment, sports, and content company.

About the Frieze Production Department

The Production team is responsible for delivering all physical elements of the fairs, ensuring safety, timeliness, and success. Based in London, the team comprises two subsets, each led by a Head of Department:

Exhibitor Production– focuses on production elements related to exhibitors, including booth builds, artwork installation, technical support, floor planning, art shipping logistics, Frieze Sculpture management, production schedules, and Health & Safety.

Fair Production– covers tent builds, infrastructure, F&B, contract management, partnership lounge support, non-gallery builds, fair design, site infrastructure, security, cleaning, contractor management, production schedules, and Health & Safety.

Additionally, Frieze has established Frieze FRAME, a stand-alone in-house production agency primarily selling sponsorship activations across the fairs. This newly formed department will be managed by a Production Manager responsible for delivering high-standard client event productions.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables with clients and stakeholders
• Develop detailed project plans with milestones, resources, and budgets
• Manage project resources, tasks, progress, and freelance allocations
• Support new business pitches with feasibility studies and proposals
• Advise clients and teams on production solutions
• Collaborate across teams from concept to completion
• Negotiate with suppliers, manage contracts, and ensure quality
• Handle H&S documentation and compliance with venue regulations
• Create technical briefs and specs for suppliers
• Implement process documentation for production elements
• Forecast, manage, and reconcile budgets, keeping clients informed
• Oversee onsite delivery, technical checks, and project execution
• Report, evaluate, and implement learnings for future projects
• Stay updated on production techniques and suggest innovations
• Ensure sustainability initiatives are incorporated
• Manage project schedules with freelance producers
• Coordinate with Experience and Graphic Designers for smooth delivery

Please note: Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel is required, with longer hours onsite as needed.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum 5 years as a Production Manager, with experience in luxury brand activations and experiential marketing
• Understanding of event production disciplines (fabrication, AV, power, rigging, logistics)
• Experience in managing production schedules and projects from start to finish, within budget and deadlines
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills, with a good supplier network
• Knowledge of legal obligations, H&S, and CDM roles
• Experience balancing creative and operational demands
• Experience in the art world and with luxury brands

Skills and Abilities

• Experience in experiential production agencies
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Qualifications and Training

• Health & Safety qualification(s) e.g., IOSH
• Experience working in the art world
• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field

Our Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Frieze is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a workplace that respects and celebrates all backgrounds. We aim to address systemic inequalities within the arts and culture industry and promote an inclusive environment for all.