Manager, Scenic & Props Design

RWS Global; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary recognition

Company Pension

25 days paid holiday

Paid parental leave

Company Mac/Windows computers

Company Phone Program

Flexible working (office/remote)

Employee Assistance and Wellbeing

Childcare Support Policy

Vision Programme

Job summary

RWS Global is seeking a Manager, Scenic & Props Design to lead the creation and maintenance of props and scenery for live experiences. Working with the design and creative team, you will ensure elements support the story while meeting production requirements.

You will develop concepts, oversee fabrication, manage budgets and timelines, supervise in-house staff and freelancers, and travel as needed to installations.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in project management, props or scenic shop, operations management, theatrical design, or a combination is required.
• High school diploma required. Bachelor’s Degree in design or technical theatre required.
• Experience may substitute for some education requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop production concepts for scenery and props using Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, CAD software, and/or hand sketching.
• Create build/install plans and assist with RFP development for external fabrication vendors.
• Manage vendor bids, budgets, timelines, and communication throughout production.
• Conduct site visits and oversee scenic load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsals.
• Make onsite and remote executive decisions to maintain production quality and integrity.
• Maintain professional relationships with vendors, performers, and clients while upholding company standards.
• Fabricate, alter, and maintain props for in-house productions, including prototyping in alignment with the creative team's vision.
• Develop and maintain detailed props bibles, including care instructions, tracking, and manifests.
• Coordinate shipping and logistics for props, scenic elements, graphics, road kits, and installation supplies.
• Track project budgets and reconcile department expenses.
• Lead and supervise internal teams, freelancers, artisans, and interns in a safe, productive shop environment.
• Maintain shop organization, supply inventory, and safe operation of all tools and equipment.
• Travel regularly required

Skills

Prop management

Project management

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Communication

Time management

CAD drafting

Hand sketching

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's Degree in design or technical theatre

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

AutoCAD

Vectorworks

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Manager, Scenic & Props Design

• Reports To: Director, Design | Live Experiences
• Working Hours: Non-install schedule: Monday-Friday 9am‑5pm
• During Install Schedule: As needed, averaging 10‑hour days with comp time off post-install
• Place of Work: UK HQ, Mill Court, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK12 5EU
• Estimated Start Date: August 1st 2026
• Status: Mobile (3 days in the office, 2 days remote)
• Other: Full Time

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Live Experience Design, this role will manage the creation and maintenance of props and scenery for RWS Global clients. The Scenic and Props Manager works with the design and creative team to construct elements in live experiences that establish the setting or are used by performers to tell the story. These props and scenery must align with the team’s vision to create a cohesive look while performing their function. The manager will create and execute designs, maintain items with documentation, repair and replacement procedures, and oversee in‑house maintenance so all cast are set up for success. The manager also manages stock items in storage and rehearsal studios.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Develop production concepts for scenery and props using Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, CAD software, and/or hand sketching
• Create build/install plans and assist with RFP development for external fabrication vendors
• Manage vendor bids, budgets, timelines, and communication throughout production
• Conduct site visits and oversee scenic load‑ins, load‑outs, and technical rehearsals
• Make onsite and remote executive decisions to maintain production quality and integrity
• Maintain professional relationships with vendors, performers, and clients while upholding company standards
• Fabricate, alter, and maintain props for in‑house productions, including prototyping in alignment with the creative team's vision
• Develop and maintain detailed props bibles, including care instructions, tracking, and manifests
• Coordinate shipping and logistics for props, scenic elements, graphics, road kits, and installation supplies
• Track project budgets and reconcile department expenses
• Lead and supervise internal teams, freelancers, artisans, and interns in a safe, productive shop environment
• Maintain shop organization, supply inventory, and safe operation of all tools and equipment
• Travel regularly required

Qualifications & Skills

• Passionate about leisure and attractions entertainment
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, projects, ad‑hoc assignments, and deadlines
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) or willingness to learn
• Attention to detail: please type the word “Blue Iguana” on top of your resume prior to applying
• Motivated and effective self‑starter with a record of project success
• Independent worker with capacity for multi‑tasking
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Adaptable to fast‑paced timelines
• Knowledge of Apple and Windows programs
• Exceptional time management, organizational skills, budgeting and finance skills
• Ability to take initiative and come up with out‑of‑the‑box solutions, and ability to problem‑solve
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to read and interpret drafting
• Basic to moderate sewing, carpentry, electrical/lighting and sculpture / casting / mold‑making skills
• Basic to moderate Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator
• Moderate to advanced use of power tools, skills in painting and CAD drafting
• Need the ability to lift 50 lbs
• Must be comfortable with heights, working on ladders and lifts with appropriate safety equipment
• A flexible schedule allowing for up to 40% travel

Experience

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in project management, props or scenic shop, operations management, theatrical design, or a combination is required
• High school diploma required. Bachelor’s Degree in design or technical theatre required
  • Experience may substitute for some of the above education
• A valid passport for the duration of employment for all travel‑related roles

Company Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Company Pension
• 25 days paid holiday excluding Bank Holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Computer (Mac/Windows)
• Company Phone Program
• Flexible working (office/remote)
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
• Childcare Support Policy
• Employer Sponsored Vision Programme

Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Diverse is who we are. Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it, and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self‑expression, and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements. So, bring all of who you are, no questions asked.