Production Manager, FRAME

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

Job summary

Frieze is seeking a Production Manager for Frieze FRAME to manage client event production at a high standard. The role involves project planning, resource management, and vendor negotiation while incorporating sustainability initiatives. Successful candidates will thrive in a dynamic environment in the art world, bringing at least five years of production experience along with a relevant degree.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in production management, especially in luxury brand activations.
• Experience balancing creative and operational aspects.
• Excellent supplier network knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables with clients.
• Manage resources, assign tasks, and track progress.
• Oversee onsite delivery and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship Management

Communication

Organizational

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management

Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH)

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 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, drafting, 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.

Frieze FRAME, a newly formed stand-alone department, acts as an in-house production agency, primarily offering turnkey production management for sponsor activations across the Frieze Fairs portfolio.

The Production Manager role within Frieze FRAME is key to managing client event production, ensuring delivery to high standards across activations.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables with clients and internal teams.
• Develop project plans with milestones, resources, and budgets.
• Manage resources, assign tasks, track progress, and adjust freelance allocations as needed.
• Support new business pitches and strategic initiatives with feasibility studies and proposals.
• Advise clients and teams on production solutions.
• Collaborate on the end-to-end production process from concept to completion.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure quality.
• Handle H&S documentation and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Create briefing documents and technical specifications for suppliers.
• Implement process documentation for production elements.
• Forecast, manage, and reconcile budgets; keep clients informed of spend.
• Oversee onsite delivery, technical checks, and project execution.
• Report and evaluate projects, sharing learnings and best practices.
• Stay updated on production techniques and suggest innovations.
• Ensure sustainability initiatives are incorporated.
• Develop production schedules with freelance producers.
• Coordinate with Experience and Graphic Designers to ensure timely delivery.

Please note: flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel is required. Longer hours may be necessary onsite.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum 5 years in production management, especially in luxury brand activations and experiential marketing.
• Understanding of event production disciplines: fabrication, AV, power, rigging, logistics.
• Experience managing production schedules and projects from start to finish within budget.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent supplier network knowledge.
• Understanding of legal obligations, Health & Safety, and CDM roles.
• Experience balancing creative and operational aspects.
• Experience in the art world and working with luxury brands.

Skills and Abilities

Mandatory

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

Qualifications and Training

Mandatory

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

Our Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Frieze values diversity, equity, and inclusion, committed to anti-discrimination and fostering an inclusive environment within the arts and culture industry.