Props & Creative Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Essex; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Business Support is delighted to partner with a tourism attraction in Saffron Walden to appoint a Props & Creative Manager. You will lead a Creative Team, design props and experiences, manage budgets, and ensure safe, engaging installations across seasonal events.

As a hands-on leader, you will oversee props, sets, costumes and decor, coordinating with suppliers and freelancers to deliver high-impact environments for visitors.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a creative production or events team.
• Hands-on skills in props, sets, displays or decorations.
• Ability to source materials and manage budgets.
• Experience briefing freelancers and suppliers.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Attention to detail and high presentation standards.
• Proficient with standard computer packages for admin.
• Willingness to work hands-on with the team.
• Understanding of Health & Safety and risk assessments.
• Experience in visitor attractions, theatre, events or visual merchandising is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organise the Creative Team and prioritise projects.
• Develop props, sets, signage and interactive elements for seasonal events.
• Source props and materials and manage supplier relationships.
• Oversee costumes, briefs, timelines and budgets.
• Contribute ideas for shows, performances and experiences.
• Maintain high standards across decorations and installations.
• Plan installation, operation and storage procedures for creative elements.

Skills

Team management

Creative production

Prop design

Budget management

Freelancer management

Project management

Detail orientation

Health & Safety

Attractions experience

Job description

Props & Creative Manager

• Annual Salary: 32,000- 35,000
• Location: Saffron Walden
• Job Type: Permanent - Full-time on site

Reed Business Support are delighted to be working with an amazing tourist attraction who would like a new member of their team! As a Props & Creative Manager, you would lead their Creative Team in crafting magical environments, characters and experiences that captivate their visitors. This role is perfect for someone who is as comfortable leading a team as they are with hands-on creative tasks, from painting to prop sourcing and space transformation.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Lead and organise the Creative Team, setting daily and project priorities, allocating work and ensuring projects are delivered to a high standard and on time.
• Take creative concepts from initial ideas through to the finished experience, balancing creativity with practical considerations such as budgets, durability and safety.
• Design and develop props, sets, signage, decorations and interactive elements for our seasonal events and attractions.
• Source props and materials, building strong supplier relationships and identifying new products and ideas.
• Manage costumes, overseeing briefs, designs, timelines and budgets to ensure they are practical and meet the required standards.
• Contribute ideas for shows, performances, characters, activities and customer experiences, ensuring they compliment scripts and performances.
• Maintain high standards across all decorations, props and creative installations throughout each event and season.
• Manage stock and storage, ensuring proper documentation and maintenance of props, costumes and decorations between events.
• Keep projects within agreed budgets and find practical solutions that deliver maximum visual impact.
• Plan and document installation, operation and storage procedures for creative elements to ensure smooth transitions for operational teams.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience managing or supervising a team in creative production, events, props, theatre, visual merchandising or similar fields.
• Strong practical creative skills with experience in designing, making, adapting or installing props, sets, displays or decorations.
• Proven ability to source materials and creative products while managing budgets.
• Confidence in briefing and managing freelancers and external suppliers, including costume designers and makers.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, capable of handling multiple deadlines.
• A keen eye for detail and high presentation standards.
• Proficient in using standard computer packages for documents, correspondence and project administration.
• Practical, flexible attitude with a willingness to work hands-on alongside the team.
• Understanding of Health & Safety and risk assessments within a busy visitor attraction.
• Experience in visitor attractions, theatre, events, entertainment, immersive experiences or visual merchandising is highly desirable.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Opportunity to lead creative projects in a unique and enchanting environment.
• Chance to work with a dynamic and passionate team.