Props & Creative Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary based on experience

Lead creative projects in a unique, En

Dynamic team

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment are recruiting for a Props & Creative Manager at a popular tourist attraction in Saffron Walden. You will lead the Creative Team, shaping magical environments and experiences that captivate visitors, with hands-on duties from painting to prop sourcing and space transformation.

You will balance creativity with budgets, safety and practicality, while driving high standards across decorations, props and installations for seasonal events.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a Creative Team in events or theatre.
• Strong hands-on skills in props, sets and decorations.
• Experience sourcing materials and managing budgets.
• Ability to brief and manage freelancers and suppliers.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Keen eye for detail and high presentation standards.
• Proficient with standard computer packages for admin.
• Willingness to work hands-on with the team.
• Understanding of Health & Safety in busy attractions.
• Experience in visitor attractions or related fields is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organise the Creative Team and priorities.
• Translate concepts from ideas to finished experiences within budgets and safety.
• Design and develop props, sets, signage and interactive elements.
• Source props and materials, build supplier relationships.
• Manage costumes, briefs, timelines and budgets.
• Contribute ideas for shows and customer experiences.
• Maintain high standards across decorations and installations.
• Manage stock and storage between events.
• Keep projects within budgets and deliver visual impact.
• Plan installation, operation and storage procedures for elements.

Skills

Team management

Creative production

Budget management

Freelancer management

Project planning

Detail oriented

Office suite

Hands-on creativity

Health & safety knowledge

Visitor attractions experience

Tools

MS Office

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.