Producer

Barkley; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Barkley is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Producer to lead projects across video, audio, photography, social, experiential and activation. You will collaborate with Creative and Client Experience teams to develop production plans, manage budgets, and source top partners.

The role demands strong negotiation, exceptional communication, and ability to drive projects from concept to delivery. Ideal candidates will balance feasibility with innovation, manage multiple projects within budget, and

Qualifications

• Ability to operate independently and with executive support.
• Strong prioritization and time-management skills.
• Hands-on approach to production with budgeting experience.
• Proficient in creating budgets and detailed schedules.
• Experience managing multiple projects within budget and timelines.
• Ability to coordinate with agency partners and clients.
• Willingness to travel as required by production.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication essential for cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects across video, audio, photography, social, experiential and activation.
• Collaborate with Creative and Client Experience teams to translate ideas into production plans.
• Provide input on feasibility and innovate while aligning with timelines.
• Develop production roadmaps with milestones in collaboration with PM and Client Experience.
• Source and select production partners, balancing scope with budgets.
• Assemble resources and negotiate costs to meet client objectives.
• Coordinate and supervise production partners and contracts throughout.
• Develop comprehensive estimates and manage the project budget.
• Ensure SAG/AFTRA compliance and liaise with Legal/Business Affairs.

Skills

Independent work

Prioritization

Hands-on producer

Budgets & schedules

Multi-project management

Agency collaboration

Travel readiness

Negotiation skills

Clear communication

Job description

Are you a natural problem solver and have a love of elevating ideas? We are looking for a candidate that is super creative and detail-oriented. The Producer will lead projects for video, audio, photography, social, experiential and activation. If you thrive in a creative environment and have excellent communication skills, we'd love to talk to you.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Creative and Client ExperienceTeams to determine the best possible approach to bring creative to life. Has a solid understanding of production processes and is able to provide innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment with the support and mentorship of an Executive Producer.
• Engages early and often in the development of creative to provide ongoing feedback and input. Weighs in on feasibility while continually assessing how best to leverage the creative opportunity.
• Supports, protects and advances the idea, ensuring the best possible execution of the creative at every step.
• Develops a road map for production, laying out optimal timing and milestones with Project Management and Client Experience Teams.
• Works closely with Creative Teams to source, review and select the best production partners for a project - keeping an eye on scale to make sure the approach is appropriate for the project objectives and budget.
• Assembles resources and negotiates cost to achieve client budget objectives.
• Coordinates and supervises production partners throughout the process.
• Develops comprehensive estimates with a thorough understanding of all moving parts.
• Closely manages the project budget to keep costs in line.
• Initiates production contracts and Statement of Work for partners and facilitates their execution with internal Legal Team.
• On-going research and pre-screening of production partners including Directors, Production Companies, Music, Sound Design, Editorial, Motion Graphics, Animation, Experiential and other resources as needed.
• Has a basic understanding of SAG/AFTRA guidelines for production.
• Works closely with Business Affairs and Executive Producer to ensure the Agency is in compliance with the SAG/AFTRA contract at all times.
• Works with Business Affairs and outside resources to negotiate and secure rights and clearances for work as needed

Qualifications:

• Ability to operate with independently and/or with support from Executive Producer.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Ability to be a hands-on producer as required.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently create budgets and schedules.
• Ability to manage/supervise multiple projects within budget and ensure related timeline completion.
• Ability to provide clear and concise direction to agency partners within Barkley and with clients
• Ability to travel to as required by the production.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Experience in generating production plans and schedules.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

BarkleyOKRP’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging

• At BarkleyOKRP, DEI+B drives work that matters. We believe people and creativity are made of the same substance, and when every perspective is valued, the impact is stronger. We build belonging as a business strategy, power inclusive creativity that delivers measurable results, and hold ourselves accountable as a B Corp committed to progress over performative intent. When people are valued, the work carries greater impact.