Production Manager

Rafanelli Events, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Rafanelli Events in New York is seeking a Production Manager to lead all pre-production, setup and breakdown for assigned events, working with the Production Coordinator, Event Producer and Designer.

You will translate design visions into actionable plans, manage schedules, vendors, staff, and on-site logistics, while ensuring budgets and timelines are met; the role requires travel, overtime, and strong organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in event production.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Willingness to travel and work nights or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Interprets the Designers' vision into tangible design and décor within budget, venue, and timeline.
• Creates and updates all production documents (design notes, floor plans, schedules, and call lists).
• Sources venues, décor, entertainment, and related items, and checks pricing and availability.
• Manages onsite setup, build, breakdown, and oversees venue and on-site vendors.
• Handles administrative tasks: meetings, debits, POs, and expense requests promptly.
• Trains and supervises interns and production assistants.

Skills

Strong organization

Communication

Project/time management

Detail-oriented

Works under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

The Production Manager leads and manages all pre-production and set up and breakdown of assigned events under the supervision of and in partnership with the Production Coordinator, Event Producer and Designer.

Responsibilities

• Interprets the vision of Designers as tangible design and décor while ensuring this vision fits within budget, venue and production timeline
• Creates and updates all production-related documents including design notes, site visit notes, floor plans, production schedule, call list, transportation schedule, inventory requests, staffing plan and schedule and all other printed or digital materials used in production
• Sources venues, décor, linens, entertainment, stationery, welcome bags, etc. and obtains pricing and availability for all items
• Manages onsite set up, build, and break down of events; oversees all aspects of the venue, on-site vendors, and production staff
• Oversees all administrative tasks pertaining to assigned events: schedules and attends design meetings, vendor meetings, site visits, submits all debits, purchase orders, and check requests in a timely manner
• Trains and supervises interns and production assistants required for events
  

Description

The Production Manager leads and manages all pre-production and set up and breakdown of assigned events under the supervision of and in partnership with the Production Coordinator, Event Producer and Designer.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• A minimum of one to three years of experience in event production
• Strong organization, communication and project/time management skills
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and prioritize multiple projects
• Self-motivated and results oriented
• Strong attention to detail
• Possesses high work motivation, commitment, follow through, initiative and achievement
• Overtime, nights and weekends required
• Ability to travel (approximately 25%)
• Ability to lift objects up to 25 lbs
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Works independently with some supervision
  

Supervises

• Production Coordinators, Production Assistants, Interns, and Volunteers

Rafanelli Events is a full-service event planning, design, and production company known for creating extraordinary celebrations and experiences around the world. For more than 30 years, the team has partnered with individuals, families, organizations, and brands to produce weddings, destination celebrations, milestone events, nonprofit galas, corporate programs, and immersive brand experiences. Strategy, creativity, design, and production are integrated under one roof to deliver cohesive, memorable events from the first concept to the final guest departure. Every engagement is highly personalized and carefully crafted to leave a lasting impression. With teams in Boston, New York, and Palm Beach, Rafanelli Events produces events across the country and internationally.