Production Manager

Digital Sound Systems, Inc. (DSS, Inc.); Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DSS, Inc. is seeking a Production Manager to design and manage production plans for live events, overseeing AV, lighting, staging, vendors, and budgeting. You will lead on-site teams, coordinate logistics, and ensure quality and on-schedule execution across various venues nationwide.

The role requires a strong leadership mindset, excellent communication, and the ability to lift and move equipment as needed, with a focus on delivering an outstanding attendee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree related to business/management preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in live events, entertainment, or A/V production management.
• Strong understanding of audiovisual, lighting, and staging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Translate event vision into production plans, site layouts, riders, schedules, and call sheets.
• Source, negotiate with, and manage vendors; manage budgets, purchase orders, and payments.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Organization

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Management or equivalent

Tools

FLEX Rental Solutions

Job description

DSS, Inc. provides support technology for live entertainment events across the United States. With our staff and technology, we provide everything to make sure events leave a lasting impression. We offer staffing and equipment for: Music Festivals, Concert Touring, Site Management, Logistics, Outdoor Video, Sound Reinforcement, Lighting, Roof and Staging, and more. DSS, Inc. is a progressive company experiencing rapid growth. We are currently hiring for a Production Manager. The Production manager builds shows and creates quotes based on equipment availability and client needs.

Reports To:

V.P. of Production

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Department:

Production

Oversee the technical and logistical blueprint of live events, from conception to breakdown, managing audiovisuals (AV), lighting, staging, vendors, budgets, and teams to bring a creative vision to life seamlessly and on schedule, focusing on smooth execution and attendee experience. They handle everything from site visits, floor plans, schedules, and staffing to troubleshooting onsite.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning & Design: Translate event vision into production plans, create site layouts, technical riders, schedules, call sheets.
• Vendor & Budget Management: Source, negotiate with, and manage vendors (AV, décor, staffing) and contractors; manage budgets, purchase orders, and payments.
• Technical Oversight: Oversee AV, lighting, video, staging, and streaming; ensure technical requirements are met.
• On-Site Management: Supervise event setup, breakdown, and live execution; manage production staff, crew, and venue operations.
• Logistics: Coordinate transportation, inventory, staffing, and all physical elements.
• Documentation: Prepare production documents, manage contracts, and handle administrative tasks.
• Budgeting & Negotiation
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability
• Time Management & Organization
• Technical Aptitude (AV, Lighting, Staging)

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, or related field often preferred.
• Experience: Proven track record in event management, particularly large-scale or technical productions.
• Technical Aptitude: Understanding of audiovisual, lighting, and digital event technologies.
• Soft Skills: Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Software: Proficiency with event management and project management software.

Qualification / Skills:

• Must have 5 years of previous experience in Entertainment, Live Events, or A/V
• Must possess a ‘big picture view’ of production
• Working knowledge of technical equipment and music
• Strong Leadership ability
• Solid verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and follow through
• Ability to lift 85 lbs.
• Knowledge of FLEX Rental Solutions software, helpful but not required

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in live music production management required

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel between show sites nationwide.
• Must be flexible to alternate between daytime, nighttime and weekend hours, based on
• Performing General Physical Activities - requires considerable use of your arms and legs
• and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and
• handling of materials
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment – Running, maneuvering,
• navigating, or driving vehicles, or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts or passenger
• vehicles.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Harnesses for Rack work, hard hats, safety vests

Condition of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain at least a Class B valid driver’s license for company insurance
• purposes. However, Class A driver’s license is preferred.
• Must submit to pre-employment and random drug testing