Project Manager, Production

Panavid; New Jersey; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D

Paid Sick and Vacation Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan with employer 2

Direct Deposit

Professional development and career成长

Job summary

Panavid is seeking a Project Manager to own the execution of live events from inception to show completion. You will collaborate with Production Managers and Account Managers to translate client briefs into a deliverable production plan and maintain day-to-day delivery on-site.

On-site work with scenic, AV, lighting, and field ops, you’ll lead client-facing production, coordinate with crews, manage budgets, schedules, and safety, and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with high professional

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in live event production or project management.
• Experience in an AV or live events company is preferred.
• Proficient with Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and Microsoft 365.
• Familiarity with scheduling software (Smartsheet, MS Project, Asana) and rental platforms (R2).
• Knowledge of Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or SketchUp for reviews.
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Attend on-site events as client-facing producer.
• Translate client briefs into equipment lists, labor plans, and production schedules.
• Manage project budgets, track financials, and protect margin.
• Run pre-production meetings, daily huddles, and post-event debriefs.
• Hold crews and partners accountable for safety and quality.
• Escalate change orders and keep stakeholders informed.

Skills

Project management

Live event production

Client-facing communication

Budget management

On-site supervision

Team coordination

Reading shop drawings

Safety protocols

Tools

Zoom

Slack

Google Workspace

MS 365

Smartsheet/MS Project/Asana

R2 rental platform

Vectorworks/AutoCAD/SketchUp

Job description

The Project Manager owns the execution of live events from project inception through the conclusion of the show. Projects are originated and sold by Production Managers or Account Managers, who bring the Project Manager in to manage day-to-day delivery. The Project Manager works in tandem with the originating Production Manager or Account Manager throughout the project and serves as the main point of contact for the client up until the show ships to site.

Working primarily on-site, the Project Manager works with scenic, audio, video, lighting, and field operations to translate each client brief into a fully resourced production plan. Responsibilities include attending on-site events for assigned projects as the client-facing producer, with oversight of the on-site technical lead based on the event’s scale, complexity, and client needs.

Success in this role is measured by on-time and on-budget delivery, the quality and safety of every production, smooth handoffs with the Production Manager and Account Manager, and the professional polish that high-profile corporate audiences expect.

As Project Manager, you embody Panavid's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. You must abide by all rules and policies set forth by Panavid and work timely and ethically when interacting with clients and fellow employees. Panavid has built a reputation on strong client relationships and exceptional service. Your role in upholding our high standards of quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction is essential to the success of everyone at Panavid. You are expected to model professional behavior, lead by example, and ensure your team reflects our values at all times.

Company Description

Panavid is a full-service production, integration, and equipment rental company servicing everything from corporate events to live entertainment, broadcasts to house of worship installations, non-profit galas, brand experiences, and everything in between. We use the latest in audio, video, and lighting technology to transform ordinary spaces into immersive and impactful experiences.

We believe that shared experiences have the power to shape perception, forge meaningful connections, and create lasting impact. We’re a team of collaborators, creators, and problem-solvers that blend creativity with innovative AVL technology to craft custom solutions for live production and permanent installations. We’re not just providing technical solutions; we’re building trust, creating memories, and transforming ideas into moments that matter.

Take handoff from the Production Manager or Account Manager at project inception and run the project through the conclusion of the event.

Serve as the main client point of contact from project reception until the show returns from site. Run production calls, manage approvals and changes, and keep communication clear and timely.

Work in tandem with the originating Production Manager or Account Manager throughout the project, keeping them informed and aligned on scope, schedule, and client direction.

Translate client briefs into equipment lists, scenic packages, labor plans, and production schedules.

Manage project budgets against the approved scope. Track financials, approve POs and sub-rentals, and protect margin through disciplined scope management. Escalate change orders and out-of-scope requests to the originating Production Manager or Account Manager.

Conduct on-site venue scouts ahead of the event to walk the space with the client and/or venue contacts, and document load-in routes, power and rigging capabilities, ceiling heights, sightlines, and any constraints affecting scenic, AV, or layout decisions.

Specify AV, scenic, and graphic requirements with input from department heads and lead technicians.

Coordinate with the warehouse and logistics teams to make sure gear is prepped, packed, and delivered on schedule.

Work with the scenic shop and graphics team to spec, schedule, and track custom builds for printed graphics.

Identify rigging, weight, sightline, power, and venue constraints early and resolve them before fabrication.

Determine crew size, skill mix, and shift structure for each project. Work with the resource manager to confirm labor requirements, scheduling, and oversee freelance technicians’ requirements. Additional requirements may include managing calls from unionized labor in unionized venues.

Attend events on-site as either the hands-on production lead or the client-facing producer, depending on the event. While on-site, the originating Production Manager or Account Manager covers client communication on the Project Manager’s other active projects.

Run pre-production meetings, daily huddles, and post-event debriefs.

Hold crews and partners accountable for safe rigging, electrical, working at height, and load-in/load-out practices.

At the conclusion of the event, hand the project back to the originating Production Manager or Account Manager with all documentation needed for client closeout, including freelance approvals, vendor invoicing details, and debrief notes.

Skills & Qualifications

Experience:

3-5 years in live event production or project management, ideally on corporate or executive-audience events.

Prior experience in a project management role at an AV or live events company preferred.

Solid working knowledge of professional AV systems, audio, video, lighting, projection, LED, rigging, and show control.

Experience managing scenic, carpentry, and custom graphics scopes alongside AV.

Comfortable reading shop drawings, renderings, and signal-flow diagrams.

Technical Skills:

Proficient with Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, Microsoft 365, project scheduling software (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Asana), and rental/inventory platforms (e.g., R2).

Familiarity with Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or SketchUp for reviewing scenic and AV plots.

Knowledge of video equipment types, cabling, power systems, and troubleshooting basics

Forklift certification or willingness to obtain

Core Competencies

Self-directed and organized. Able to manage multiple projects from a home office with limited day-to-day supervision.

Proven ability to plan, budget, and deliver multiple concurrent events on time and on margin.

Strong client-facing communication skills. Comfortable in front of senior executives and their internal teams during the active phase of a project.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Primarily home-based with a dedicated workspace and reliable high-speed internet.

Variable hours, including occasional overnight, early-morning, weekend, and holiday calls.

Regular travel to event sites with long days during setup, show, and strike.

Occasional travel to the office to stay current on new equipment, shop builds, internal processes.

When on site: active production environments with heavy equipment, motorized rigging, and high-decibel sound systems. Extended time on feet and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.

Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D Insurance Plans

Paid Sick and Vacation Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match

Direct Deposit

Professional development and career growth opportunities