Strategic Leader, Production Infrastructure & Planning

The-Metropolitan-Opera; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera in New York seeks a Director of Production Infrastructure and Planning to lead long‑term capital planning, infrastructure development, and safety protocols for the Production Department. This executive role manages capital projects, budgets, vendor relationships, and cross‑functional collaboration to advance stage facilities and operations.

The successful candidate will oversee production systems, coordinate with legal, finance, and technical teams, and drive strategic

Qualifications

• A terminal degree in Theater, Production, Management, or equivalent professional experience is required.
• 5 years of experience in a similar position at a major theatrical venue is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard project management practices.
• Knowledge and experience with all aspects of technical backstage operation is required.
• A solid fundamental knowledge of Theater Production organization, practices, and techniques is essential.
• Computer literacy is essential, including MS Office products.
• Experience with standard technical and theatrical drafting procedures is required.
• An ability to clearly communicate technical and artistic concepts in writing is essential.
• Problem solving skills, including the ability to synthesize and evaluate solutions in three-dimensional space, are required.
• Interpersonal and communication skills are crucial, as well as the ability to work on a team in a fast-paced, detail-oriented workplace.
• Knowledge of standard opera repertory is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development of a long-term capital improvement plan and the execution of production capital projects.
• Ongoing assessment of the Met’s stage equipment and machinery.
• Prioritization of the department’s capital needs and development of a capital master plan including creation of project timelines.
• Plan individual capital projects including development of budget, RFPs, and resource requirements in collaboration with technical team.
• Negotiate and contract third party project management firms, consultants, and equipment vendors.
• Supervise the execution of production capital projects; the development and implementation of safety plans and training; permitting; budget tracking.
• Oversee the Met’s production systems including: Functionality, safety, permits and regulatory compliance of stage and workshop equipment.
• Remain abreast of current and developing industry standards and guidelines regarding stage facilities.
• Coordinate with in-house and contracted resources on production spaces (warehouses, workshops, storage yard).
• Development of annual budget and expense tracking for production systems.
• Negotiation and execution of third-party service and purchase agreements for stage equipment and systems.
• Maintenance of all production software licenses and administration of production software.

Skills

Terminal degree in Theater/Production/

5 years of experience

Project management

Technical backstage knowledge

Theater production organization

MS Office proficiency

Drafting procedures knowledge

Communication skills

Interpersonal and teamwork

Opera repertory knowledge (helpful)

Education

Terminal degree in Theater/Production/Management

Job description

The Metropolitan Opera in New York seeks a Director of Production Infrastructure and Planning to lead long‑term capital planning, infrastructure development, and safety protocols for the Production Department. This executive role manages capital projects, budgets, vendor relationships, and cross‑functional collaboration to advance stage facilities and operations.

The successful candidate will oversee production systems, coordinate with legal, finance, and technical teams, and drive strategic