Senior Production Manager - Theatre Operations

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension fund and medical aid

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Networking opportunities

Creative team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Production Manager for a prestigious theatre company in Bloemfontein to oversee all technical and logistical aspects of productions from concept to curtain.

You will lead budgets and schedules, manage safety compliance, coordinate with directors, designers and contractors, recruit and supervise technical staff, and ensure seamless collaboration across departments to deliver outstanding performances.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in production or stage management.
• Proven budgets and schedules management for complex productions.
• Knowledge of all aspects of theatrical technical production.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience managing teams and working with contractors.
• Ability to work under pressure and solve problems quickly.
• Proficiency with scheduling, budgeting and PM software.
• Understanding of theatre health and safety regulations.
• Experience in the Arts & Entertainment sector; based in Bloemfontein or relocation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all technical production elements including staging, lighting, sound, costumes and props.
• Develop and manage production budgets, track expenditures, ensure cost-effective resources.
• Create and manage detailed production schedules across all departments.
• Coordinate with directors, designers and staff to realise creative vision within constraints.
• Source and manage external suppliers and contractors, negotiate terms and supervise work.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and fire regulations in the theatre.
• Recruit, train and supervise technical theatre staff and crews.
• Oversee load-in, setup, run and load-out of productions.
• Maintain theatre equipment and coordinate repairs and upgrades.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Scheduling

Communication

Team management

Problem solving

Health and safety knowledge

Contractor management

Theatre production knowledge

Tools

Scheduling software

Budgeting software

Project management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious theatre company based in Bloemfontein , is seeking a highly organized and experienced Senior Production Manager to oversee the technical and logistical aspects of all theatrical productions. This role is critical in ensuring that shows are produced efficiently, safely, and within budget, from conception through to performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a comprehensive understanding of theatrical production processes, and the ability to manage complex schedules and multiple projects simultaneously. You will be the central point of contact for technical departments, external contractors, and creative teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and execution. Join a thriving organization within the Arts & Entertainment sector and play a key role in bringing captivating performances to the stage in Bloemfontein .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all technical production elements, including staging, lighting, sound, costumes, and props.
• Develop and manage production budgets, track expenditures, and ensure cost-effective resource allocation.
• Create and manage detailed production schedules, coordinating timelines for all departments and stakeholders.
• Liaise with directors, designers, and technical staff to ensure the creative vision is realized within production constraints.
• Source and manage external suppliers and contractors, negotiating terms and overseeing their work.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and fire regulations within the theatre premises.
• Manage the recruitment, training, and supervision of technical theatre staff and crews.
• Oversee the load-in, setup, run, and load-out of all productions.
• Maintain theatre equipment and facilities, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary.
• Act as the primary point of contact for technical matters during production periods.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in production management or stage management within the theatre or live performance industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and schedules for complex theatrical productions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of theatrical technical production (scenery, lighting, sound, wardrobe).
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage teams effectively and foster a collaborative working environment.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the capacity to handle pressure and unexpected challenges.
• Proficiency with relevant software for scheduling, budgeting, and project management.
• A strong understanding of health and safety regulations in a theatre setting.
• Experience within the Arts & Entertainment sector is essential.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Bloemfontein , Free State.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on a diverse range of theatrical productions.
• Contribute to the cultural landscape of Bloemfontein .
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.
• Pension fund and medical aid contributions.
• Professional development and networking opportunities within the theatre industry.
• A supportive and creative team environment.