JOB ROLE: Senior Production Manager
SALARY: Dependent on experience. | Generous paid overtime policy.
REPORTS TO: Head of Production
DEPARTMENT: Production
TYPE: Permanent, full time
LOCATION: Unit 5, 5 Hancock Road, London, E3 3DA
THE COMPANY
Bearded Kitten is a global creative experience agency with a portfolio of award-winning work. Our mission is clear: to fearlessly champion fun and create the unforgettable. Don’t be deceived by our quirky name – Bearded Kitten is the real deal. From large scale brand experiences to cultural launch events, from building immersive worlds to conferences and employee engagement initiatives - we cover it all.
It’s an exciting time to be a Kitten, in the past year the company has grown rapidly and we’ve worked with some of the world’s biggest brands. With an ever growing client base across the UK and beyond - this is an opportunity to join a fast paced, innovative team.
THE ROLE
The Senior Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production from conceptualisation to execution. This individual collaborates with producers and designers to ensure creative visions are balanced with practical considerations and client expectations. They play a pivotal role in client interactions, advocating for proposed production methods and managing budgets. Key responsibilities include coordinating subcontractors, managing staffing needs, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and overseeing on-site production.
The Senior Production Manager also contributes to team development through training and mentoring. They possess a deep passion for events, international experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in technical aspects such as scenic construction, lighting, and AV. Adaptability to unsociable hours and travel (domestic and abroad) is essential in this dynamic role.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Alongside Producers and Designers, shape and manage all elements of a production from concept to delivery.
* Develop comprehensive production specifications and ROM costings for competitive pitches and new business opportunities, ensuring that they balance creative ambition with safe and practical delivery whilst offering value to clients.
* Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, effectively communicating the rationale behind proposed production methodologies and offering transparent justifications for cost estimates. Foster collaborative relationships with clients through active listening and a willingness to adapt solutions to their needs.
* Work closely with the design department to realise renders and concepts into practical deliverables, helping to identify cost effective and appropriate solutions.
* Offer support to the team by providing a strong working knowledge of scenic construction methods and associated materials.
* Support the Head of Production in the training and mentorship of junior production team members, fostering their professional growth and development.
* Work with the Head of Production and People & Culture Lead to source and interview appropriate freelancers, coordinating their schedules and roles within projects.
* Work closely with the Producers to ascertain internal and external staffing requirements for assigned projects and support the wider team in contacting, booking and contracting freelancers - including local crew.
* Take ownership of third-party and subcontractor deliverables, overseeing fabrication and production to ensure adherence to agreed specifications and quality standards.
* Coordinate technical partners in the delivery of lighting, AV and all other technical requirements of a project.
* Review preferred suppliers; identify and cultivate relationships with potential new partners on a regular basis.
* Onsite production management during install, live and derig for all assigned projects.
* Champion health and safety standards, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines, as well as writing RAMs, method statements, etc as needed.
* Maintain financial oversight of production budgets. Collaborating with Producers and the finance department to reconcile budgets upon project completion.
* Due to the nature of the events industry, be willing and able to unsociable long hours (including some weekends) and travel domestically/internationally as per the requirements of assigned projects.
THE PERSON
* Deeply passionate about the creation, planning and delivery of events, shows and installations to the highest standards.
* International experience in a wide range of events and installations.
* Demonstrated track record of effectively leading and managing teams, providing clear direction and fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment.
* Extensive experience in overseeing medium to large-scale events in high profile locations.
* Has a proven network of trusted suppliers, cultivated through long standing relationships.
* Excellent estimating and budgeting skills - with a working knowledge of Excel/Google Sheets and strong IT/computer skills (Bearded Kitten use Google Workspace, TeamTrack and Scoro).
* Maintains a comprehensive understanding of technical production elements, staying abreast of industry trends to deliver innovative solutions.
* Possesses a strong working knowledge of scenic construction methods, materials, and sustainability principles as well as event based technology, lighting and AV.
* Proficient in AutoCAD/Vectorworks/SketchUp (one or more is essential) and generation/review of draft construction documents.
* Solid understanding of broadcast /virtual/streaming events would be beneficial - but not essential.
* Able and willing to travel domestically and internationally (for periods not exceeding one month).
* A full, clean driving licence is desirable.
* Be a positive, guiding light within our talented team with a natural calmness and can do attitude.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
* 33 days paid holiday inclusive of Bank Holidays. One additional day’s annual leave for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
* Discretionary end of year bonus scheme.
* Generous paid overtime / TOIL policy.
* Hybrid working. Minimum 3 days from the office, compulsory office day on Wednesdays.
* Flexi-time policy. Flexibility to choose your start and finish times each day.
* Work mobile and/or eSim and work laptop.
* Employee assistance programme with free access to mental health resources.
* Monthly team socials, plus an annual team offsite with overnight stay.
* Free use of BK equipment; workshop, tools, rehearsal space etc for personal use.
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave & Pay after one year of continuous service.
* Eligible for Sabbatical Leave after three years of continuous service.
* Employee loan agreements offered for personal equipment.
* Season ticket loans offered.
* Pension scheme.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Guaranteed hilarity and nonsense on a daily basis.