PAID | Production Manager

The Legend, aka the Production Manager. This is the quarterback, the conductor, the calm in the storm, and the reason the porta-potties showed up on time. If the festival is a giant, flaming airship soaring through the sky, this person is the one with the map, the headset, and the fire extinguisher. Let’s build out their throne: Production Manager Department: Festival Operations & Production Type: Paid Position (Experienced Role) Rate: $400–$600/day (10–12 hr shifts), based on experience Schedule: September 15–30th (Pre-Pro to Strike) Reports To: Executive Producer / Festival Director Role Summary: The Production Manager is the master of logistics, timing, communication, and control. You’re the one everyone calls when things go sideways (and they will go sideways). You oversee the moving pieces of the entire festival — from build to breakdown — and make sure they move like a synchronized dance of organized chaos. You manage the crew, call the shots, and make the magic happen. Key Responsibilities: -Oversee all production departments (stage, infrastructure, vendors, decor, etc.) from load-in through load-out -Manage the master production schedule, vendor call times, and staffing needs -Serve as the point of contact for all crew leads and external vendors -Coordinate with local authorities, emergency services, and permitting bodies to ensure compliance and safety -Maintain constant radio communication to troubleshoot and delegate in real-time -Handle credentialing, access control, and crew logistics -Lead production meetings, site walkthroughs, and end-of-day recaps -Track and manage onsite budgets for rentals, supplies, and last-minute needs -Put out fires (literal or metaphorical) without breaking a sweat -Set the tone for professionalism, problem-solving, and teamwork Qualifications: -5+ years of experience in live event or festival production management -Proven experience managing large-scale outdoor events and diverse teams -Skilled in conflict resolution, time management, and creative logistics -Strong familiarity with site maps, run of shows, and production software/tools -Excellent communicator, both on comms and in person -Able to stay cool, collected, and caffeinated through 16-hour days -Bonus points if you’ve survived a hurricane during a load-in This Role Is For You If: -You’ve got five walkies, three clipboards, and two backup batteries at all times -“Problem solver” doesn’t cover it — you’re a solution artist -You eat load-in for breakfast and live for load-out high-fives -You’ve seen it all, fixed it all, and still show up with a smile -You’re the kind of leader who makes the chaos look coordinated The Production Manager is the glue that holds Autumn Lights Festival together. When everything’s going right, it’s because of them. When everything’s going wrong, it’s still because of them — but they’re handling it.