Reporting to the Head of Programs, the Production Manager is a key member of the Programs and Operations team and is responsible for the management and coordination of all production, operational, logistical and technical aspects of the planning, delivery and reporting of the Open Access components, specifically Fringe Hubs, of the Sydney Fringe Festival. The Production Manager will also provide support and consultation to our Producing Partner for Headline Events.
The Sydney Fringe Festival framework includes three streams:
1. Fringe Hubs and Programs: all Fringe managed venues (Hubs).
2. Headline Events: in collaboration with producing partner and one off Fringe activations
3. Satellite Venues: self-run and managed venues within the festival
This hands‐on position will advise on the production, technical and operation strategies and actions necessary to deliver the Hubs and Programs stream on time, within budget and meeting all legal and safety compliance requirements.
The Production Manager works closely with the Programs / First Nations and Access Coordinators, Ticketing Manager, Headline Producing Partner and Sydney Fringe Executive team to service the key stakeholders of the Sydney Fringe Festival – the Artists/Presenters, Venues and Program partners.
Key Responsibilities
Artists and Venues
* Work with the Head of Programs to ensure that all operational elements of Fringe Hubs are delivered on time, within budget and meeting all WH&S, and safety compliance requirements.
* Consult with Artists/Presenters on technical aspects of their work and the suitability to Fringe Managed Venues, whilst ensuring the safe delivery of all technical requirements.
* Determine and document venue key information regarding space dimensions, dressing room facilities and technical capabilities of managed venues and provide to Head of Programs to communicate to artists in a timely manner.
Event Management
* Work alongside key producers and Head of Programs providing consultation and advice on the day-to-day management of the production, operation, and technical areas of the festival to delivers events that are on schedule.
* Consult and advise on relevant Headline Events alongside the Producing partner.
* Create to scale floor plans and site plans for Headline Events as required.
* Develop event/projects plans and schedules, ensuring professional event/project management processes are followed and implemented.
* Work alongside Sydney Fringe Access team to increase the accessibility of the festival and ensure that event planning considers access and people with varying abilities. Manage stakeholder relationships with festival suppliers, venues, and tech providers, in consultation with the Head of Programs.
* In consultation with the Head of Programs, brief the Marketing team on the creation of all venue‐specific signage and oversee installation.
* With Head of Programs, provide costings for activating Fringe Hubs and feed into venuespecific budgets.
* Manage all technical requirements of the Fringe Hubs, engaging and managing contracted tech providers and managed venue technicians.
* Source specialist equipment (staging, technical etc.) for all Fringe Hubs.
* Coordinate the movement of Sydney Fringe inventory and equipment to Headline Event locations.
* Manage and work with the Venue Technicians to roll out festival technical requirements of the Fringe Hubs and Programs.
Risk and Compliance
* Undertake formal risk assessments for the Fringe Hubs and Programs stream (Managed Venues) then document and implement appropriate risk planning.
* Ensure Fringe Hub venues comply with WH&S, Building Code, Access audits and other.
* Review Headline Event risk assessments and provide feedback.
* Be responsible for managing the successful operation and compliance of the Sydney Fringe's liquor license and reporting to the liquor licensee for the Fringe Hubs and Headline Events.
* Be responsible for producing all relevant Plans of Management as required by Council or the Police for the Fringe Hubs.
* Make recommendations to the Operations Manager and ensure valid insurances are in place for the Fringe Hubs and Headline Events.
* This position is expected to comply with the Work Health and Safety Act and associated legislation in the performance of all duties.
* Oversee annual tag and testing of all Sydney Fringe equipment.
Administration and Human Resources
* Manage Fringe Hubs contractors and casual staff including Front of House Managers and.
* Manage Headline Event casual staff and volunteers including Front of House Managers and.
* Manage Sydney Fringe's storage facility and equipment register, ensuring that all equipment utilised in the festival is checked out in a timely manner in good working order and checked back in.
* Manage the induction of technical, Front of House staff..
* Participate in regular meetings to ensure deliverables are on track.
* Operate and maintain shared folder system, files and procedural documents.
* Gather data for statistics and reporting processes related to programming and events, in collaboration with Head of Programs.
* Be contactable at all (reasonable) times including weekends from pre‐production to the conclusion of the festival.
Key skills and requirements
* Demonstrated high performance experience managing the production and technical aspects of festivals and/or major events.
* Detailed knowledge of all areas of event and festival operations, and the ability to provide support to key stakeholders at all stages of the delivery.
* A deep understanding of the needs of presenters, artists, and venues and the ability to schedule and manage events and activations accordingly.
* Highly developed project and event management skills.
* Demonstrated experience in financial management of events and the ability to create, track and reforecast effective budgets.
* Experience liaising with other management staff and managing large teams effectively.
* Ability to create, maintain, communicate, and execute effective project timelines.
* High level proficiency with Excel and project management software.
* Advanced reporting skills.
* Proactive approach to workload, with advanced skills in prioritising and managing competing deadlines.
* Detailed understanding of event production compliance including but not limited to: Council approvals, event licensing, risk planning and execution.
* Ability and willingness to use in‐house organisational and business systems with high levels of proficiency and problem solving.
* Experience working within a not‐for‐profit environment with a flexible work ethic and ability to minimise costs where viable.
* Understanding and respect of the contribution volunteers make to the not‐for‐profit sector.
Qualifications and Experience
* Minimum 5 years' operations and technical experience in cultural events, festivals or similar
* Demonstrated background in working in arts/culture and/or entertainment/events sector.
* A highly developed contacts base in the local area with established relationships is highly
* Detailed understanding of the Independent Arts sector in Sydney.
* Desirable certifications: RSA, First Aid, White Card
* Expereince across the following software desireable: Propared, Eventotron, Microsoft Suite (Excel), Xero
Judgment and decision making, and extent of authority
The Production Manager is required to exercise judgement and make decisions commensurate with the service delivery obligations particularly in regard to all aspects of event management and delivery.
The Production Manager is expected to be self‐managed whilst reporting to the Head of Programs and working closely with the broader Sydney Fringe team including contractors, volunteers and casual staff.
Diversity and Opportunity
Sydney Fringe provides equal access to all applicants for positions without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or marital status.
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