At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in scenic fabrication and drive innovative event solutions.
- Company: Join one of the UK's top live event production companies with a creative edge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Work in a brand-new facility with exciting growth opportunities and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing department and make a real impact in the events industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for building high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
On Event Production Co is one of the UK's leading live event production and scenic fabrication companies, delivering technical and creative solutions for conferences, awards ceremonies, exhibitions, product launches, fashion shows and live experiences across the UK and Europe. Working with major brands, agencies and event organisers, we combine technical production expertise with in‑house scenic fabrication to create exceptional event environments.
Following significant investment and continued growth within our Scenic Fabrication department, including the launch of our new 15,000 sq ft facility in Castle Donington, we are seeking an experienced and ambitious leader to take ownership of this important part of our business. The department currently comprises a talented team of 9 project management, workshop and onsite professionals, with ambitious plans to continue growing over the coming years.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the strategic direction, operational performance, profitability and continued growth of our Scenic Fabrication department. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will lead and develop a multi‑disciplinary team across project management, workshop operations and installation delivery. You will be responsible for shaping the future of the department, driving operational excellence, improving profitability and building a high‑performing team capable of supporting continued growth. This is a genuine opportunity to lead a business within a business. You will inherit a capable and committed team of 9 people and be responsible for developing the structure, capability and culture required to support growth to a team of 15+ over the coming years. This role is best suited to someone who thinks like a business leader rather than a project manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead the Scenic Fabrication department and contribute to the wider strategic direction of the business.
- Develop and implement the department's strategic plan in line with company objectives.
- Identify opportunities for growth, operational improvement and increased profitability.
- Report regularly to the Board on performance, opportunities, risks and strategic initiatives.
- Establish clear objectives, KPIs and performance measures across the department.
- Financial Management
- Take ownership of the department's financial performance and profitability.
- Drive improvements in operational efficiency, utilisation and margin performance.
- Monitor project performance and departmental profitability.
- Ensure accurate forecasting, resource planning and operational reporting.
- Support commercial decision making, pricing strategies and investment recommendations.
- People & Culture
- Lead, motivate and develop a high‑performing team across project management, workshop and installation functions.
- Build a culture of accountability, ownership, continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Recruit, mentor and retain talented individuals as the department continues to grow.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and development planning.
- Develop future leaders within the department and build succession plans.
- Operational Excellence
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to the highest quality standards.
- Oversee resource planning, capacity management and workflow across the department.
- Continuously improve systems, processes and ways of working.
- Ensure effective communication between project management, workshop, production and installation teams.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety, compliance and operational governance.
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, suppliers and key stakeholders.
- Support business development opportunities and major client engagements.
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex projects and client issues.
- Represent the Scenic Fabrication department both internally and externally.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role within scenic fabrication, exhibitions, events, construction, manufacturing or a related industry.
- Demonstrable experience managing departmental or business unit performance.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing profitability and operational performance.
- Excellent people management, leadership and coaching skills.
- Experience building, developing and leading high‑performing teams.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision‑making abilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience presenting to senior leadership teams or boards.
- Ability to drive organisational change and continuous improvement.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience within the live events, exhibitions or experiential sectors.
- Knowledge of scenic fabrication, set construction or exhibition stand production.
- Experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams.
- Experience supporting business growth, restructuring or departmental expansion.
- Familiarity with project management, manufacturing or ERP systems.
Working Hours
This is a full‑time position based primarily from our Castle Donington facility, with occasional travel to client sites, suppliers and industry events as required.
Employee benefits:
- Competitive salary.
- Performance‑related bonus scheme.
- Company pension scheme.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a growing scenic fabrication department at a pivotal stage in its development. With a newly established 15,000 sq ft facility, a talented team of 9 people and ambitious plans for future growth, you will have the opportunity to shape the structure, culture and long‑term success of the department. Reporting directly to the Board, you will have genuine autonomy to influence strategy, recruitment, investment, operational direction and future growth while helping build one of the UK's leading scenic fabrication businesses serving the live events industry.
As an equal opportunities employer, On Event Production Co. is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our team.
Please note, the successful applicant will be asked to provide 2 references and complete a basic DBS check. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified.
Head of Scenic Fabrication employer: On Event Production Co.
On Event Production Co is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic Scenic Fabrication department within a newly established 15,000 sq ft facility in Castle Donington. With a strong focus on employee growth, a culture of collaboration and accountability, and competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus scheme and pension plan, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where your leadership can truly make an impact in the live events industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Scenic Fabrication
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like On Event Production Co., to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Scenic Fabrication at On Event Production Co..
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Scenic Fabrication
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at On Event Production Co.
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
