Manager, Scenic & Props Design

Reports To: Director, Design | Live Experiences

Working Hours: Non install schedule: Monday- Friday 9am –5pm. During Install Schedule: as needed averaging 10 hour day with comp time off post install.

Place of Work: UK HQ, Mill Court, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK12 5EU

Estimated Start Date: August 1st 2026

Status: Mobile (3 days in the office, 2 days remote)

Other: Full Time

About RWS Global

As the world’s largest producer of groundbreaking live entertainment, RWS Global creates meaningful connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical productions to events, multimedia and more. In 2024, the entertainment leaders expanded capabilities into live sporting events with the introduction of RWS Global Sports.

Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati and Sydney with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals worldwide.

The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Live Experience Design this role will manage the creation, and maintenance of props and scenery for RWS Global Clients. It is the Scenic and Props Manager’s responsibility to work with the design and creative team to construct elements in live experiences that are either used to establish the setting or used by performers to tell the story. Props and Scenery for all shows, events, or installations must work with the rest of the team’s vision to create a cohesive look while performing their function. It’s the manager’s job to create and execute the design as well as maintain these items with documentation, repair and replacement procedures, and in-house maintenance so all cast are set up for success. It is also in the manager’s purview to maintain all stock items in both storage and rehearsal studios.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Develop production concepts for scenery and props using Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, CAD software, and/or hand sketching.
• Create build/install plans and assist with RFP development for external fabrication vendors.
• Manage vendor bids, budgets, timelines, and communication throughout production.
• Conduct site visits and oversee scenic load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsals.
• Make onsite and remote executive decisions to maintain production quality and integrity.
• Maintain professional relationships with vendors, performers, and clients while upholding company standards.
• Fabricate, alter, and maintain props for in-house productions including prototyping in alignment with the creative team’s vision.
• Develop and maintain detailed props bibles, including care instructions, tracking, and manifests.
• Coordinate shipping and logistics for props, scenic elements, graphics, road kits, and installation supplies.
• Track project budgets and reconcile department expenses.
• Lead and supervise internal teams, freelancers, artisans, and interns in a safe, productive shop environment.
• Maintain shop organization, supply inventory, and safe operation of all tools and equipment.
• Travel regularly required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Passionate about leisure and attractions entertainment.
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, projects, ad hoc assignments, and deadlines.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) or willingness to learn.
• Attention to detail: please type the word “Blue Iguana” on the top of your resume prior to applying.
• Motivated and effective self-starter with a record of project success.
• Independent worker with capacity for multi-tasking.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Adaptable to fast paced timelines.
• Knowledge of Apple and Windows programs.
• Exceptional time management, organizational skills, budgeting and finance skills.
• Ability to take initiative and come up with out of the box solutions, and ability to problem solve.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to read and interpret drafting.
• Basic to moderate sewing, carpentry, electrical/lighting and sculpture/casting/mold making skills.
• Basic to moderate Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator.
• Moderate to advanced use of power tools, skills in painting and CAD drafting.
• Need the ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Need to be comfortable with heights, working on ladders and lifts with appropriate safety equipment.
• A flexible schedule allowing for approximately up to 40% travel.

Experience

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in project management, props or scenic shop, operations management, theatrical design, or a combination is required.
• High school diploma required. Bachelor’s Degree in the field of design and technical theatre required.
• Experience may substitute for some of the above education.
• A valid passport for the duration of employment for all travel-related roles.

Company Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Company Pension
• 25 days paid holiday excluding Bank Holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Computer (Mac/Windows)
• Company Phone Program
• Flexible working (office/remote)
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
• Childcare Support Policy
• Employer Sponsored Vision Programme

Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements. So, bring all of who you are, no questions asked.