Production Manager in Manchester

Experiential Event Creator | Visual Architects & IllumiNaughty

The Installation Manager at Visual Architects holds a critical, senior leadership position, directly responsible for the strategic planning, departmental oversight, and flawless execution of all creative, high-quality decor installations for events, festivals, and brand activations. This role is tasked with translating complex design visions into successful on-site realities, leading the Installation Department to consistently deliver projects that exceed client and company standards while ensuring efficiency, safety, and strict adherence to industry standards.

This is a strategic, accountable, and highly operational role that requires proven leadership, deep logistical expertise, robust people management skills, and a commitment to operational and safety excellence. The Installation Manager works across departments, serving as the senior‑level link between Sales, Design, Warehouse, Delivery, and On‑Site Installation Teams to ensure scalable, profitable, and seamless project delivery. The primary goal is to oversee and manage all installation projects to achieve successful outcomes, contributing to the organisation\’s reputation, growth, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Process Ownership & Improvement: Own, refine, and continuously improve the entire installation workflow, developing scalable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for planning, logistics, deployment, and post‑event management.
• Resource Forecasting & Budget Control: Oversee the installation department budget. Develop and manage event budgets on the install side, including resource allocation, controlling labour costs, and implementing cost‑effective decisions in managing staff resources and product longevity.
• Advanced Logistics & Coordination: Direct the strategic planning for all concurrent installations.
• Manage the install coordinators for manpower allocation and ensure efficient booking of vehicles from the Central Hub.
• Detailed Planning: Create detailed event installation timelines and production schedules and assign tasks to Team Leaders.

Team & Performance Management

• Leadership & Development: Recruit, mentor, and performance‑manage a strong team of Installation Coordinators and Riggers/Team Leaders. Lead and motivate a team of Riggers, ensuring responsible behavior.
• Provide training to crew members on installation techniques and hold training days.
• Staff Allocation & Damage Control: Manage staff allocation and ensure all coordinators brief the crews, are uniformed, and equipped.
• Implement measures to control item damages from set‑ups to takedowns.
• Tool & Equipment Management: Ensure all tools needed for jobs are on the picking list, including special tools like scissor lifts, ladders, and harnesses.
• Communication Hub: Manage each job WhatsApp Group for effective communication between coordinators, Account Managers, venues, warehouse, and freelancers.

On‑Site Operations & Quality Assurance

• On‑Site Oversight: Oversee set‑ups, takedowns, and on‑site event operations. Uphold exceptional standards for event production quality, ensuring that all tasks are executed in alignment with the Project/Account Manager\’s brief.
• Build Management: Oversee on‑site build management and ensure timely closure of all monthly jobs.
• Client Communication: Act as or delegate a coordinator to be the point of contact for clients on‑site, ensuring updates and changes are communicated effectively. If any adjustments to the set‑up plan are necessary, coordinate with the Project Manager, who will then communicate these changes to the client.
• Post‑Install: Ensure Account Managers approve installations on site before sign‑off.

Health & Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Compliance Ownership: Take ultimate ownership of Health & Safety and Compliance across all installs. Create Method Statements, Risk Assessments, and all relevant H&S paperwork.
• Safety Protocols: Conduct thorough Health & Safety checks for each job. Demonstrate expertise in fire safety protocols tailored to specific materials and venue requirements.
• Venue Requirements: Provide PAT test details upon request from venues, maintaining compliance with safety standards.
• Build Manuals: Ensure all decor has a build manual with set‑up instructions before leaving the warehouse and allocate each item to the ground team.
• Reporting: Maintain detailed job logs and ensure teams fill them in accurately. Report any damages promptly and accurately.
• Site Visits: Accompany Account Managers on site visits to assess decor placements, rigging requirements, and logistical constraints.
• Documentation: Perform scanning of site visits when necessary, with a minimum of three per year. Store measurements and videos on Google Drive, updating the venue folder after each site visit and ensure the coordinators are doing so.
• Evaluation: Conduct post‑event evaluations and gather feedback for continuous improvement.

To apply for the Production / Installation Manager position at Visual Architects, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to: jobs@visual‑architects.co.uk

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Events Services