Production Director
Location: Wake the Tiger, West London
Start date: October 2026
Salary: £75-80k
Contract Type: Permanent - Full-time.
The Role
As the Production Director for Wake The Tiger, you will be the driving force behind the physical and creative realisation of our immersive parks. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will bridge the gap between ambitious creative vision and practical, budget‑conscious execution. You will oversee multi‑site production, manage top‑tier creative and production talent, and spearhead long‑term strategy and expansion projects, ensuring our attractions remain durable, sustainable, and groundbreaking. The role is a combination of overseeing new Capex builds, whether that is in existing parks or new ventures, as well as the day‑to‑day running of the parks including long‑term strategy, maintenance and R&D.
Strategic Leadership & Team Management
- Senior Leadership: Sit on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), actively contributing to the overarching business strategy, growth plans, and long‑term vision of Wake The Tiger.
- Creative Line Management: Directly line manage, oversee and coordinate the overarching Creative Team, providing guidance and alignment for the various creative team members across the business.
- Production Line Management: Directly line manage the Production Manager in each park, supporting them as they oversee budgets, schedules, and their respective props, scenic, and technical teams.
- Expansion & Resourcing: Build out, structure, and mobilise dedicated project teams to facilitate future expansions, whether developing current sites or launching entirely new locations.
Financial & Project Oversight
- Budget Accountability: Hold ultimate responsibility for all production budgets across both parks, ensuring financial efficiency without compromising the creative integrity of the experience.
- CAPEX Management: Lead, plan, and deliver all Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) works, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Schedule & Build Oversight: Ensure that park Production Managers are effectively tracking and executing their build schedules, maintaining high standards across all scenic, technical, and prop departments.
Creative Collaboration & Build Execution
- Creative Input: Act as a creative thinker and key collaborator. Participate in creative meetings to provide practical insights, bridging the gap between wild imagination and physical execution.
- Build Expertise: Apply a deep understanding of how things are built in the real world. Ensure that all designs translate into physical builds that meet the unique demands of permanent, high‑footfall attractions.
- Sustainable & Durable Design: Champion durability and sustainability in all builds, ensuring materials and construction methods are resilient and environmentally conscious.
Operations & Compliance
- Operational Synergy: Work hand‑in‑hand with the Operations Director to ensure the seamless running of all parks. Ensure production activities (builds, maintenance, installations) align with operational needs and guest experience.
- Health & Safety: Hold ultimate accountability for Health and Safety compliance within the production and build departments, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and visitors at all times.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Proven Experience: A highly experienced Production Director with a strong track record of delivering large‑scale, complex creative projects.
- Multi‑Site Management: Experienced in managing large, multi‑disciplinary teams. Experience managing teams across multiple sites is highly desirable.
- Industry Knowledge: Ideally possesses specific knowledge of permanent attraction builds, including a strong grasp of material durability, visitor flow wear‑and‑tear, and sustainable build practices.
- Practical & Creative: A unique blend of creative thinker and pragmatic builder; you understand the mechanics of scenic and technical fabrication just as well as you understand the creative narrative.
- Travel Flexibility: Must be able and willing to travel frequently between park locations. This role requires weekly overnight stays away from home.
- Familiarity with construction drawings, set installation, and creative builds.
- A full driving license would be desirable, but not essential for the role.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Wake the Tiger, we prioritise inclusive and fair recruitment practices. We value diversity in all its forms and welcome candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability status, age, or religion. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Production Director employer: Wake The Tiger
Wake The Tiger is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and creative work culture in the heart of London. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in content creation while collaborating with a passionate marketing team. Enjoy the unique advantage of a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance, allowing you to thrive in a dynamic environment where your creativity can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Director
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Wake The Tiger, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Wake The Tiger specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wake The Tiger
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Wake The Tiger, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Wake The Tiger value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.