Production Manager

Job Description

About the Position

Reporting to the Director of Production, the Production Manager is a critical organizational and operational leadership role within the Production Department, responsible for coordinating project timelines, managing production calendars, facilitating communication across departments, and ensuring the efficient execution of all production activities. The Production Manager serves as the central coordinator who keeps complex, multi-department projects on track and ensures that resources, schedules, and information flow smoothly throughout the production cycle.

This role is essential to maintaining production continuity during periods of departmental transition and provides critical support to the Technical Director, Associate Director of Production (Shop Operations), Assistant Technical Director, Head of Wardrobe, Lighting Director and Stage Managers. The Production Manager will be tasked with establishing and refining communication systems, protocols and department work flows to increase efficiency.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Production Scheduling and Calendar Management

• Develop, maintain, and distribute the comprehensive annual Production Calendar, integrating artistic, technical, shop, wardrobe, and performance schedules across all departments and venues.

• Work cross-departmentally in the rollout of the #DIESE schedule and data management platform and act as Production Department representative for its administration.

• Coordinate scheduling of load-ins, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances, strikes, and shop work periods, working with the Company & Tour Manager to ensure compliance with all applicable collective bargaining agreements (IATSE Pink Contract, IATSE 58, IATSE 828, IATSE 822, CAEA, TMA).

• Proactively identify and resolve scheduling conflicts; propose solutions that optimize resource utilization while respecting artistic and technical requirements.

Project Management and Coordination

• Coordinate project timelines for new productions, remounts, and refurbishments from initial planning through closing, tracking milestones and deliverables across scenic, props, wardrobe, lighting, and technical departments.

• Organize and facilitate regular production meetings with department heads; prepare agendas, document action items, and track follow-up on decisions and assignments.

• Track and communicate touring logistics, including transportation, venue technical specifications, and local crew coordination for domestic and international engagements.

Administrative and Budget Support

• Assist the Director of Production with production budget tracking and reporting.

• Track crew scheduling and work hours; coordinate with department heads and payroll to ensure accurate and timely processing of union crew payroll.

• Maintain production documentation and filing systems — schedules, contact lists, crew rosters, vendor and purchase order records, and institutional archives — ensuring accessibility and continuity of organizational knowledge.

• Support contract administration for production contractors, and rental agreements in collaboration with the Director of Production.

Communication and Liaising

• Serve as the central communication point for production information — liaising between production staff, and Artistic, Music, Stage Management, Company Management, Marketing, Development and venue partners to ensure schedules, updates and changes reach all relevant parties.

• Coordinate with Stage Management on daily rehearsal and performance operations, providing production support as needed.

• Interface with guest directors, choreographers, and designers as needed, ensuring they have access to production information and resources.

Operational Support

• Provide hands-on support during production periods, including attendance at load-ins, technical rehearsals, and performances as needed.

• Assist with problem-solving and resource allocation during production crises or schedule disruptions.

• Support the Director of Production in strategic planning for departmental operations, workflow improvements, and resource optimization.

• Coordinate safety briefings and ensure production staff have access to required safety information and resources.

Brand Protection, Service and Relationships

· Ensure that all communications, strategies and actions support, protect and nurture the brand of The National Ballet of Canada.

· Maintain excellent relationships with: CAEA, TMA/AFofM, IATSE, Artists / Creators, Venues, and Venue staff.

· Perform other duties as required or assigned by the Director of Production.

Required Qualifications

· Minimum three (3) years of production management or production coordination experience in professional dance, theatre, or opera.

· Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with project management software, scheduling tools, and calendar management systems.

· Knowledge of theatrical production processes, including load-ins, technical rehearsals, performance operations, and touring logistics.

· Experience working in union environments; familiarity with IATSE and CAEA collective agreements preferred.

· Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to remain calm and solution-oriented under pressure.

· Valid driver's license; ability to drive vehicles for company business as required.

Preferred Qualifications

· Familiarity with Vectorworks.

· Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in ballet and classical dance production.

· Experience coordinating international touring or co-productions.

Key Competencies

• Project Management Excellence: Ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder projects with overlapping timelines and interdependencies.

• Communication and Coordination: Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships and facilitate collaboration across diverse teams.

• Systems and Process Thinking: Ability to create and maintain organizational systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and information flow.

• Adaptability and Resilience: Comfort with ambiguity and change; ability to pivot quickly while maintaining focus on priorities.

• Detail Orientation: Meticulous accuracy in documentation, scheduling, and communication while maintaining awareness of larger project goals.

• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to lead through influence and coordination rather than direct authority; skilled at bringing people together toward common goals.

• Service Orientation: Dedication to supporting the work of others; understanding that the Production Manager's success is measured by the success of the broader production team.

Physical Demands and Work Requirements

· This position primarily involves office-based work including extended periods of computer use, attending meetings, and performing administrative tasks.

· This role also requires the ability to move across production facilities and performance venues, including climbing stairs and accessing various areas of theatres, shops, and warehouses. Occasional light lifting (up to 25 lbs / 11 kg) may be required. The Production Manager should be comfortable working in active production environments with varying noise levels, lighting conditions, and movement of equipment and personnel.

· The National Ballet of Canada will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this role.

· This is a full-time position with standard business hours (Monday to Friday) during non-production periods. Evening and weekend work required during production weeks, load-ins, technical rehearsals and performances season. Occasional travel may be required for touring and advance planning for external venues.

· Must have a valid Passport and be able to travel internationally.

Compensation and Benefits

We strive to offer competitive, market-based compensation. The expected compensation range is $85,000 to $90,000 commensurate with your experience and background. We understand the importance of work-life balance and are committed to supporting our employees’ overall wellbeing and productivity. We offer a range of benefits and perks to assist in maintaining this essential equilibrium:

· Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

· Comprehensive Health & Dental and Paramedics Benefits package, including a Health Spending Account

· Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan

· Counselling services and wellbeing resources through our Employee and Family Assistance Program

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-pkxp8x-35-215-156-25-42 in your application.