Senior Production Manager - AVI-SPL

Reports to:  Director of Production

Employee Type:  Fulltime

Location:  Newton, MA

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Update: 12/9/2024

WHO WE ARE

At AVI-SPL, we pride ourselves on our superior customer service, passion for excellence, spirit of teamwork and the focus on continued innovation. Our employees are the people who enable us to deliver on those values every business day. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for talented, ambitious people who can make a substantial contribution to our team of smart, down-to-earth, hardworking professionals.

Our Production team offers lots of room for growth! You’ll have daily opportunities to develop your individual skills, become an expert of the traditional and virtual video industry, and be part of an innovative organization.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

This is a good growth opportunity for those with 5-7 years of experience. Key to this role is the ability to plan and coordinate all aspects of a production. This position is responsible for the organization and execution of productions and projects, from scheduling through invoicing. The role requires some unconventional hours and travel on occasion. This is an exempt position and reports to the Director of Production.

Day-to-day responsibilities

Client Management

• Serve as client’s main point of contact during all stages of a production. 
• Communicate effectively with clients to determine their production needs.
• Provide a viable logistical and technical solution that is in line with the client’s budget.
• Communicate production status updates to the client including onsite production progress and challenges.
• Provide necessary guidance to clients to ensure a proper and successful production outcome.

Project Management

• Assist Sales with project budgeting process. Assure that all production components remain within allotted budget and on schedule.
• Serve as lead point person for all assigned projects.
• Determine, schedule and communicate all aspects of the production to all involved staff, crew and vendors.
• Develop a technical plan and design to meet all client production requirements.
• Work closely with production technicians as well as the Engineering team
• Negotiate rates with vendors and freelance crewmembers.
• Schedule internal and external resources needed for the production, including crew, equipment and facilities. 
• Determine and document all logistics pertaining to an assigned production.
• Be present during productions to serve as client’s point person and ensure budget guidelines are met.
• Ensure all vendor invoices are collected, approved, and posted in a timely manner.

Problem-solving / Multi-tasking

• Brainstorm ideas and provide solutions to enhance production value.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously without jeopardizing deadlines or outcomes. 
• Lead production crew during challenging situations and effectively communicate progress and next steps to clients at appropriate times.  

Production Support Management

• Responsible for the scheduling and management of all production support personnel direct reports, including, but not limited to, Production Technicians and Associate Production Manager.
• Quality control of all production studio facilities and equipment, Remote and ENG production equipment, and production support services.
• Develop and design technical solutions for client productions.

Other

• Back up the Director of Production when unavailable and, with any needed input, assist assigning jobs and tasks to the Production Managers, Technicians and Editors.
• Provide guidance and instruction on various technical production roles to other internal staff with the goal of obtaining a level of proficiency needed to best serve the client.
• Stay current on technical abilities by continuing to practice and train on various technical production roles.
• Execute various production position duties as needed.

Job Qualifications:

• 5-7 years of experience in video production, broadcast television, live events or other similar field, including studio and remote productions, crewing, webcasting, and transmission. Experience in international event production support a plus.
• Proficiency in standard live video production technical roles such as technical directing, camera and audio operation, encoding and live streaming platforms.
• Experience in creating and designing technical production solutions for both studio and field productions.
• Work performance and cooperation that serves as a role model for all.  Ability to maintain a positive attitude, even during pressure situations.
• Ability to communicate challenging aspects of a production to clients while maintaining a high level of confidence and leadership.
• Track record of being organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and working well in a team atmosphere, as well as having the capability to work well individually, is essential.
• Strong work ethic, self-direction, self-motivation, patience, persistence and the ability to get along with coworkers and customers.
• Mature judgment to make sound decisions based on objective evidence, customer and VideoLink needs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including necessary paper and/or computer documentation.
• Self-motivated, organized and resourceful with strong work ethic.
• Able to work independently.
• Attention to detail.
• Superb customer service skills.
• Strong leadership skills interacting with coworkers and vendors.
• Ability to train others, and to learn from others.
• This position requires you to function well under pressure, tight deadlines and maintain a great attitude!

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Travel is required based on time and location of remote productions as well as meetings at AVI-SPL offices and headquarters.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, PC and Mac computers, and basic IT knowledge.