POSITION DESCRIPTION: Director of Productions
LOCATION: Santa Clara, CA
JOB GRADE: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations
AVT CORE VALUES
We are Team Players | Go Above and Beyond | Do the Right Thing | Get Things Done
GENERAL SUMMARY/ PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Director of Productions is accountable for leading the Production Department and owning all aspects of event delivery; from pre-production planning & creative design through post-event review. This role ensures AVT Productions consistently delivers a high-touch, white-glove experience for executive-level clients, while maintaining operational excellence across the production team, equipment assets, and vendor relationships.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
As a representative of AVT Productions Management, provide highest level of professionalism and customer service and integrity when dealing with Customers, Vendors, and AVT Productions Team Members.
Pre-Production Management
- Coordination with sales and account management in the assignment and handoff of clients.
- Technical requirements of events from creation to execution.
- Needs analysis and suggested solutions to support the client’s goal
- Assuring that content is client approved/certified/compliant with client policies.
- Arrangement for the creation and development of set and lighting designs.
- Creation of a comprehensive equipment list in the order entry software.
- Obtaining client signoff on the scope, timetable and cost prior to event.
- Drives overall creative design to match client brand as appropriate
Event Management:
- Coordination of the logistics for the event including but not limited to staffing, equipment, vendors, lodging, transportation, incidentals, etc.
- Room configuration, load in, setup, tear down and preparation for transport back of equipment.
- Monitoring and exemplifying proper safety procedures.
- Meeting and greeting clients at the event.
- The liaison between the client and the production crew on events to ensure effective communication and coordination.
- Manage equipment inventory, subrentals, and pickup and delivery schedule
Post-Production Management:
- Collaboration with account management to follow up with internal and external staff to review the positives and negatives that unfolded throughout the event.
- Exploring and proactively executing future solutions to any problems that may have occurred.
- Review and finalize post-event budgets.
- Ensure all event charges are properly documented and approved prior to handoff to Account Management.
INVENTORY & ASSET MANAGEMENT
The Director of Productions holds full ownership of AVT Productions' equipment assets. This responsibility spans strategic planning, procurement, and day-to-day inventory control.
Equipment Planning & Purchasing
- Lead annual and long-range equipment planning aligned with production goals and revenue projections.
- Stay current on emerging A/V technologies, equipment trends, and product lifecycles; advise on acquisition and retirement decisions.
- Manage the equipment procurement process — sourcing, vendor negotiation, purchase approval, and delivery coordination.
- Evaluate equipment performance and utilization data to inform future purchasing decisions.
- Ensure capital expenditure requests for equipment are well-supported and submitted through the appropriate approval process.
Physical Inventory Management
- Responsible for administering AVT's physical inventory counting process, including scheduling and executing regular cycle counts and annual full inventory counts.
- Maintain accurate equipment records in the inventory management system, ensuring counts reconcile to system records.
- Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies; document root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure all equipment is properly labeled, tracked, and stored according to established procedures.
- Coordinate inventory activities with the Warehouse team to minimize operational disruption.
- Report inventory status, variances, and asset condition to the Director of Operations.
PRODUCTION & WAREHOUSE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT
- Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures built around best practices and safety for event production.
- Responsible for hiring, supervising, scheduling, training, evaluating, and disciplinary actions for Technical Producers and technical staff.
- Partner with HR on the maintenance of job descriptions and recruitment for production staff.
- Document and retain evaluations including interview, needs analysis, training, coaching & counseling, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
- Manage external labor sourcing — including freelancers, union labor, and third-party vendors — optimizing for cost, skill level, flexibility, and availability.
- Review and approve external production charges prior to vendor payment.
- Timely sign-off on invoiced event charges before handoff to Account Management.
- Strategically manage the department's profitability through disciplined oversight of payroll and operating expenses.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervise and direct all internal and external staff during event productions.
- Confirm production staff requirements for every show that is produced.
- Maintain records of accountability and performance for production staff as needed or requested by operations management, including addressing any disciplinary issues that arose on event.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Time Management – consistently delivers on commitments on time without sacrificing quality
- Leadership & Accountability – sets a clear direction, empowers the team, and owns outcomes; good and bad.
- Business Acumen – makes decision that reflect sound financial judgement and strategic awareness
- Emotional Intelligence – navigates interpersonal dynamics with self-awareness and empathy
- Team Training & Development – invests in growing the skills and careers of direct reports
- A/V & Event Design Leadership – leads the team with deep technical expertise and a visionary approach to event experiences
- Vendor Management – builds and manages vendor relationships that deliver quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors degree preferred with10+ years prior work experience.
- 10 years of experience in a management role within the event staging and production space.
- 7 to 10 years working knowledge of audio-visual equipment with a proficiency in lighting, sound, video recording and data projection.
- Demonstrated experience owning inventory management, equipment procurement, or asset planning functions
OTHER SKILLS:
- Strong written/verbal communication and public contact
- Effective teamwork, leadership, motivational, and problem solving
- Managing multiple priorities and project management
- Detail oriented with the ability to work independently and proactively.
- Business software proficient especially with MS Office Suite, CRM & inventory databases
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Flexibility to meet occasional early morning, late evening and weekend commitments
- Ability to travel overnight and or out of town as required
- Consent to and ability to pass a criminal background check and drug test
- Possession of a valid driver’s license with a clear driving record
