Production Manager, Special Projects (UK) - Fixed Term 12 months

JOB DETAILS
Job Title: Production Manager, Special Projects (UK) 
Reports To: Director, Sea Operations
Working Hours: Normal office hours are 09:30 to 17:30, Monday – Thursday, 09:30 to 17:00 Friday
Place of Work:  UK HQ, Mill Court, Featherstone Rd, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK12 5EU
Other:  Full Time, Mobile (3x days/week in MK HQ), Fixed Term: 12 months

ABOUT RWS GLOBAL
RWS Global is the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, creating customized guest experiences spanning theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia and consumer products.
  
RWS Global is headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando, Sydney and Riyadh with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base. With a focus on entertainment and sports experiences, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theaters, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals and performers worldwide.  
  
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, FIFA, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Merlin Entertainments, MSC Cruises, NFL, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com. . 

JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director, Sea Operations, the Production Manager, Special Projects, Sea is responsible for the end-to-end planning, production and delivery of bespoke entertainment and guest experience projects across RWS Global's cruise portfolio. This role leads projects from concept development through execution, including themed cruises, immersive experiences, awards events, experiential activations, escape rooms, speakeasies, interactive attractions and other special projects.

The position serves as the primary production lead for assigned projects, managing budgets, schedules, stakeholders, vendors, fabrication partners, logistics, installation and commissioning activities while ensuring delivery against creative vision, operational requirements and client expectations. The role is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, operational excellence and guest experience while driving innovation across the Sea division. 

KEY TASKS
Role & Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end planning, production and delivery of assigned projects from initial client brief through design, fabrication, installation, launch and project close-out.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects across the Sea division while maintaining project scope, schedule, quality and budget expectations.
• Develop and maintain detailed production calendars, project plans, critical paths and implementation timelines.
• Maintain accurate project information within Wrike and other company project management systems.
• Conduct post-project reviews, lessons learned sessions and project evaluations to support continuous improvement.
• Lead the production delivery of themed cruises, immersive entertainment experiences, award events, recognition programmes, experiential activations, escape rooms, speakeasies, interactive attractions and other bespoke guest experiences.
• Partner with Creative, Entertainment, Operations and Client teams to develop concepts into operationally deliverable guest experiences.
• Ensure all projects maintain the original artistic intention, creative integrity and brand standards of both RWS Global and the client.
• Support innovation initiatives by researching emerging entertainment trends, technologies and guest experience concepts.
• Serve as budget holder for designated projects.
• Create and manage project budgets, forecasts and financial tracking documents.
• Manage purchase orders, payment schedules, invoice approvals and budget reconciliations.
• Monitor project spend and proactively identify opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings without compromising quality.
• Source, negotiate and manage external suppliers, manufacturers, fabricators, contractors and specialist vendors.
• Manage relationships throughout the design, build and delivery process.
• Oversee procurement of scenic elements, props, costumes, décor, signage, technical equipment and bespoke project assets.
• Research and procure bespoke and off-the-shelf production assets as required.
• Oversee technical production requirements including scenic elements, lighting, audio, video, media systems, special effects and interactive technologies.
• Coordinate and manage onboard and shoreside installation activities.
• Conduct vessel surveys, site visits and technical assessments as required.
• Lead installation, testing, commissioning and operational handover of new experiences and entertainment products.
• Coordinate wardrobe, prop, AV and equipment transportation to and from vessels.
• Manage project logistics, freight coordination, customs documentation and global shipment of project assets.
• Coordinate installation schedules and operational requirements with vessel leadership and client stakeholders.
• Support project staffing plans and onboard resource allocation as required.
• Travel to vessels and project locations globally to support project delivery, installations and operational launches.
• Act as the primary production contact for assigned projects.
• Provide regular progress updates to clients, senior leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with Creative, Casting, Rehearsal, Operations and Client Services teams to ensure project success.
• Identify, assess and mitigate project risks and develop contingency plans where required.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, client requirements, maritime regulations and health and safety policies.
• Maintain all project documentation including budgets, risk registers, schedules, approvals and technical specifications.
• Ensure all installations and project deliverables meet operational and safety requirements prior to launch.

Please Note: While this is an accurate and comprehensive description of the role, the above Roles & Responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require additional tasks be performed as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Degree, certification or equivalent professional experience in Production Management, Technical Theatre, Event Production, Entertainment Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in live entertainment, experiential events, themed attractions, cruise entertainment, event production or related industries.
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience delivering immersive experiences, themed environments, installations, activations or large-scale entertainment projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, procurement processes, project finances and vendor contracts.
• Experience working with fabrication partners, technical suppliers, scenic shops and production vendors.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organisational levels.
• Excellent planning, organisation and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and project management software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience within cruise, hospitality, attractions, live events or entertainment industries preferred.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to travel internationally up to approximately 35% of the time.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, adaptable and solutions-oriented approach.

A valid passport for the duration of employment for all travel-related roles. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (or proof of exemption) will be required.

Company Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Company Pension
• 25 days paid holiday excluding Bank Holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Computer (Mac/Windows)
• Company Phone Program
• Flexible working (office/remote)
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
• Childcare Support Policy
• Employer Sponsored Vision Programme
• Pet Friendly Office

Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT: 
DIVERSE IS WHO WE ARE
Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements.
So, bring all of who you are, no questions asked.