Production Manager - Theatrical - Je'Caryous Johnson Entertainment

Production Manager

Type: Permanent

Classification: Full-Time

Location: Houston, TX (Onsite)

Travel Requirement: 25%–50% annually; increased travel during production launches, technical rehearsals, and tour start-up periods

Reports To: SVP, Operations & Finance

About Je'Caryous Entertainment

Je'Caryous Johson Entertainment is a leading producer of live theatrical productions and touring entertainment experiences. We create and present nationally recognized productions that engage audiences in our homebase in Houston, TX and across the United States through compelling storytelling, exceptional production value, and world-class talent.

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead the planning, execution, and operational management of our touring productions from concept through close-out.

Position Summary

The Production Manager (PM) is an essential member of the leadership team and oversees all production elements of Je'Caryous Entertainment's theatrical touring productions from concept through close-out. Based in Houston, Texas, the PM leads production planning, budgeting, logistics, technical execution, and touring operations while working closely with producers, creative teams, venue partners, and touring staff.

The PM serves as the primary liaison between creative, technical, and operational departments to ensure productions are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. This position requires frequent travel to rehearsals, production builds, technical rehearsals, tour launches, and select engagements throughout the life cycle of each production.

The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, extensive touring experience, exceptional organizational abilities, and a passion for delivering high-quality live entertainment experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Pre-Production

• Review and assess production requirements for all new projects and touring productions.
• Develop, forecast, and manage production budgets, tracking expenditures and implementing cost-control measures.
• Create and oversee production schedules, milestones, and project timelines.
• Coordinate with directors, choreographers, designers, technical directors, and other creative personnel to advance each production.
• Schedule and lead production meetings, design reviews, and technical planning sessions.
• Evaluate venue requirements and technical capabilities to ensure successful tour routing and execution.
• Advance venue technical specifications and resolve technical challenges prior to arrival.
• Create and maintain technical riders, production documentation, inventories, and operating manuals.
• Coordinate rehearsal requirements, including labor, equipment, facilities, wardrobe, and technical support.

Production Build & Technical Oversight

• Oversee bidding, procurement, fabrication, rental, and development of scenic, lighting, audio, video, wardrobe, hair, and special effects elements.
• Source and manage production vendors, fabricators, transportation providers, and technical service partners.
• Negotiate vendor agreements and oversee performance to ensure quality, schedule, and budget objectives are achieved.
• Review and approve engineering, build, and logistics plans for touring assets.
• Lead technical rehearsals and production load-in processes.
• Coordinate with Stage Management, General Management, and Executive Leadership to maximize efficiency during technical periods.

Touring Operations & Logistics

• Develop comprehensive touring plans, including:
  • Advance plans
  • Load-in and load-out procedures
  • Truck packs and road orders
  • Safety protocols
  • Equipment maintenance schedules
  • Freight and transportation manifests
• Oversee trucking and transportation logistics in partnership with transportation vendors and lead drivers.
• Review all tour routing and venue logistics to ensure productions can operate safely and efficiently within venue constraints.
• Oversee initial tour launches and key engagements to ensure proper crew training and operational readiness.
• Monitor production quality and consistency throughout each tour.

Team Leadership & Personnel Management

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise touring production personnel and technical department heads.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to touring crews and production staff.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and company leadership regarding personnel matters and staffing needs.
• Manage performance expectations and foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and safety.
• Assist in recruiting and onboarding replacement personnel as necessary during tour operations.

Financial Management

• Manage six- and seven-figure production budgets.
• Track budget performance and analyze variances.
• Recommend and implement cost-saving strategies without compromising production quality.
• Review vendor invoices, labor costs, transportation expenses, and production expenditures for accuracy and compliance.

Organizational Development & Process Improvement

• Assist in developing company-wide production policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Create and maintain production manuals, safety programs, warehouse procedures, and documentation systems.
• Lead production debriefs and post-tour evaluations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Ensure all production documentation and records are properly archived and maintained.

Tour Close-Out

• Oversee the safe return, inventory, storage, and disposition of all production assets.
• Coordinate final production reporting and reconciliation.
• Conduct post-tour assessments and recommend operational improvements for future productions.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive production management experience in theatrical touring, live entertainment, Broadway, concerts, or large-scale live events.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-city touring productions.
• Proven experience managing production budgets and schedules.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing diverse teams and technical personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel capabilities.
• Experience with Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD software.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively.

Preferred

• National touring experience.
• Experience working with IATSE and local stagehand labor.
• Knowledge of trucking logistics, freight coordination, venue advancing, and touring operations.
• Experience with project management platforms such as Monday.com, Asana, Airtable, Smartsheet, or similar systems.
• Knowledge of entertainment contracting and vendor management.
• Experience managing large-scale theatrical productions, concerts, or live events.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is based in Houston, Texas and requires frequent domestic travel. The Production Manager must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during rehearsals, technical periods, tour launches, and live engagements.

The position requires work in theaters, arenas, rehearsal studios, warehouses, production facilities, and other entertainment venues. The ability to travel by air and ground transportation, lift and move production materials as needed, and work effectively in fast-paced environments is required.

The successful candidate must be comfortable managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, making decisions under pressure, and responding to operational challenges in real time.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Equal Opportunity Employer

Je'Caryous Entertainment is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an environment where all employees can thrive.

TO APPLY:
Please send a resume to info@jecaryous.com with the subject line: “Your Name – Production Manager”