Production Planning Manager (Live Events, Corporate Operations & Financial Planning) - Only on W2

Production Planning Manager (Live Events, Corporate Operations & Financial Planning) – Miracle Software Systems, Inc. (Direct Client)

Position Description

Event Production Planning Manager role at Michigan Central, a market leading hub for advanced technologies and programs. The role serves as a critical link between creative vision and event operational execution, ensuring flawless, timely, and budget‑conscious delivery of private events, corporate conferences, and experiential activations.

Areas of Focus

• Pre‑Production Planning – establish integrated teams and define the bridge between creative concepts and execution.
• Operational Excellence – manage complex timelines, load‑ins, and run‑of‑show schedules.
• Strategic Sourcing – identify and manage best‑in‑class vendors and partners.
• Fiscal Responsibility – precise budget forecasting and cost management.
• Risk Mitigation – identify potential bottlenecks and develop robust contingency plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive production project plans, including master timelines, resource allocation, and critical path milestones.
• Collaborate with creative teams and the Production Technical Director to determine technical requirements (AV, lighting, sound, scenic) needed to bring event themes to life.
• Coordinate site visits to assess venue capabilities and constraints against event requirements.
• Create and manage detailed event production budgets, ensuring costs are tracked and variances are communicated proactively.
• Secure all necessary permits, agreements, insurance certificates, and safety documentation.
• Lead the RFP/RFQ process for production vendors, including staging, lighting, catering, talent, facilities, and security.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all internal stakeholders and external partners regarding production logistics until hand‑off to the Site Coordinator and Technical Director.
• Manage the Run‑of‑Show (ROS) and production scripts, ensuring all cues (audio, visual, lighting) are synchronized.
• Plan and supervise load‑in, set‑up, rehearsal, and strike phases, adhering to safety protocols and labor regulations.
• Coordinate complex transport and freight logistics for equipment and materials.
• Coordinate talent and speaker logistics, including green room requirements and technical briefings.
• Conduct post‑event debriefs with stakeholders and vendors to verify venue restoration and document any damage.
• Reconcile all production‑related invoices and provide a final financial report.
• Facilitate Lessons Learned for internal continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in live event production with significant site coordination and technical direction.
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in budget management, vendor sourcing, and risk assessment.
• Experience with AV, lighting, sound, scenic production and production project scheduling.