Project Manager (Hire & Production)

Overview

Event Production Services is an award-winning technical production company in the live events industry. Our customers include music events and festivals, theatre shows and exhibitions, corporate and private events. We are a small team of dedicated and talented individuals: this is not a traditional corporate environment. Job roles are defined, but some flexibility and a willingness to help across departments is required. Our work is varied and exciting – in the summer we spend our time on festival sites or high-profile weddings; in the winter months we are more likely to be found indoors looking after a theatre tour. We experience a high proportion of repeat work each year and cover the full spectrum of event technologies – sound, lighting, video, power and staging.

The role

We are looking for a pro-active team member to take over the ownership of numerous existing customers, as well as cultivate new clients and generate new leads. The role sits within our Hire & Production department, delivering events to our many customers across the UK but mainly based in the South. As the business transitions into new markets, discretion and confidentiality will be paramount. The role is intended to be a full-time position, although there is some flexibility in this. The expectation is that you will work closely with our core team to deliver an eclectic mix of projects, from private school dance shows and musical to conferences and festivals. A level of specialism is welcomed. The role will require you to do a reasonable amount of travelling to visit customers both for site visits and during events to manage quality assurance. Some international travel may be required. Fully remote working is not possible, however after probation there will be the option to explore a hybrid working schedule.

We operate a 40-hour working week, although exact hours can be flexible to suit you. We would generally expect you to be available for our core hours of 10AM-4PM. Our offices are open 9AM-6PM, and you would be expected to be aware of days on which you may act as key holder and so must work these hours. Some out of hours work is to be expected to ensure timely delivery of projects in line with deadlines.

What will you do?

• You will be responsible for the timely and effective planning and delivery of a number of our customers’ events across various sectors.
• You will liaise directly with customers to ensure works are planned safely and in line with their vision and our standards.
• Project Managers are hands-on: at times you may be expected to lead teams on site and work alongside them in a technical role; you will certainly be expected to provide appropriate documentation to ensure the site technicians can deliver to a high quality – safely, accurately and to schedule.
• You will undertake site visits to ascertain clients’ needs and use these to develop quotations and plans.
• You will respond to incoming enquiries promptly, developing new relationships and cultivating existing ones.
• You will be involved in helping develop systems and processes to better serve our customers, improve efficiency and margins.
• On conclusion of each project you will be expected to report on its success both financially and operationally.
• This position is within our Hire & Production department; however, at times you may be asked to assist with managing projects in other areas of the business such as AV Installation.

Responsibilities and activities

• Responding to customer enquiries; generate new business
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers
• Undertaking and managing tender applications and negotiating contracts
• Liaising with clients, designers, suppliers and other stakeholders
• Act as main point of contact for your portfolio of customers
• Undertake site visits and meetings with customers
• Attend safety advisory groups and other meetings
• Creating or modifying quotations to meet customers’ needs
• Present project proposals to clients and other stakeholders
• Generating operational and health & safety documentation; Risk Assessments
• Creating lighting rig plots, audio plots, wiring diagrams, schedules and call sheets
• Investigating and implementing innovative ways of demonstrating ideas to clients
• Designing production elements and being instrumental in their realisation
• Managing logistics of both people and equipment; booking of haulage
• Budgeting across projects; monitor costs against budget
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Reporting on the success of projects; creating P&L reports and presenting to Senior Leadership
• Leading teams of technicians on site; working on site as senior technician
• Manage project builds and breaks, theatre fit-ups etc.
• Provide leadership and direction to employees and subcontractors working for EPS
• Oversight of team welfare on site; coordinate team accommodation if required
• Consider environmental impact of work; work with the company to reduce waste and impact
• Driving of company vehicles
• Attending trade shows and exhibitions to support the sales team
• Other tasks as may be required by the business

About you

• You will likely have experience as a Senior Technician or Project Manager in the events industry and are looking for a new opportunity or be a member of the touring community looking to leave the road.
• You will be confident and proactive, with strong leadership skills and the vision to see new opportunities for the business.
• You will have excellent communication skills, and a drive to deliver to a high standard across all that you do.
• You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be confident making decisions in a dynamic environment on site.
• You will have a broad understanding of event technology, but you may also have specialist knowledge in audio, lighting, video, power or structures.
• You will have experience in CAD drawing whether that’s AutoCAD, SketchUp, Vectorworks.
• You may have some complimentary skills such as set building/carpentry; an interest in 3D printing; experience in Unreal Engine.
• You will likely have quality contacts that will benefit the business and our customers.
• You will understand the company’s vision, mission and values and work to embody these. This will drive your attention to detail, ensuring standards are maintained.
• You will be happy working in a relaxed, informal environment – this is no corporate office – but will also be confident working on your own at times.
• You will be self-motivated and able to manage your own time effectively.
• You will embrace the dynamic nature of the role and push yourself to deliver to the highest standards.
• Extensive experience in the events industry, 3 years minimum
• Proven track record in delivering projects on time and on budget
• Excellent communication and organisation; strong leadership skills
• Ability to work in fast paced environment; strong decision-making skills
• Solutions focussed outlook
• Strong technical knowledge across multiple disciplines – sound, lighting, video etc
• Understanding of relevant H&S legislation such as HASAW, CDM etc
• Understanding of Project Management methodologies
• Confident and willing to teach others
• Experience in CAD drawing; ability to interpret technical drawings
• Knowledge and experience of the UK events industry
• Right to work in the UK
• Full UK Driving License
• Willingness to undertake Enhanced DBS Check
• Relevant qualification in theatre production, audio engineering, project management or other sector
• Experience in rental asset systems; Current-RMS
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 suite
• First Aid trained
• Valid UK / EU Passport

Working at EPS

• You will receive 29 days holiday (pro rata if you are on a part time contract) inclusive of public and bank holidays (and your birthday). You may be asked to work these days on occasions, in which case you will be given time off in lieu.
• You will receive a PC or Mac laptop – your preference – and an expense card for day-to-day spending.
• You will have access to discounted products via industry associations.
• We aim to provide continued training and development.
• As a rapidly growing company with big plans, there is the potential for significant opportunities to advance for the right person.

Application Process

Please apply in writing, sending a CV and covering letter, or equivalent documents, to office@epsoxford.com, with the subject: Recruitment – Project Manager.

You can also apply directly via any platform this is listed on.

Once the application deadline has passed, we will undertake informal online conversations with longlisted candidates, followed by formal interviews of those then shortlisted.

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