Scenic Project Manager

Scenic Project Manager

Location: Denton, Manchester

Type: Full Time

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:30

About Visual Architects

Visual Architects is an award-winning experiential production and fabrication company delivering immersive environments, large-scale activations, commercial interiors, scenography, brand experiences, festivals, hospitality projects, and bespoke builds across the UK and Europe.

This role is specifically for someone from the:

• experiential industry,
• event production,
• scenic fabrication,
• exhibitions,
• shopfitting,
• retail fit-outs,
• immersive experiences,
• live events,
• brand activations,
• hospitality interiors,
• or bespoke build environment.

You need to understand how creative concepts become physical builds under tight timelines, changing site conditions, and live operational pressure.

The Role

We are looking for a technically strong and commercially aware Project Manager who understands both creative production and physical build delivery.

You will take ownership of projects from handover through to final delivery, managing timelines, fabrication coordination, contractor communication, budgets, logistics, and on-site execution.

This role sits at the centre of the business, coordinating between:

• Creative,
• Production,
• Workshop,
• Installations,
• Suppliers,
• Freelancers,
• and Clients.

You will be expected to confidently manage multiple fast-moving projects simultaneously while ensuring builds remain commercially viable, operationally achievable, and delivered to a high standard.

What We Are Looking For

We are specifically looking for someone who has worked within:

• experiential production,
• custom fabrication,
• scenic builds,
• exhibition builds,
• retail installations,
• hospitality fit-outs,
• festivals,
• live events,
• or branded environments.

You should already understand:

• fabrication workflows,
• workshop operations,
• material ordering,
• production scheduling,
• installation logistics,
• technical drawings,
• and live project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Coordination

• Manage projects from internal handover through to installation and completion
• Build and maintain project timelines, installation schedules, and delivery plans
• Coordinate internal departments to ensure projects move efficiently through production
• Ensure all departments are aligned on deadlines, priorities, and project status
• Manage shifting timelines and operational changes in a fast-paced environment

Technical & Build Understanding

• Review drawings, concepts, and SketchUp files to assess build feasibility
• Translate creative concepts into practical fabrication and installation plans
• Understand fabrication methods including timber, metalwork, scenic finishes, print, electrics, and CNC processes
• Identify potential production, logistics, or installation risks early
• Work closely with workshop and production teams to ensure builds are achievable and delivered correctly

Costing & Commercial Awareness

• Produce and manage project costings and estimates
• Forecast labour, materials, fabrication, transport, and installation costs
• Monitor project profitability throughout delivery
• Work closely with suppliers and procurement to maintain cost control
• Manage variations, changes, and additional project costs where required

Operational & Site Management

• Coordinate suppliers, subcontractors, freelancers, and installation crews
• Attend site visits, technical surveys, and live installations
• Manage on-site problem solving under pressure
• Ensure installations are delivered safely, professionally, and on schedule
• Maintain strong communication between office, workshop, warehouse, and site teams

Systems & Workflow Management

• Manage project workflows through Asana and Google Workspace
• Maintain accurate project documentation, trackers, and status updates
• Create and manage Gantt charts and production schedules
• Ensure internal communication remains organised and visible across departments

Required Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Previous experience within experiential, fabrication, retail fit-out, exhibition, scenic, or live event environments
• Strong understanding of fabrication and build processes
• Proven project management experience within physical build environments
• Experience managing multiple live projects simultaneously
• Commercial awareness and costing experience
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage changing priorities

Technical Requirements:

• Asana
• SketchUp
• Google Workspace
• Gantt Charts
• Project scheduling software/tools

This role suits someone who:

• understands creative production and physical build equally,
• can confidently walk between office, workshop, and site,
• thrives in high-pressure delivery environments,
• and knows how to keep complex projects moving.

You need to be proactive, technically aware, highly organised, and comfortable taking ownership.

To Apply

Please send your CV and portfolio/examples of relevant projects to:

jobs@visual-architects.co.uk