Production Manager – Trade Shows + Events
We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee shop operations and manage the fabrication and production of custom trade show exhibits, experiential environments, branded spaces, and specialty fabrication projects. This individual will be responsible for ensuring projects move efficiently through the production process while maintaining quality standards, meeting deadlines, and managing labor, materials, and resources effectively.
Working closely with Project Management, Engineering, Purchasing, and Design, the Production Manager will translate project requirements and production drawings into actionable shop schedules and workflows. This role requires a hands-on leader who understands custom fabrication, can manage a diverse production team, and knows how to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to keep people, processes, and projects moving in the right direction.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily shop operations and production activities for custom trade show exhibits, event environments, branded spaces, and custom fabrication projects.
- Manage and coordinate production schedules, workflows, labor assignments, and shop resources to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Lead, supervise, and develop production personnel, including shop supervisors, fabricators, carpenters, welders, painters, and other skilled trades.
- Review project drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and production requirements to establish fabrication plans and timelines.
- Coordinate with Project Management, Engineering, Purchasing, and Design to ensure all materials, drawings, and project details are ready for production.
- Monitor project progress throughout fabrication, identifying potential delays, resource constraints, or production challenges and implementing solutions.
- Ensure work is completed according to quality standards, design specifications, and client expectations.
- Oversee shop safety, equipment maintenance, organization, and adherence to established procedures.
- Manage labor allocation, overtime, material usage, and production costs to support operational efficiency and profitability.
- Coordinate finishing, graphics, assembly, quality control, packing, and preparation for shipping or installation.
- Work with Project Management and Logistics teams to ensure completed projects are properly prepared and delivered according to show schedules and installation requirements.
- Identify opportunities to improve production processes, shop efficiency, workflow, and overall operational performance.
- Assist with hiring, training, performance management, and development of production team members.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of production management or shop leadership experience within the trade show, exhibit, event, custom fabrication, scenic fabrication, or related manufacturing industry.
- Experience managing production teams in a custom, project-based fabrication environment.
- Strong understanding of fabrication processes, materials, construction methods, and shop operations.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, blueprints, and production specifications.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects with varying scopes, schedules, and production requirements.
- Knowledge of materials and processes such as woodworking, metal fabrication, laminates, plastics, finishing, graphics, and assembly.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams, manage performance, and maintain accountability.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage labor, resources, schedules, and production costs while maintaining quality and deadlines.
- Familiarity with production scheduling, inventory management, and project management systems.
- A hands-on management style with the ability to work directly with shop personnel and troubleshoot production challenges.
What’s Offered
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Opportunity to lead production for a variety of custom exhibits, experiential environments, and specialty fabrication projects.
- A collaborative team environment with the opportunity to make a direct impact on shop operations and production performance.
- Room for professional growth within an established and growing organization.
How to Apply
If you have a background in production management, shop operations, or custom fabrication within the trade show, event, or manufacturing industry, we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your resume to Amanda Roomey, Director of Visual Communications & Branded Environments, at amanda@metroseekcorp.com with the subject line Production Manager – Trade Shows + Events – Pittsburgh.
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