Head of Production

Head of Production

HEAD OF PRODUCTION

at Optimist, Inc / Los Angeles

 

Optimist is a creative experience agency that bridges the gap between brand culture and human emotion. In a world that’s ever changing, we find innovative ways to move people through unexpected and unforgettable moments. From concept to execution, we blend creative, strategy, design, digital, content, innovation and production to make big ideas a reality all over the world.

 

Summary

As Head of Production, you are a leader and not afraid to challenge convention. You’re a dynamic individual who creates a positive force for growth in their people and the agency as a whole. You demonstrate courage and humility, and are a master in appropriate and effective communication. You are a reflective and active learner. As an active member of the agency management team you lead the way to advance the agency’s mission and business.

 

The Head of Production role will report to the Managing Director. Salary range: $170,000 - $220,000

 

Role Priorities

 

Production & Management: Oversee day-to-day management of the production teams in LA, NY and remote, including both event production and content disciplines. Manage all production elements, ensuring deliverables are being met, and set quality control standards. Identify and develop processes to streamline workflow across all channels, including best practices for pre-pro, mid-point, and wrap meetings for the production team.

 

Project Execution: Work cross functionally with account, creative, and other teams to drive activation plans for the execution of brand campaigns, large scale events and various concepts. Manage and build relationships with key partners and vendors to ensure best-in-class delivery, pricing and quality. Manage event production staff, delegating responsibilities to junior members of the team in clear and concise terms, including associate producers, production coordinators, production assistants and brand ambassadors. Drive activation plans with the internal team and execute to perfection.

 

Additional Responsibilities

  • Monitor and approve budgets for production-specific projects and elements including labor and contract negotiation
  • Establish and cultivate relationships with clients to further support the team on projects and solve unforeseen production challenges
  • Build team dynamic with one-on-one check-ins, functional meetings and group outings
  • Mentor, guide, and develop junior team members in refining professional skills by providing training and support on an on-going basis
  • Troubleshoot and assist team to alleviate workflow hurdles in any and all event and content production scenarios
  • Assist in the development of the company’s cross-functional processes and workflows and ensure adoption throughout the team & agency
  • Oversee development of vendor suppliers and new vendor relationships including sourcing, negotiating, and managing the day-to-day
  • Elevate production standards, and provide critical thinking for all projects
  • Advise and provide insight on client perspectives to ensure all needs are met on projects
  • Build a reporting structure for production team that helps develop younger team members’ skills while supporting senior team members on larger projects
  • Interview, hire, and on-board new production team members as needed

 

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of experience in large-scale production: entertainment, trade shows, sports, live broadcast and/or commercial shoots, content shoots, nationally-recognized events, etc.
  • Experience producing against and managing at least $10,000,000+ project budgets
  • Familiarity in cutting edge technology and innovations, as well as all aspects, of live events including permitting, construction management, logistics, audio, video, lighting, and safety
  • Critical thinker and leader with experience managing, leading, training, and mentoring multi-faceted teams
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal, with a high level of professionalism
  • Well-versed in establishing, analyzing, and developing cross-functional workflow and processes within a company
  • Highly adaptive and proactive problem solving skills, including proactive problem solving and strong attention-to-detail skills
  • Possess the ability to lead, drive, and manage multiple teams on projects
  • Willing to travel and act on behalf of the agency
  • Proficient in Keynote and Microsoft Office
  • Knowledge of SketchUp, Photoshop, and InDesign is a plus

 

Who We Are

Optimist is an award-winning global collective of creatives, strategists, artists and entrepreneurs who move people, brands and culture forward to create impact. Our independent agency believes in making the impossible possible; and we're positive that optimism is the lifeblood of possibility. At our core, we celebrate diversity by allowing our distinct viewpoints to shape a shared vision. We're looking for people to join our team who share our commitment to challenging convention and making an impact. Interested candidates may submit a resume, portfolio and cover letter to careers-acc@optimistinc.com.