VP, Experiential Ops & Production

The VP, Experiential Operations & Production is a senior leader on THE·TEAM’s Experiential team, accountable for turning creative ideas and client objectives into exceptional live experiences. This role leads production operations from brief, scoping and feasibility through onsite execution and final reconciliation, ensuring the right people, partners, processes and controls are in place to deliver safely, on time, on budget and to THE·TEAM’s quality standards. Working closely with Client Service, Creative, Strategy, Finance and agency leadership, this person will strengthen production capabilities, mentor teams, manage key vendor relationships and contribute to new business and profitable growth.

•  Lead end-to-end production and operations for complex experiential programs and live events, from brief through planning, build, onsite execution, load-out and closeout.

•  Translate creative concepts and client objectives into clear scopes, production plans, schedules, staffing models, budgets and contingency plans; identify feasibility issues and solutions early.

•  Oversee multiple large-scale project teams and workstreams at once, setting priorities, allocating internal and freelance resources, and ensuring consistent delivery standards across the portfolio.

•  Own project financial management, including cost modeling, estimates, forecasting, change control, vendor commitments, reconciliation and margin performance, in partnership with Finance and Client Service.

•  Build, negotiate with and manage a best-in-class network of production partners across fabrication, scenic, AV, lighting, staging, graphics, experiential technology, venues, labor and staffing, while upholding THE·TEAM standards for quality, value, sustainability, ethical purchasing and supplier diversity.

•  Set the standard for production risk, safety and compliance, including permitting, insurance, labor and union requirements, site safety, emergency planning and escalation protocols; lead calmly and decisively when conditions change onsite.

•  Partner with senior clients and cross-functional agency leaders to present production recommendations, manage tradeoffs, protect creative intent and maintain alignment on scope, timing, budget and quality.

•  Strengthen the department by improving processes, tools, quality-control practices and resourcing; coach and develop producers and production leaders; and bring production expertise to pitches, RFPs, organic growth and cross-agency opportunities.

•  12+ years of progressively responsible experience in experiential, live event or integrated production, with significant experience in an agency environment and a track record leading complex, high-visibility programs.

•  Deep production fluency across technical, scenic, fabrication, venue, labor, logistics and onsite operations, with the judgment to challenge plans, evaluate feasibility and solve problems before they affect delivery.

•  Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience building and managing large production budgets, negotiating vendor costs, controlling scope and delivering against profitability targets.

•  Proven people leadership: able to lead senior and multidisciplinary teams, delegate effectively, give clear feedback, develop talent and create a collaborative, accountable working environment.

•  Confident executive presence with the ability to build trusted senior client relationships, present recommendations, navigate difficult conversations and influence decisions without losing momentum or partnership.

•  Highly organized, calm under pressure and solutions-oriented, with the ability to anticipate risk, manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in fast-moving environments.

•  Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends when live production requires it. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is welcome, but practical production leadership and demonstrated results are more important.

Base salary range: $170K - 190K, plus bonus potential if applicable for role.

Actual base salary is dependent on several factors including but not limited to; market dynamics, location and region, experience, specialized skills/training (education), level of responsibility, budgetary considerations, tenure at the company (for current employees), etc. The salary range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Compensation decisions are dependent on circumstances of each role 

What We Offer:

• Professional Development: Take advantage of our learning and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement support.   
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy generous paid time off and holiday allowances to recharge and spend time with loved ones. 
• Parental Leave: We provide paid parental leave to support your family during important life events.  
• Retirement Plan: 401k plan including contribution matching.  
• Healthcare: Medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life and disability coverage options.  
• Ancillary: Critical illness, identity protection, pet insurance, 529 plans and more 
• Commuter Benefits: Access support for travel and commuting needs, where available 

THE·TEAM does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.