Local Production Manager - THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Whippany, NJ

Job Title: Local Production Manager THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Division/Department: Rail Events Productions (REP)/Management

Reports To: Director of Production & Production Manager

Type of position: Exempt/Salary

Employee Classification: Seasonal

Compensation: $1,450/weekly

Job Summary:

The Local Production Manager assists and works under the guidance and direction of the REP Director of Production, the REP Production Manager, and the REP Associate Production Manager and acts as an integral member of the local REP team. The position is responsible for overseeing and managing all technical and operational aspects of their local event including cast, crew, staff, as well as communications with on-site management and other third-party contractors.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Work with the Director of Production and REP Production Managers during pre-production and take responsibility for day-to-day operations during the event in cooperation with the other on-site management
• Lead recruiting of local crew for load in, load out, and run crew of the local event
• Create and manage production staff schedules
• Help source and organize materials and services with local vendors and contractors
• Assist with maintaining prepared budgets and tracking expenses 
• Supervise and manage local crew and staff including lighting, audio, props, décor, wardrobe, and food and beverage departments
• Serve as liaison between Rail Events Productions and on-site management
• Collaborate with front of house to provide exceptional customer service
• Plan logistics and oversee the load-out under the guidance of the REP staff
• Become familiar with organization safety rules and oversee the event staff’s adherence to safety
• Work with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff and passengers
• Become knowledgeable of all REP policies and procedures as well as the REP-owned assets and equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Experience and Requirements:

• Experience with production or stage management and managing special events
• Experience and aptitude for problem-solving and leading a large team in a live event setting
• Ability to work alongside and serve as a leader for the event staff
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate, recognize and solve practical problems and resolve issues
• Effective oral and written communication
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams
• Practical experience interpreting technical drawings
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays
• Ability and willingness to support and bolster AHR’s EOE policies
• Be physically capable of lifting heavy objects
• Must be 18 or over

Work Environment:

• Majority of time spent in an event setting
• Varied schedules requiring evenings, weekends, overtime, and holidays
• Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Varying temperatures and weather conditions; both indoor and outdoor
• Able to stand and walk on uneven or unsteady surfaces aboard a moving train
• Time spent in and around active railroad yard

What’s in it for you?

• Serve others and create a world of make-believe and magic
• Competitive pay and a chance to build upon your theater network and make lifelong connections
• Enrich and positively impact the experience for all – big and small
• Be part of an inclusive team in a supportive environment with high expectations for self and your fellow teammates
• Catered meals for 5-show days
• Comp tickets for your friends and family
• Potential for end of season bonus 

Working on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is unlike anything you will ever do.  This immersive experience is entirely unique to Rail Events Productions.  The challenge of producing a full-length production on a moving train is one of the most rewarding experiences as an artist or technician.  With a total cast, crew and front-of-house employees of 60-75 people onsite every day and the possibility of over 2,000 guests, our days can be chaotic. With such a fast-paced environment, the team at Rail Events Productions takes care to properly support and teach everyone the best ways to accomplish their jobs.  We strive to build a space where employees are safe and encouraged to grow throughout their time with the company. 

Rail Events Productions, an American Heritage Railways subsidiary, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Work with the Director of Production and REP Production Managers during pre-production and take responsibility of day-to-day operations during the event in cooperation with the other on-site management
• Responsible for and a key team member in the preproduction work leading up to the opening of the event, the operation of the event, and the closing of the event
• Lead recruiting of local crew for load in, load out, and run crew of the local event
• Help source and organize materials and services with local vendors and contractors
• Assist with maintaining prepared budgets and tracking expenses 
• Plan logistics and oversee the load-out under the guidance of the REP staff
• Supervise and manage local crew and staff including lighting, audio, props, décor, wardrobe, and catering departments
• Serve as liaison between Rail Events Productions and on-site management
• Work closely with the production staff during the entirety of the preproduction process.
• Serve as a customer service manager when the need arises
• Become familiar with organization safety rules and oversee the event staff’s adherence to safety
• Work with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff and passengers
• Become knowledgeable of all REP policies and procedures as well as the REP-owned assets and equipment
• Other duties as assigned