Manager, Scenic & Props Design

Posted 14 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, GBR
In-Office
Mid level
Events • News + Entertainment
The Role
Manage scenic and props design for live experiences: develop concepts using CAD and Adobe tools, create build/install plans, manage vendors and budgets, oversee load‑ins and rehearsals, fabricate and maintain props, maintain documentation and inventory, supervise shop staff, and support logistics with up to 40% travel.
Summary Generated by Built In
JOB DETAILS 
Job Title: Manager, Scenic & Props Design 
Reports To: Director, Design | Live Experiences
Working Hours: Non install schedule: Monday- Friday 9am –5pm  
During Install Schedule: as needed averaging 10 hour day with comp time off post install
Place of Work: UK HQ, Mill Court, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK12 5EU 
Estimated Start Date: August 1st 2026
Status: Mobile (3 days in the office, 2 days remote
Other:  Full Time 
ABOUT RWS GLOBAL 
As the world’s largest producer of groundbreaking live entertainment, RWS Global creates meaningful connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical productions to events, multimedia and more. In 2024, the entertainment leaders expanded capabilities into live sporting events with the introduction of RWS Global Sports.
 
Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati and Sydney with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals worldwide. 
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com. 
JOB SUMMARY 
Reporting to the Director, Live Experience Design this role will manage the creation, and maintenance of props and scenery for RWS Global Clients. It is the Scenic and Props Managers responsibility to work with the design and creative team to construct element in live experiences that are either used to establish the setting or used by performers to tell the story. Props and Scenery for all shows, events, or instillations must work with 
the rest of the team’s vision to create a cohesive look while performing their function. It’s the manager’s job to create and execute the design as well as maintain these items with documentation, repair and replacement procedures, and inhouse maintenance so all cast are set up for success. It is also in the managers purview to maintain all stock item in both storage and rehearsal studios.
KEY TASKS 
Role & Responsibilities: 
  • Develop production concepts for scenery and props using Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD,  Vectorworks, CAD software, and /or hand sketching
  • Create build/install plans and assist with RFP development for external fabrication vendors
  • Manage vendor bids, budgets, timelines, and communication throughout production
  • Conduct site visits and oversee scenic load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsals
  • Make onsite and remote executive decisions to maintain production quality and integrity
  • Maintain professional relationships with vendors, performers, and clients while upholding company standards
  • Fabricate, alter, and maintain props for in-house productions including prototyping in alligniment with the creative team's vision
  • Develop and maintain detailed props bibles, including care instructions, tracking, and manifests
  • Coordinate shipping and logistics for props, scenic elements, graphics, road kits, and installation  supplies
  • Track project budgets and reconcile department expenses
  • Lead and supervise internal teams, freelancers, artisans, and interns in a safe, productive shop  environment
  • Maintain shop organization, supply inventory, and safe operation of all tools and equipment
  • Travel regularly required
Qualifications & Skills:
  • Passionate about leisure and attractions entertainment.
  • Proven ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, projects, ad hoc assignments, and deadlines
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) or willingness to learn
  • Attention to detail: please type the word “Blue Iguana” on the top your resume prior to applying
  • Motivated and effective self-starter with a record of project success
  • Independent worker with capacity for multi-tasking
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Adaptable to fast paced timelines
  • Knowledge of Apple and Windows programs
  • Exceptional time management, organizational skills, budgeting and finance skills
  • Ability to take initiative and come up with out of the box solutions, and ability to problem solve
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Ability to read and interpret drafting
  • Basic to moderate sewing, carpentry, electrical/lighting and sculpture / casting/ mold making skills
  • Basic to moderate Adobe Photoshop/ Illustrator
  • Moderate to advanced use of power tools, skills in painting and CAD drafting
  • Need the ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Needs to be comfortable with heights, working on ladders and lifts with appropriate safety equipment
  • A flexible schedule allowing for approximately up to 40% travel
Experience: 
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience in project management, props or scenic shop, operations management, theatrical design, or a combination is required.
  • High school diploma required. Bachelor's Degree in the field of design and technical theatre required.
    • Experience may substitute for some of the above education.
A valid passport for the duration of employment for all travel-related roles. 
Company Benefits: 
  • Competitive Salary
  • Company Pension
  • 25 days paid holiday excluding Bank Holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Computer (Mac/Windows)
  • Company Phone Program
  • Flexible working (office/remote)
  • Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
  • Childcare Support Policy
  • Employer Sponsored Vision Programme

Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT: 
DIVERSE IS WHO WE ARE

Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements.
So, bring all of who you are, no questions asked.
 

Skills Required

  • 3-5 years relevant experience in project management, props or scenic shop, operations management, or theatrical design
  • Bachelor's degree in design or technical theatre (experience may substitute)
  • High school diploma
  • Valid passport for duration of employment and travel
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • Comfortable working at heights, on ladders and lifts with appropriate safety equipment
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) or willingness to learn
  • Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, Vectorworks and CAD drafting
  • Basic to moderate sewing, carpentry, electrical/lighting, sculpture, casting and mold making skills
  • Moderate to advanced use of power tools and painting skills
  • Ability to read and interpret drafting
  • Proven ability to manage budgets, vendor bids, timelines and communications
  • Experience leading and supervising internal teams, freelancers, artisans and interns in a shop environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication, time management, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Include the phrase "Blue Iguana" at the top of your resume when applying
Am I A Good Fit?
beta
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
HQ: New York, New York
891 Employees
Year Founded: 2023

What We Do

RWS Global is a full-service company on a mission to elevate experiences everywhere. Leveraging our expertise in creative development, live productions, experiential design, casting and much more, we turn moments into powerful memories for guests worldwide.

Similar Jobs

Hybrid
London, Greater London, England, GBR
897 Employees
Hybrid
London, Greater London, England, GBR
897 Employees
Hybrid
London, Greater London, England, GBR
897 Employees

Wise Logo Wise

Senior Product Compliance Manager - Consumer Duty

Fintech • Mobile • Payments • Software • Financial Services
Hybrid
London, Greater London, England, GBR
9000 Employees

Similar Companies Hiring

Sandbox VR Thumbnail
Events • Gaming • News + Entertainment • Retail • Virtual Reality
Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
650 Employees
Hedra Thumbnail
Software • News + Entertainment • Marketing Tech • Generative AI • Enterprise Web • Digital Media • Consumer Web
San Francisco, CA
14 Employees
Posh Thumbnail
Events • Social Media • Software
New York, New York
70 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account