Project Manager

The Forge Project Manager is responsible for leading custom scenic, environmental, and fabrication projects from concept through final installation and completion. This role serves as the central point of coordination between clients, Account Executives, Technical Directors, Fabrication, Scenic, Warehouse, Production, and Logistics teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on project leader with experience in scenic fabrication, event production, custom environments, or construction-related industries. This individual combines strong project management skills with a practical understanding of fabrication processes, installation logistics, and live event operations.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Lead projects from initial concept and planning through fabrication, installation, execution, and final closeout.
• Translate scenic designs, blueprints, technical drawings, and client concepts into actionable project plans, schedules, and production workflows.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, scope, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate project activities across fabrication, scenic, warehouse, production, logistics, and installation teams.
• Assign and track work orders to ensure timely completion of project milestones.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain schedule and budget objectives.
• Support estimating, quoting, and project cost reconciliation processes.

Fabrication & Production Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Fabrication Managers, Technical Directors, and production teams to execute custom scenic and environmental builds.
• Review blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical plans for accuracy and constructability.
• Monitor fabrication progress to ensure adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and timelines.
• Coordinate external services including trucking, galvanizing, powder coating, specialty fabrication, and material procurement.
• Ensure all scenic and fabricated elements meet structural, aesthetic, and safety requirements.

Show Site & Installation Oversight

• Maintain an active presence during installations, show operations, and strikes as required.
• Coordinate and supervise on-site crews, including stagehands, labor teams, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Collaborate with Technical Directors and installation teams to ensure safe and successful execution.
• Resolve issues in real time while maintaining client satisfaction and project continuity.
• Verify that all installations are completed according to approved plans and specifications.

Logistics & Asset Management

• Oversee transportation and logistics for scenic and environmental elements.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound shipments to ensure timely delivery to event sites.
• Ensure proper packaging, labeling, inventory tracking, and load sequencing.
• Confirm safe handling, storage, and transportation procedures are followed to protect company assets.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate material procurement as needed.

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for project-related communications.
• Provide regular project updates, status reports, and post-event evaluations.
• Foster strong relationships with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in client meetings and provide technical guidance related to fabrication, production, and installation methods.
• Ensure final deliverables align with client expectations, creative intent, and project objectives.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce OSHA standards, Job Safety Analysis (JSA) practices, and proper PPE usage.
• Ensure all project activities comply with company safety policies and industry regulations.
• Conduct site inspections and identify potential safety concerns.
• Support safety training initiatives and maintain a culture of workplace safety.
• Ensure all fabrication and installation activities meet structural integrity and operational safety requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Event Management, Theater Production, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of project management experience in scenic fabrication, event production, environmental design, construction, theater production, or related industries.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects in fast-paced environments.
• Experience coordinating fabrication, logistics, installation, and production teams.
• Experience supervising on-site labor crews, vendors, and subcontractors preferred.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

Industry Expertise

• Working knowledge of:
  • Scenic fabrication and construction
  • Metal fabrication and welding processes
  • Carpentry and custom build practices
  • Rigging and structural assembly methods
  • Event production and show site operations
  • Installation logistics and transportation planning

Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Blueprints
  • CAD drawings
  • Technical plans
  • Floor plans
  • Load plans
  • Construction documents
• Familiarity with:
  • AutoCAD, Rhino, Inventor, or similar design software preferred
  • CAD viewing software
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Project management software
  • ERP or shop management systems preferred

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project requirements.
• High level of accountability, attention to detail, and client service focus.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Forklift Certification required or ability to obtain.
• Scissor Lift Certification required or ability to obtain.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Travel required based on project and event locations.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by project schedules and live events.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and work for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to work in warehouse, fabrication shop, outdoor, and event-site environments.
• Ability to safely operate around construction equipment, power tools, and production machinery.
• Must wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and other required safety equipment.

Work Environment

This position combines office-based project planning with hands-on involvement in fabrication shops, warehouses, convention centers, theaters, hotels, outdoor venues, and live-event environments. The role routinely requires interaction with production teams, fabrication personnel, vendors, and clients. Irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be necessary during fabrication deadlines, load-ins, show runs, and strikes.

Preferred Candidate Profile

A proactive, hands-on project leader who understands both scenic fabrication and live-event execution. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, communicates effectively across departments, and can successfully manage complex projects from concept through fabrication, installation, and final delivery while maintaining operational excellence, safety, and client satisfaction.