Event Production Manager

Role Overview

The Event Production Manager oversees the planning and on-site delivery of seasonal events, entertainment activations, décor installations, and special productions at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. This role leads the full production cycle, including setup, operations, and teardown, while making sure each experience is safe, efficient, on schedule, on budget, and aligned with the park’s brand and guest experience goals.

Working in partnership with the Assistant Director of Event Production & Project Development, this position blends operational leadership with creative execution. The manager works across departments such as Operations, Entertainment, Marketing, Maintenance, In-Park Revenue, Finance, Safety, and with outside vendors to keep every event running smoothly.

Key Production Duties

This position supports and coordinates major seasonal offerings such as Voyage to the Islands, Cherry Jubilee, Carnival Nights, The Great Big Boo, North Pole Nights, and additional special events. Responsibilities include managing production schedules, installation plans, logistics, and strike operations, as well as overseeing scenic, technical, and environmental elements.

The role requires developing installation and teardown timelines, arranging rehearsals, conducting readiness reviews, and overseeing production testing. The manager also performs daily quality checks during operating periods to spot maintenance issues, missing décor, lighting problems, signage needs, safety concerns, and opportunities to improve the guest experience.

All installations must work well with park operations, guest movement, emergency access, ADA requirements, maintenance access, and overnight reset procedures. The manager coordinates with Operations and Safety to ensure temporary structures, props, lighting, cabling, décor, and other guest-facing components are installed and maintained safely.

Creative and Guest Experience Support

The role helps develop seasonal themes, scenic treatments, décor ideas, storytelling elements, and immersive atmospheric enhancements. It also partners with leadership and cross-functional teams to make sure event elements support brand identity, operational flow, and the intended guest experience.

Additional responsibilities include identifying ways to improve lighting, sound, signage, music, photo opportunities, props, and interactive features. The manager translates creative ideas into workable production plans that account for materials, labor, timing, installation methods, and ongoing operational needs.

Regular walkthroughs from a guest perspective are expected to evaluate visual appeal, cleanliness, functionality, show quality, and atmosphere. The role also recommends enhancements that can increase guest satisfaction, photo value, repeat visits, and the overall appeal of seasonal programming.

Vendor, Budget, and Resource Management

The Event Production Manager coordinates with scenic builders, technical vendors, rental companies, and contractors while tracking deliveries and evaluating vendor performance. The role supports purchasing and contract-related processes as needed.

Budget responsibilities include monitoring event production spending, labor, rentals, and materials; finding cost-saving opportunities without lowering quality; and assisting with forecasts and financial reporting. The manager also maintains production inventory and event assets, including storage, transport, repairs, and refurbishment.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

This position leads, coaches, and holds accountable seasonal production staff, event coordinators, technical crews, and contracted personnel. The manager gives direction during setup, operating periods, and strike, while also supporting hiring decisions, work planning, performance management, and employee concerns.

Regular coaching conversations, clear expectations, and a strong focus on safety, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability are part of the role. The manager works closely with Human Resources and department leadership when addressing attendance, conduct, productivity, performance, or safety concerns.

Continuous Improvement and Standards

The role includes post-event reviews, process improvements, and the development of stronger production procedures and standard operating practices. The manager is expected to help build a team culture centered on creativity, urgency, safety, pride in the guest experience, and high-quality execution.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree is preferred in Event Production, Entertainment Management, Technical Theater, Hospitality, Project Management, or a related discipline. Candidates should have 3 to 5 years of experience in live events, entertainment production, theme parks, attractions, festivals, or a similar field. Supervisory experience is preferred.

Required capabilities include strong project management and organizational skills, knowledge of staging, lighting, audio, scenic construction, and event logistics, plus the ability to balance creative goals with safety, operational needs, budgets, labor availability, and timelines. The role also requires strong attention to detail, visual presentation, guest flow, and themed environmental design.

Applicants should be able to interpret basic production drawings, scenic plans, layouts, schedules, installation maps, and technical specifications. Experience with seasonal events, immersive environments, live entertainment, décor programs, or festivals is preferred. Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, and multitasking skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software.

Physical and Work Conditions

This job requires standing and walking throughout the park for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working around production equipment and temporary structures. The role also involves outdoor work in changing weather conditions.

Work is performed in office and outdoor settings, with availability needed during evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal periods. Activity levels are especially high during installation and production windows.

Additional Terms

The employer states that this description is intended to outline the main responsibilities of the role, but it may be changed or expanded based on business needs. All company policies and procedures must be followed, including those related to safety, attendance, equal employment opportunity, and customer service. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $85,000 per year, and the final offer will depend on relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, and certifications.

Benefits include paid time off, company holidays, eligibility for a performance-based annual bonus, medical and dental coverage, a 403(b) plan, park tickets and passes, and discounts on food and merchandise.

Supervision

The Event Production Manager directly supervises seasonal production staff, event coordinators, technical crews, and contracted production personnel. Supervision includes assigning and reviewing work, planning staffing, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, supporting promotions and transfers, and making recommendations related to discipline, termination, and pay changes. The role also includes one-on-one coaching and recognition of strong performance.