Convention Center Production Manager at Mills James Inc – Cleveland, Ohio

Mills James – Live Event Production | AV Production | Event Management

Mills James is seeking an experienced **Convention Center Production Manager*
* to join our team at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland. This role provides project leadership, technical production expertise, and on-site management for live events, virtual broadcasts, and experiential productions. The Production Manager develops technical drawings, manages project budgets, coordinates crews and equipment, and ensures a seamless client experience. Success in this role requires strong technical knowledge, clear communication, and the ability to collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and clients to achieve the creative vision.

Essential Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

* Serve as a professional role model for the production team, fostering a positive, client-focused work environment.

* Supervise and coordinate production crews, technical workflows, and equipment needs across multiple projects.

* Lead technical staff on-site during installation, show execution, and strike.

* Maintain working knowledge of project budgets and assist with strategic, cost-effective decision-making.

* Ensure effective communication among staff, clients, and vendors throughout all stages of production.

* Partner with operations to optimize staffing, equipment usage, logistics, and external resources.

* Source and contract outside vendors for labor, equipment, technology, and supplemental services.

* Coordinate power, security, rigging, and other technical requirements with the venue and required vendors.

* Attend and schedule planning meetings, virtual meetings, and site surveys with clients and technical teams.

* Use project management software to track project status, budgets, approvals, updates, and change orders.

* Create and revise technical drawings, CAD room layouts, and production schematics.

* Step into other technical roles when necessary to support event success.

* Follow and enforce all safety procedures to protect crew members, clients, and audience members.

* Prepare purchase orders, reconcile expenses, and complete job-related documentation accurately and promptly.

* Collaborate with leadership to ensure production processes, pricing, and quality standards are consistently met.

Requirements

The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for success in this role.

* Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or four years of related experience/training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Proven experience in the design and operation of audio, video, lighting, streaming, power distribution, and rigging systems.

* Strong understanding of safety procedures in live event environments.

* Proficiency with CAD-based design software to create room layouts and technical drawings.

* Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

* High level of adaptability and comfort working in a fast-changing environment.

* Valid driver’s license.

* Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

* Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing 25–50+ pounds as needed.

* Ability to sit, stand, and move around event locations for extended periods.

* Sufficient visual and auditory ability to assess video and audio quality.

Benefits: Anthem medical plan and ERC Wellness program, Guardian Dental and Vision Coverages and 401(k) plan with company match,