Director of Production and Operations (Deadline)

Director of Production and Operations

Department: Artistic Operations

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Personnel Manager / Stage Manager /Operations Coordinator/ Stage Supervisor, IATSE Crew

Start Date: Summer 2025

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000, Commensurate with Experience

The Role:

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Artistic Planning, the Director of Production and Operations manages and supervises all logistical aspects of concert production with particular focus on the orchestra’s collective agreement and technical aspects of staging, lighting, audio, video and guest artist rider logistics

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

In consultation with the Music Director, WSO Associate Conductor, and Director of Artistic Planning, the Director of Production and Operations ensures the highest quality production of all concert and non-concert events, including live streamed WSO events. Duties include:

• Plan, manage and supervise all aspects of the technical requirements for the WSO productions for local, national and international concerts and events. Assist or undertake set-ups, strikes and all technical activities as required, and where necessary tour with the company.

• Establish detailed budgets for company productions and presentations on an annual basis. Closely monitor and report against such budgets on a monthly basis with particular attention to ensuring hiring and technical costs are aligned to budget.

• Create and manage production contracts, technical riders and guest artist itineraries.

• Create and manage production documentation and stage plots, in conjunction with the Production Stage Manager.

• Manage and supervise the Personnel Manager, Stage Manager, Operations Coordinator, Stage Supervisor, and IATSE crew.

• Work with the Operations Coordinator to ensure that guest artist logistics are completed in a timely and professional manner including but not limited to itineraries, transportation arrangements, hotel reservations, rehearsals with orchestra, and hospitality arrangements.

• Plan, manage and supervise requirements for the instrument transportation associated with the WSO’s schedule, including local, national and international touring.

• Liaise with, supervise and manage venue staging crews working on WSO productions at each of the venues used by the company.

• Take responsibility for efficient, effective and cost-smart hiring of contract and casual staging crews for concert and non-concert events.

• Oversee all electronic media projects and contracts including live streaming, radio broadcasts, television broadcasts, recordings, television commercials etc.

• Serve as an employer representative for collective bargaining with IATSE Local 63 and maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of Collective Agreements.

• Manage bookings with the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall (MCCC) and other venues required for rehearsals and concerts.

• Oversee and manage the maintenance and security of orchestral instruments and equipment.

• Plan and administer the season schedule in conjunction with Director of Artistic Planning for orchestra, tours, runouts, community concerts and all concerts. Supervise communication of schedules.

• Supervise orchestra personnel issues in collaboration with the Personnel Manager and Music Director.

• Work with the Executive Director to maintain relationships with musicians’ committees and unions and to negotiate collective agreements and process grievances. Communicate general information and new policies to the orchestra.

General Administration

• Assist with human resources documentation for Artistic Operations personnel, including job descriptions, contracts, job postings and search processes.

• With the artistic team assess potential opportunities such as partnerships, collaborations, recording projects, and run outs/tours.

• Perform other duties as reasonably required by the Executive Director.

Safety and Health

• Oversee and ensure compliance with workplace health & safety requirements.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety and accessibility regulations, proactively addressing potential risks and participate in the WSO’s Safety and Health Committee.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Arts Administration, Technical Production, or a related field, or equivalent work/education experience.

• Demonstrated success and experience in staging professional and commercial productions at the highest artistic level.

• Orchestra operations or related experience preferred.

• Strong technical knowledge of stage, lighting, sound, and AV equipment.

• Strong computer skills and proficient in job related software and scheduling tools, such as MS Office Suite, and experience in production software such as Tessitura, preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience navigating sensitive issues requiring interpersonal skills and ability to mitigate and solve difficult issues with musicians, staff, and artists.

• Demonstrated success and experience in budgeting for professional and commercial productions.

• Experience in planning, scheduling and managing the production requirements of regional, national and/or international tours.

This full-time position requires work on some evenings and weekends.

The WSO offers a highly competitive benefits package and welcomes all qualified applicants and values inclusion, diversity and equity. Winnipeg is an affordable and culture-friendly city.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Marcie MacDonald, Director, Human Resources at [email protected]. This position will remain open until it is filled.