Production Manager

Production Manager - Experiential BTL activation and Trade Marketing experienceJob DescriptionAbout the Company - Our client is seeking a Production Manager to join their dynamic and fast growing marketing agency. The company is an independent creative and marketing agency founded in 1996, now in its 30th year, with offices in Sydney and Dubai. It specializes in creating branded experiences, retail and shopper environments, event productions, and large-scale activations.Its work is delivered to premium standards, with a strong focus on exceptional quality, meticulous execution, and meeting demanding timelines. Operating as a small, senior team, the company values ownership and accountability, empowering its people to manage projects from concept through to completion rather than passing work through multiple layers.About the RoleFor our client we are looking for a Production Manager to own the physical delivery of their activations in the region, from the moment a concept is signed off to the moment the last crate leaves site.This is a hands on role covering three things: pricing the build accurately, managing the fabrication, and running the install. You will be the person who tells the creative team what is buildable, tells the client what it costs, tells the supplier what is expected, and stands on site at 2am making sure it is right.You will typically be running several projects in parallel at different stages, with budgets ranging from AED 50,000 to seven figures.What you will doEstimating and quotingInterpret creative concepts, renders and technical drawings, and translate them into accurate bills of quantities and production estimatesSource and negotiate with fabricators, printers, AV, lighting, rigging and specialist suppliers to build competitive, well structured quotesPresent costings with clear line items, assumptions, inclusions and exclusions, so clients understand what they are buyingIdentify cost drivers early and advise the creative team on buildability, materials and value engineering before a concept goes to clientTrack quoted versus actual cost through delivery, control variations, and protect project marginProduction and build managementOwn the production programme from award through to install, including drawing approvals, sampling, fabrication milestones, QC checkpoints and delivery windowsIssue clear, complete production packs to suppliers so nothing is left to interpretationConduct workshop visits, review mock ups and pre builds, and sign off finishes against brand standardsWork with the design and studio team on technical drawings, mark ups and revisionsManage freight, customs clearance and logistics for regional and international shipmentsSite deliveryLead site surveys, access checks, method statements and risk assessmentsRun install and de rig, directing in house and third party crewsOwn permits and approvals: Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality, venue and landlord requirements including malls, hotels, DWTC, Expo City and Dubai HarbourBe the decision maker on site when something does not fit, does not arrive or does not workManage safe working practice, contractor documentation, insurances and site conductHandle snagging, client walkthrough and handover, then de rig, storage and asset reconciliationCommercial controlRaise supplier purchase orders, verify invoices against what was actually delivered, and challenge overchargesKeep production trackers and job files current for internal reporting and client reconciliationClose jobs out properly, including final costs, asset registers and post project reviewWhat you will needEssentialMinimum five years in production, technical or build management within experiential, events, exhibitions, retail or shopper marketingAt least two years in the GCC, with a working supplier network in the UAEDemonstrable track record on large scale builds: activations, exhibition stands, retail installations, festival or event footprintsFluent reading of technical drawings, with working AutoCAD or SketchUp literacy sufficient to mark up and interrogate a drawing setProven estimating ability, not just supervision. You should be able to price a build from a render and defend every lineStrong grasp of materials, finishes and fabrication methods, and what they costPractical knowledge of UAE permitting, venue compliance and site safety requirementsValid UAE driving licenceFluent English, both written and spokenWilling to work overnight installs, weekends and event periods when projects demand itAdvantageousExperience delivering in Saudi Arabia, and understanding of the compliance and logistics differencesBackground with premium spirits, luxury or automotive clients, and the finish expectations that come with themIOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent safety certificationExperience with bonded goods, alcohol handling and the licensing sensitivities in marketPackageCompetitive salary, to be confirmed based on experienceStandard UAE package including visa and medical insurance Small, senior, non bureaucratic team with direct access to leadershipGenuine ownership of projects for globally recognised brands