Project Based – Production Manager

Who are we hiring?

Sphere is looking for a Senior Project Manager to join a groundbreaking design department based in Los Angeles. As the content design and delivery team for all MSG Sphere projects, we strive to create world-class experiences at an unprecedented scale for the largest LED screens ever made while developing this format into a product of the overall Sphere portfolio. 

The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for Sphere brand Creative projects, inclusive of Merchandise workstreams and be responsible for managing and tracking multiple projects in design through final delivery.

Critical to this role is having the innate foresight to identify and address future issues. This position reports to the Director, Project Management and works closely with other key production, creative, technical and executive staff. This role needs to be flexible, and open to taking on additional test/live projects as needed.

Technical and design fluency is a must, comfortability with live event based immersive technology is a bonus.  But excellent time-management skills, taking tasks to completion, and smooth, easy style of communication are critical.  Must be collaborative and comfortable with team dynamics in a matrix environment. This position requires a versatile experience base in design and project management processes, and ideally, a background and/or knowledge of entertainment, brands and immersive.

What will you do? 

• Primary function and activities include: planning, organizing, and seeing Sphere brand creative projects to on-time completion with an eye to timelines, budget, deliverables and scope.
• Managing a team of Creative leads to ideate, concept and execute creative content.
• Liaise with various cross functional teams in the development of sphere merchandise and corresponding ecommerce launch.
• Provide status reporting, budget tracking, timeline and task tracking at all levels and stages of a project.
• Keep projects on course as succinctly and efficiently as possible, relaying appropriate feedback and questions to relevant stakeholders
• Utilize standard project management workflow to develop project plans and track budgets, resources, and key dates and milestones
• Support MSG Sphere Design and Creative Services team integration with other teams to ensure project consistency and production milestone alignment
• Create, maintain, and distribute project documentation, internal reporting, meeting minutes and deliverables.
• Proactively identify project risks and dependencies and communicate these to the appropriate project lead
• Effective and frequent communication to project sponsors, resources and management around project status, budget, scope and timeline.
• Maintain key customer and vendor relationships
• Preparation of executive presentations

What do you need to succeed? 

• 5 -10 years’ experience in similar role in design/ theatrical / live event / show /creative producing or event production project management
• Fluent in Microsoft Software including Project and associated project management tools
• Ability to manage multiple projects with ease
• Previous experience developing and managing vendor relationships
• Well versed in Agile and other project management methodologies, including Kanban, scrum and demonstrated knowledge of when to apply them.
• Experience developing, managing, and deploying project management frameworks to facilitate shared technical and creative goals across the organization
• Strong communication skills with a proven ability to understand key concepts and communicate effectively with business stakeholders and senior management
• Strong organizational skills a must
• Demonstrated expertise in planning, budgeting and project management. Prior experience in another business function within the media and entertainment space is a plus
• BA/BS in related field or equivalent practical experience; advanced education is a plus
• Self-motivated and able to anticipate stakeholder needs and stay ahead of potential issues.
• Seasoned professional able to work calmly under pressure and/or challenging conditions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Very strong communication management and the ability to work with and negotiate with executive stakeholders.

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