Event Production Planning Manager - 3033934

Job#: 3033934

Job Description:

Ford

Hybrid On-Site Detroit, MI

12+ Month Contract

$40-50/HR

Position Description

Title: Event Production Planning Manager

Michigan Central is a market-leading hub for advancing new technologies and programs that address barriers to greater social, economic, and physical mobility. The campus is comprised of 1.2 million square feet of multi-use real estate and 30 acres of interconnected public space. Building on Detroit's rich history as an engine of change, the transformative Michigan Central project aims to strengthen the city's competitive advantages while inspiring collective action on the most pressing challenges at the intersection of mobility and society worldwide.

The Event Production Planning Manager serves as the critical link between creative vision and event operational execution. This role ensures that events---ranging from large-scale private events and corporate conferences to experiential activations---are executed flawlessly, on time, and within budget.

Areas of Focus

Pre-Production Planning: Establishing an integrated team for each event and ensuring the bridge between creative concepts and execution is clearly defined and scoped
Operational Excellence: Managing complex timelines, load-ins, and run-of-show schedules
Strategic Sourcing: Identifying and managing best-in-class vendors and partners
Fiscal Responsibility: Precise budget forecasting and cost management
Risk Mitigation: Identifying potential bottlenecks and developing robust contingency plans

Skills Required

Financial Planning
Financial Reporting
Program Management (PMs & Projects)
Microsoft Office
Program Management

Skills Preferred

N/A

Experience Required

5+ years of progressive experience in live event production, with significant experience in both site coordination and technical direction

Education Required

Bachelor's Degree

Education Preferred

N/A

Additional Safety Training/Licensing/Personal Protection Requirements

N/A

Additional Information

Pre-Production & Planning

Develop comprehensive production project plans, including master timelines, resource allocation, and critical path milestones
Collaborate with creative teams and the Production Technical Director to determine technical requirements (AV, lighting, sound, scenic) needed to bring event themes to life
Coordinate site visits to assess venue capabilities and constraints against event requirements
Create and manage detailed event production budgets, ensuring all costs are tracked and variances are communicated proactively
Ensure all necessary permits, agreements, insurance certificates, and safety documentation are secured

Vendor and Stakeholder Management

In collaboration with Purchasing and Finance, lead the RFP/RFQ (Request for Proposal/Request for Quote) process for production vendors, including staging, lighting, catering, talent, facilities, and security

Act as the primary point of contact for all internal stakeholders and external partners regarding production logistics until ready to hand off to the Site Coordinator and Technical