VP, Experiential Ops & Production

About the Role

This senior leadership role sits on THE·TEAM's Experiential team and is accountable for turning creative ideas and client objectives into exceptional live experiences. It leads production operations from brief, scoping and feasibility through onsite execution and final reconciliation, ensuring the right people, partners, processes and controls are in place to deliver safely, on time, on budget and to THE·TEAM's quality standards. The role works closely with Client Service, Creative, Strategy, Finance and agency leadership to strengthen production capabilities, mentor teams, manage key vendor relationships and contribute to new business and profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end production and operations for complex experiential programmes and live events, from brief through planning, build, onsite execution, load-out and closeout.
• Translate creative concepts and client objectives into clear scopes, production plans, schedules, staffing models, budgets and contingency plans, identifying feasibility issues and solutions early.
• Oversee multiple large-scale project teams and workstreams at once, setting priorities, allocating internal and freelance resources and ensuring consistent delivery standards across the portfolio.
• Own project financial management, including cost modelling, estimates, forecasting, change control, vendor commitments, reconciliation and margin performance, in partnership with Finance and Client Service.
• Build, negotiate with and manage a network of production partners across fabrication, scenic, AV, lighting, staging, graphics, experiential technology, venues, labour and staffing, upholding standards for quality, value, sustainability, ethical purchasing and supplier diversity.
• Set the standard for production risk, safety and compliance, including permitting, insurance, labour and union requirements, site safety, emergency planning and escalation protocols, and lead calmly and decisively when conditions change onsite.
• Partner with senior clients and cross-functional agency leaders to present production recommendations, manage trade-offs, protect creative intent and maintain alignment on scope, timing, budget and quality.
• Strengthen the department by improving processes, tools, quality-control practices and resourcing, and by coaching and developing producers and production leaders.
• Bring production expertise to pitches, RFPs, organic growth and cross-agency opportunities.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in experiential, live event or integrated production, with significant experience in an agency environment and a track record of leading complex, high-visibility programmes.
• Deep production fluency across technical, scenic, fabrication, venue, labour, logistics and onsite operations, with the judgement to challenge plans, evaluate feasibility and solve problems before they affect delivery.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience building and managing large production budgets, negotiating vendor costs, controlling scope and delivering against profitability targets.
• Proven people leadership, with the ability to lead senior and multidisciplinary teams, delegate effectively, give clear feedback, develop talent and create a collaborative, accountable working environment.
• Confident executive presence, with the ability to build trusted senior client relationships, present recommendations, navigate difficult conversations and influence decisions without losing momentum or partnership.
• Highly organised, calm under pressure and solutions-oriented, with the ability to anticipate risk, manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in fast-moving environments.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends when live production requires it.

Preferred Skills

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience is welcome, although practical production leadership and demonstrated results are considered more important.

Workplace

• Hybrid or remote working policy.

Salary

• Base salary range: $170,000–$190,000, plus bonus potential if applicable for the role.
• Actual base salary depends on factors including market dynamics, location and region, experience, specialised skills or training, level of responsibility, budgetary considerations and tenure at the company; the listed range is one component of the total compensation package.

Benefits & Perks

• Professional development through learning and development programmes, mentorship opportunities and career advancement support.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401k plan including contribution matching.
• Healthcare options including medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life and disability coverage.
• Ancillary benefits including critical illness, identity protection, pet insurance and 529 plans.
• Commuter benefits supporting travel and commuting needs, where available.

About the Company

THE·TEAM provides representation and marketing services to talent, brands and properties across 28 countries and more than 70 cities worldwide. Shaped by a belief in the unifying power of sports, music and entertainment, THE·TEAM leads with intelligence, ideas and influence.