Production Manager

About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award-winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust—all around the world.

Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, organizing, and controlling production build in a custom fabrication branch. They ensure the efficient production of materials, equipment, and services at the right quantity and quality. They produce events in a timely and accurate fashion to meet the demands of the customer. The Production Manager is also responsible for sending weekly updates on the health of the manufacturing facility regarding projects, manpower, and maintenance, as well as providing updates on high volume changes and large projects to the VP Production & Fabrication. This person will work an in-person scheduled based out of our St. Paul, MN facility.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Consult with the project management team in all aspects of a project

• Facilitate machine demands compared to backlog

• Ensure production follows and meets requirements of details

• Generate, distribute, and follow Production Schedules for assigned projects

• Enforce company safety guidelines inside and outside the facility

• Coordinate operations, Shop personnel to successfully prepare, produce, and return shows

• Manage all build activities relating to the assigned project including receiving, shipping, and cross-rented equipment

• Manage and work with the project management team and communicate production issues that may push project over budget

• Manage and approve time in Timekeeper for all shop employees

• Ensure machines are being maintained and third-party vendors are informed of issues not suitable for internal fixes

• Manage teams with safety, efficiency and clear communication of timeline demands

• Over the Graphic Department

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in a production, manufacturing, or custom fabrication environment, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.

• Demonstrated experience building and managing production schedules and balancing machine capacity against project backlog.

• Experience leading and developing shop personnel, including approving timesheets and managing labor against project demands.

• Working knowledge of shop equipment and fabrication processes, such as CNC, woodworking, metalworking, finishing, and graphics or large-format print production, along with preventive maintenance practices and working with third-party repair vendors.

• Experience managing the full build cycle for a project, including receiving, shipping, and cross-rented equipment.

• Strong understanding of workplace safety standards (OSHA or equivalent), with experience enforcing safety policies on-site and off-site.

• Experience working with project management teams to track scope, budget, and timeline, and to flag issues that could put a project over budget.

• Experience overseeing a graphics or print department, or leading cross-functional production teams, is highly desirable.

• Proficiency with production scheduling, timekeeping, and project management software, plus Microsoft Office.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing regular status reports for senior leadership.

• Experience in the live events, exhibits, themed environments, or staging industry preferred.

• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement training (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean certification) preferred.

• OSHA 30 or similar safety certification preferred.

What We Offer

The Freeman Company provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Paid Parental Leave

• Life, Accident and Disability

• Retirement with Company Match

• Paid Time Off

Diversity Commitment

At The Freeman Company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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