Production Manager

About Sydney Writers' Festival

Sydney Writers’ Festival is one of the world’s leading and most beloved literary

institutions. It is a place for readers, writers and thinkers to share ideas, tell stories

and celebrate literature.

About this role

This role is an opportunity to join the Sydney Writers’ Festival team as Production Manager for the 2027 Festival and year-round Events. Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Production and Operations, the Production Manager will support the planning and delivery of production and operational requirements, with responsibility for production planning, technical delivery, logistics, budgets, contractors and event crew.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience in the production and delivery of large-scale festivals, events or public programs, with demonstrated experience managing complex production requirements, teams and suppliers.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will have

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in event production, festival production, venue operations or a related field, with demonstrated experience delivering complex public events.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively within small and large team environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating production teams, casual crew, contractors and suppliers in complex event environments.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating concurrent events across multiple venues, sites or locations.
• A proactive and committed approach to continuous improvement.
• A mature and confident manner and be able to work calmly and effectively with a wide range of people, including artists, venue production staff, suppliers and sponsors.

Essential

• Exceptional time management skills to ensure events are executed on schedule and within set timeframes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety regulations and protocols relevant to large scale events
• Experience contributing to Event Management Plans, risk assessments and incident management procedures for public events.
• Sound financial acumen to track expenses, control costs and report on budgetary compliance.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft 365, SharePoint, with working knowledge of CAD, preferably Vectorworks.
• Proven ability to show initiative, positivity and collaboration, while working calmly under pressure and maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience with IT set-ups, networks and live-stream broadcasts.
• Ability to adapt and implement digital technologies and trends in festival production.
• A current first aid certificate and/or WHS qualification.
• Experience delivering accessible events.
• Knowledge of sustainable event practice.
• A current NSW driver licence.

A copy of the position description is also available on our website.

Applications close Friday 23 October, 5pm.

Sydney Writers’ Festival encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities.