Director of Production

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Team Leadership & Development:
• Organize, grow, and manage the LEVEL99 production team, including departments such as wood shop, metal shop, CNC, paint, scenic/art, integrated technology (including low-voltage tech), and shipping & logistics.
• Identify staffing needs, write job descriptions, participate in hiring and interviews, and onboard new team members.


• Production Operations & Prioritization:
• Own and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) to track, predict, and plan for the production team’s utilization & output across all core activities
• Estimate labor and material costs for projects pre-build, ensuring accurate budgeting and resource allocation.


• Financial and Business Management:
• Own the production department’s Profit & Loss (P&L), treating it as a standalone business unit responsible for profitability and financial performance.
• Develop and manage budgets, monitor costs, and implement cost-control measures to maximize profitability while maintaining quality.
• Analyze production efficiency, material usage, and labor costs to identify opportunities for financial improvement.


• Collaboration and Prototyping:
• Partner with the LEVEL99 Creative and Engineering departments (collectively the Design team) to create rapid prototypes during the workshopping phase of challenge development, ensuring designs are production ready.
• Participate in drawing & schematic reviews during the design phase to ensure manufacturability and alignment with production capabilities.
• Read and comprehend engineering shop drawings, ensuring the production team’s accurate execution of designs.


• Process and Technology Integration:
• Implement and maintain industry-standard software, including Microsoft Excel, Google Suite, Wrike (project management), Jira (used by Tech and Support teams), time tracking & HR software, ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, or Epicor), and Bluebeam (construction collaboration software).
• Identify and adopt technologies to enhance production efficiency and speed.

MUST-HAVE SKILLS

• 8+ years of experience in production management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multi-disciplinary production teams (e.g., wood shop, metal shop, CNC, paint, scenic/art, technology, and shipping & logistics).
• Proven track record of accelerating production timelines without compromising quality in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Experience managing P&L for a production or manufacturing operation, with a focus on profitability and cost control.
• Demonstrated success owning and managing a master production schedule to optimize team utilization.
• Expertise in creating prototypes during workshopping or development phases.
• Proficient in reading and building from engineering shop drawings.
• Extensive experience with pre-build estimation of time and materials for complex projects.
• Strong background in implementing LEAN production/manufacturing principles or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Wrike, Jira), Microsoft Office, time tracking software, and other production software (e.g. Bluebeam).
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with a focus on driving speed, quality, safety, and accountability.
• Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach to process optimization, financial management, and resource allocation.

OTHER DESIRABLE (BUT NOT NECESSARY) SKILLS & EXPERIENCE INCLUDE

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification.
• OSHA 10 certification.