Manager, Production

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Manager of Production is the operational leader of Guitar Center’s Media productions, responsible for transforming creative concepts into executable plans and ensuring that all productions with photo and video are delivered on time, on budget, with logistical operations and talent, to industry standard. This position acts as the bridge between creative concepts and technical execution, ensuring artistic vision is realized through practical production solutions, while leading a production team to facilitate all production needs for the Media department.  As the overseer of the media production staff, they will drive operational efficiencies while fostering a collaborative and professional environment and as a cross functional role, they will be critical in delivering content that elevate Guitar Center’s brand and storytelling.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

• Supervise day-to-day production operations for the Media team, including oversight of staff and production logistics (start to delivery).
• Lead on-set operations for both photo and video shoots, serving as the senior logistical authority and or coordinate staff to be on set for logistical support.
• Manage and reconcile production budgets across multiple concurrent projects, while keeping track of costs and maintain fiscal discipline.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to direct reports, ensuring production staff is placed correctly to help support production projects and managing production freelancers.
• Senior authority as the talent recruiter, scout location and production bookings for all projects.
• Manage master production calendars, timelines, mood boards, story boards & call sheets.
• Coordinate crew hiring, casting sessions, fittings and rehearsals.
• Secure locations, permits, insurance, contracts, legal documents and equipment rentals.
• Partner with creative leads to translate campaign briefs into actionable production plans.
• Ensure effective communication across creative, technical and production teams.
• Troubleshoot issues in real time to minimize delays or disruptions.
• Collaborate with leaders from DAM, Photo & Video, to ensure success of production from inception to delivery of content.
• Balance creative requirements with logistical feasibility.
• Anticipate and resolve logistical challenges to ensure projects stay on schedule.
• Assist in negotiating rates with vendors, crew, and talent.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES

• Bachelor’s Degree (or 4 years of equivalent work experience) is required, preferably in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Video, Photography or related field
• 7 years of relevant work experience in production operations (in addition to degree or years of previous experience)
• 5 years managing production of video or photo departments and or operating a media production business.
• 4 years of experience working with specialty trade and production or media relations.
• 4 years of musical instrument industry experience (a plus)
• Expert knowledge of both production logistics and technical operational knowledge with both photo and video operations.
• Skilled in managing budgets, negotiating contracts, scouting talent & locations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous productions with aggressive deadlines.
• Strong knowledge in Cinematography and Camera Systems gear (photo & video).
• Strong understanding of lighting systems and rigs.
• Strong knowledge with production sets, workflows, call sheets, storyboards, mood boards, prop management, permitting and safety requirements.
• Strong understanding of post-production pipelines.
• Experience in working with a DAM system and or collaborated with a DAM department.
• Novice understanding of file formats, codecs, color grading, VFX and editorial workflows.
• Novice understanding of audio recording tools and techniques.
• Knowledge in design & production software like Figma, Canva, Id, Ai, Studiobinder, Quickbase, Workfront, Portfolio, etc.
• Experience in using Ai tools for production op