Senior Production Lead

About the Role

Imagination is seeking a Senior Production Lead to join our team in Riyadh. This full-time role involves the day-to-day management of team members within the wider Production team, focusing on resource planning, freelance staff booking, and ensuring project consistency and delivery. The Senior Production Lead will also undertake a hands-on production role for larger and more complex projects, operating in a client-facing capacity to present budgets and support business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure projects are delivered on budget and on time, adhering to high standards.
• Manage workflow and resourcing for projects within the role's remit, collaborating with Directors and resourcing personnel.
• Ensure the production team complies with Imagination standards, including profitable business practices, health and safety, commercial viability, documentation, and supplier best practices.
• Drive continuous process and delivery improvements across all delivery teams.
• Motivate, guide, and support the production team, contributing to their professional development.
• Develop practical working solutions for creative proposals, translating concepts into reality.
• Budget projects and programs, ensuring best value pricing, negotiating with suppliers, and selecting contractors.
• Oversee financial control of third-party spend and ensure Production Managers deliver projects within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Create and manage large-scale, complex budgets independently.
• Negotiate favorable costs and terms with suppliers and freelancers to deliver value.
• Collaborate with Project Directors/Managers for timely and precise financial reconciliation of production budgets upon project completion.
• Specify technical equipment and manufacturing in conjunction with Imagination specialist teams.
• Collaborate with the creative production team to develop solutions for live event scenarios across all streams.
• Schedule all trades throughout pre-production and delivery phases.
• Produce overall project time plans with Project Management & Creative, ensuring adherence to Imagination processes.
• Liaise with venues and conduct site visits as appropriate, reporting on suitability for required event modes.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships, introducing new and innovative products and services.
• Manage Health and Safety on all projects in conjunction with the Imagination H&S Manager, including creating documentation to UK/global/regional standards.
• Fulfill the role in compliance with company policies and procedures, such as ISO documentation and Information Security training.
• Ensure the production team operates in compliance with Imagination policies and guidelines.
• Ensure project debriefs are conducted, results communicated, and best practices/learnings shared within the production team.
• Build on existing supplier and provider relationships and actively seek new ones across all production and technical delivery streams.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with key entities (Civil Defense, GEA, SCEGA, etc.) to facilitate efficient and compliant production processes.
• Develop and manage the venue database and venue manager relationships.
• Enhance and manage the Riyadh storage facility to ensure items are prepared pre-event and reset post-event.
• Build on existing in-country resources across key disciplines (site managers, IT experts, printing specialists, gifting vendors, etc.).
• Over time, build a Riyadh-based production team across all skill levels.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5-10 years of experience in a relevant production leadership role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and budgets.
• Experience in client-facing roles, including presenting budgets and supporting business development.
• Strong understanding of production standards, including health and safety and commercial practices.

Benefits

• Comprehensive paid time off benefits.
• Hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Opportunities for increased public profile and exposure as a thought leader, including features in publications and participation as a panelist, speaker, or judge in select events.
• Monthly breakfasts and social sessions.
• Select educational support for growth and upskilling.