Production Manager

Production Manager

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park Gilroy, CA

The Production Manager is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, installation, execution, operation, and strike of seasonal events, entertainment activations, décor programs, and special productions at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. This position oversees the execution of production elements including scenic installations, staging, lighting, audio systems, props, décor, signage, technical equipment, atmospheric details, and immersive guest experience elements.

This role serves as both an operational production leader and creative execution partner, helping translate event concepts, seasonal themes, and guest experience goals into safe, practical, visually engaging, and operationally successful park experiences.

Working closely with the Assistant Director of Event Production & Project Development, the Event Production Manager ensures all productions are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with park brand standards, creative direction, and guest experience objectives.

This position serves as a key cross-functional leader collaborating with Operations, Entertainment, Marketing, Maintenance, In-Park Revenue, Finance, Safety, and external vendors to ensure seamless event execution and operational readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Event Production Leadership

• Coordinate execution of Voyage to the Islands, Cherry Jubilee, Carnival Nights, The Great Big Boo, North Pole Nights, and other specialty events.

• Manage event production schedules, logistics, installation plans, and strike operations.

• Oversee scenic, technical, and environmental production elements.

Installation & Technical Management

• Develop installation and strike timelines.

• Coordinate rehearsals, operational readiness reviews, and production testing.

• Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational requirements.

• Conduct daily event/show quality walks during operating periods to identify needed repairs, adjustments, safety concerns, missing décor, lighting issues, signage needs, or guest experience improvements.

• Ensure all event installations are practical for daily park operations, guest flow, emergency access, ADA considerations, maintenance access, and overnight reset needs.

• Coordinate with Operations and Safety to ensure temporary structures, décor, cabling, lighting, props, and guest-facing elements are safely installed and maintained.

Creative Development & Guest Experience

• Support the development and execution of seasonal event themes, visual storytelling, décor concepts, scenic treatments, and atmospheric enhancements.

• Partner with leadership, Entertainment, Marketing, Operations, and In-Park Revenue to ensure event elements support the intended guest experience, brand identity, and operational flow.

• Identify opportunities to enhance event environments through lighting, sound, props, signage, décor, music, photo opportunities, and interactive or immersive elements.

• Assist in translating creative concepts into practical production plans, including materials, labor, timelines, installation methods, and ongoing operational needs.

• Walk event areas regularly from a guest perspective to evaluate show quality, visual impact, cleanliness, functionality, and overall atmosphere.

• Recommend creative enhancements that improve guest satisfaction, photo value, repeat visitation, and seasonal event appeal.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Coordinate scenic fabricators, technical vendors, rental providers, and contractors.

• Manage production schedules, deliveries, and vendor performance.

• Support procurement and contract administration processes.

Budget & Resource Management

• Track event production budgets, labor costs, rentals, and materials.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.

• Assist with forecasting and financial reporting.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as liaison between Operations, Marketing, Entertainment, Maintenance, Finance, and vendors.

• Participate in planning meetings and ensure department readiness.

Asset & Inventory Management

• Maintain production…