Manager, Live Event Permitting

Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionABOUT THE COMPANY:Image Engineering was founded as a company that pushes boundaries, develops new ideas through design and fabrication, and is a leader in the visual display and special effects industry. We are comprised of a team of artists; engineers; event producers; fabricators; and creative thinkers.We have worked all over the United States completing thousands of projects in the field of creative multimedia shows for clients such as Paul McCartney; the Trans-Siberian Orchestra; the Rolling Stones; Lady Gaga; American Idol; America's Got Talent; and multiple professional sports franchises in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. We have also created temporary and permanent interactive installations for world-class venues, including the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.Our strength lies in the broad range of techniques and custom special effects solutions we use to create first-class spectaculars, including laser effects, video projection and mapping; pyrotechnics; architectural lighting installs; custom constructed sets; and bespoke engineered special effect solutions, for live events and permanent applications.ROLE SUMMARY:The Manager, Live Event Permitting is responsible for leading all permitting operations across live events, tours, and special projects, ensuring full regulatory compliance while enabling efficient project execution.This role owns the permitting lifecycle-from jurisdictional research and submission strategy through approval, execution support, and closeout-while managing a team of permitting specialists. The position requires strong analytical judgment, the ability to manage competing priorities across dozens of active projects, and the capability to navigate complex and evolving regulatory environments.This role serves as a critical interface between Project Management, Compliance, and external Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), ensuring that permitting processes support operational timelines without compromising safety or compliance.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESLead and manage all live event permitting operations, ensuring timely and accurate submission of permits across multiple jurisdictionsSupervise and develop Permitting Specialists, including workload allocation, performance oversight, and process standardizationEstablish permitting strategies for each project based on jurisdictional requirements, timelines, and risk factorsCoordinate cross-functionally with Project Managers to gather technical details and align permitting timelines with production schedulesPrepare and review permit application packages, including technical plans for pyrotechnics, flame effects, lasers, and other regulated effectsManage direct communication with AHJs, fire marshals, inspectors, and local partners to secure approvals and resolve issuesOversee federal notifications and permits (e.g., FAA, U.S. Coast Guard) as required by project scopeTrack and report permitting costs in real time to support project budgeting and client billingMaintain and audit permitting documentation and jurisdictional data within company systemsIdentify regulatory risks and proactively escalate or resolve permitting challengesReview permit plans for safety and compliance, coordinating with Compliance leadership to address concernsDrive process improvement, including development of templates, workflows, and standard operating proceduresSupport site surveys, demos, and inspections where permitting or compliance expertise is requiredEnsure clear, professional communication across internal teams and external stakeholders under tight deadlinesOther duties as assigned.RequirementsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements across jurisdictionsExceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines in fast-paced, dynamic environmentsAdvanced prioritization and decision-making abilities to adapt to rapidly changing circumstancesProfessional and effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface with AHJs, executives, internal teams, and other stakeholdersHigh attention to detail and accuracy in compliance documentation and recordkeepingAbility to identify gaps, implement process improvements, and take ownership of outcomes independentlyProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe AcrobatAbility to quickly learn and navigate internal systems, including project management and compliance tracking tools (e.g., Monday.com, databases)Strong time management skills with accountability for completing tasks and achieving resultsEDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSBachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience5+ years of experience in permitting, compliance, project operations, or a related field2+ years of experience managing or leading a teamExperience working with regulatory agencies, AHJs, or permitting authoritiesExperience in live events, entertainment production, construction, or a similarly regulated environmentPREFERRED EXPERIENCEExperience in live event production, touring, or special effects environments, including permitting for pyrotechnics, flame effects, lasers, or similar regulated activitiesFamiliarity with NFPA standards (1123, 1124, 1126, 160) and other applicable regulatory frameworksExperience coordinating federal notifications and permitting processes with agencies such as the FAA and U.S. Coast GuardExperience working in high-volume, multi-project environments with the ability to manage competing prioritiesExperience developing or improving operational workflows, SOPs, and compliance systemsProficiency with project management platforms (e.g., Monday.com or similar tools)Proficiency with Adobe software, including Acrobat, Illustrator, or PhotoshopBENEFITSAetna Health, Dental, & Vision InsuranceFlexible Time Off ProgramPaid HolidaysJohn Hancock 401(k) Retirement PlanCompany-Paid Life InsuranceAflac Supplemental InsuranceRobust Employee Assistance ProgramDependent Care FSA ProgramCE Allowance...and more!