Head of Production

Head of ProductionLocation: ManchesterType: Full Time - Fully office based Reports to: Directors / Production Leadership TeamAbout Visual ArchitectsVisual Architects is a creative production company specialising in immersive environments, scenic builds, fabrication, commercial interiors, festivals, hospitality projects, and large scale experiential installations across the UK and Europe.We deliver technically challenging and visually impactful projects for brands, venues, agencies, and live events, combining creativity with operational excellence across design, production, fabrication, logistics, and installation.As the business continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced and highly organised Head of Production from a fabrication, scenic build, events, exhibitions, commercial interiors, or experiential production background who understands how to manage complex builds, fast moving deadlines, workforce coordination, procurement, workshop scheduling, and operational delivery at scale.The RoleThe Head of Production is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and operational delivery of all production and fabrication projects across the business.This role is heavily focused on:production planningbuild schedulingworkforce allocationprocurement coordinationoperational oversightworkshop schedulingensuring projects are built and delivered on time and to a high standardThe successful candidate must come from a hands on production, fabrication, scenic, exhibitions, or live events environment and understand the realities of workshop operations, fabrication timelines, supplier management, labour planning, logistics coordination, and live project delivery.Strong planning, communication, and organisational skills are absolutely essential for this role.The successful candidate will initially work closely with the current production leadership team and company directors to learn internal workflows, systems, supplier networks, operational structures, and company processes before gradually taking ownership of the department.This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast paced production environment and is capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining high operational standards.Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Planning & Project DeliveryOversee the full production and build schedule across all projectsCreate realistic production timelines and ensure projects are delivered on timeCoordinate fabrication schedules, production priorities, and operational planning across multiple departmentsEnsure projects move efficiently from approved concept through to final delivery and installationMonitor build progress daily and proactively resolve delays, risks, or operational issuesWork closely with Project Managers, Creative Producers, Designers, and Workshop Managers to ensure smooth project executionManage multiple large scale builds and live projects simultaneously while balancing operational capacityReview technical build approaches, fabrication feasibility, and production costings to ensure projects are commercially viable and achievable before entering productionWorkforce Planning & Resource AllocationPlan and coordinate workforce allocation across workshop, fabrication, scenic, logistics, and installation teamsEnsure labour requirements are planned correctly across all active projectsSupport recruitment and onboarding within the production department where requiredProcurement & Materials CoordinationOversee material requirements across all active projectsWork closely with the materials, stock control, and procurement function to manage material ordering, stock levels, forecasting, and procurement requirementsLiaise with suppliers and subcontractors regarding lead times, deliveries, availability, and costsEnsure materials are ordered and delivered in line with production schedules to avoid delaysWorkshop & Build OversightWork in direct collaboration with the Workshop Manager, who oversees the day to day operation of the workshop and fabrication floorEnsure workshop schedules and production priorities remain aligned with project deadlinesOversee build progress and fabrication timelines across all active projectsEnsure builds are completed to the required quality standards and technical specificationsSupport practical problem solving and build solutions throughout the production processEnsure safe, organised, and efficient working practices across all production areasOperational Leadership & CommunicationLead and support the wider production department in a fast paced operational environmentMaintain clear communication across all departments regarding timelines, delays, operational risks, and production updatesAttend planning and operational meetings to support company wide coordinationHelp create a positive, accountable, and solutions focused production cultureHelp improve production systems, workflows, scheduling processes, and operational efficiencies as the company continues to scaleSkills & Experience RequiredProven experience within fabrication, scenic build, exhibitions, live events, production, commercial interiors, construction, or experiential environmentsStrong understanding of build environments and workshop operationsExcellent planning and organisational skillsExperience managing production schedules, build timelines, and operational deliveryStrong understanding of materials, fabrication processes, and logistics coordinationExperience managing workforce allocation and operational resourcesAbility to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines simultaneouslyStrong communication and leadership skillsCommercial awareness and ability to work within budgets and timelinesProactive and solutions focused mindsetIdeal CandidateThe ideal candidate will be someone who:understands the realities of production and build environmentscan confidently manage fast paced build schedulesis highly organised and operationally strongcan balance multiple moving projects simultaneouslyunderstands technical fabrication and production processescan help ensure projects are commercially viable before entering productionknows how to keep teams aligned, accountable, and delivering under pressureThis role would suit someone currently working as:Production ManagerSenior Production CoordinatorWorkshop ManagerBuild ManagerScenic Production ManagerTechnical Production ManagerOperations Manager