Production Manager

PRODUCTION MANAGER (RETAIL, EXPERIENTIAL & LIVE EVENTS)

Scratch Creative is an independent design and production studio creating refined physical experiences for some of the world’s leading brands.

From our Battersea studio, we bring creative thinking, design development and production delivery together under one roof.

Our work spans flagship retail, pop ups, exhibitions, live events and large scale brand activations across the UK and internationally. We work closely with ambitious brands to translate ideas into physical environments that are considered, commercially effective and beautifully delivered.

Collaborative by nature and exacting in execution, we care deeply about materials, craftsmanship and the details that define the finished experience.

As the studio continues to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead the technical development, fabrication and delivery of our projects.

THE ROLE

This is a mid to senior level, hands on production role for someone with a deep understanding of how exceptional physical environments are made.

The Production Manager sits at the point where design intent becomes physical reality.

You will take ownership of the production process, working from early design development through to fabrication, logistics, installation and final sign off.

You will work closely with our project and design teams to interrogate concepts, develop the right production approach and ensure every detail is practical, cost considered and ready to build.

You will manage a trusted network of fabricators, contractors and specialist suppliers, setting clear expectations and maintaining control across quality, programme and budget.

You will understand when to challenge a detail, when to develop an alternative and how to create value without diluting the creative ambition.

This is a client facing role with regular UK and international travel. You should be equally comfortable around a studio table, on a workshop floor managing pre-builds with partners, in a client meeting or leading an installation onsite.

Reporting into Head of Projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the production of retail, experiential and live event projects from design development through to completion

• Translate creative concepts into intelligent, practical and beautifully executed production solutions

• Develop production strategies, scopes of work, budgets and detailed delivery programmes

• Review and interrogate drawings, specifications, materials and finishes throughout the design proces

• Work closely with the design team to protect creative intent while ensuring every detail is buildable and commercially viable

• Advise on fabrication methods, construction details, materials and production efficiencies

• Source, brief and manage fabricators, contractors, logistics providers and specialist suppliers

• Obtain and interrogate supplier quotations, ensuring costs are accurate, competitive and aligned with the required standard

• Build and manage production budgets, track costs and maintain commercial control throughout delivery

• Drive value for clients through considered specification, procurement and value engineering

• Create and manage detailed production schedules across fabrication, logistics, installation and removal

• Carry out site visits, technical surveys, feasibility reviews and pre production meetings

• Identify technical, commercial and logistical risks early and develop clear solutions

• Oversee quality control throughout fabrication, including workshop visits, samples, prototypes and pre build reviews

• Manage transport, freight, storage, customs and international logistics where required

• Lead onsite installations and breakdowns, maintaining quality, safety, pace and control throughout

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the agreed standard

• Maintain clear communication between clients, project teams, designers, suppliers and onsite crews

• Support the Head of Projects across larger scale, technically complex and international programmes

• Develop and maintain a trusted global network of production partners and specialist suppliers

• Ensure appropriate health and safety documentation, compliance and working practices are in place across every stage of delivery

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced Production Manager with a strong understanding of fabrication, construction, logistics and onsite delivery.

You have delivered premium environments across retail, experiential or live events and understand the level of care required when translating ambitious creative work into physical form.

You are technically confident and comfortable discussing materials, finishes, fabrication methods, drawings, tolerances and construction details with designers, suppliers and clients.

You combine commercial awareness with a genuine appreciation for design. You know how to protect the creative vision while making informed decisions around cost, programme and buildability.

You are naturally solutions focused, composed under pressure and confident leading teams in fast moving environments.

You anticipate issues before they become problems, communicate clearly and take complete ownership of the finished result.

Most importantly, you care about the details. You understand that the quality of the final installation reflects the quality of every decision made along the way.

ESSENTIAL

• 5+ years of production management experience across retail, experiential, exhibitions, live events or creative production

• Strong knowledge of fabrication methods, materials, finishes and construction processes

• Proven experience delivering complex physical builds from design development through to installation

• Experience working with and managing fabricators, contractors, suppliers and specialist production partners

• Strong commercial awareness with experience building, managing and reconciling production budgets

• Ability to confidently review and interrogate technical drawings, specifications and production information

• Experience developing scopes of work, production schedules and detailed delivery plans

• Strong understanding of logistics, installation and onsite operations

• Confident client facing communication and relationship management skills

• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and problem solving ability

• Experience leading onsite teams through installation and breakdown

• A calm, decisive and solutions focused approach under pressure

• Willingness to travel regularly across the UK and internationally

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience delivering projects across Europe, the US or other international markets

• Knowledge of international freight, customs and temporary import processes

• Experience delivering flagship retail environments or semi permanent installations

• An established network of UK and international fabrication and production partners

• Understanding of AV, lighting, digital integration and technical event production

• Experience working under CDM regulations and managing production health and safety requirements

• Full UK driving licence

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary plus discretionary bonus

• Unlimited holiday

• Flexible working between our Battersea HQ and remote

• Personal development allowance

• Choice of hardware and software

• The opportunity to produce ambitious work for leading global brands

• UK and international travel across a diverse portfolio of projects

If you want to turn ambitious creative ideas into exceptional physical environments and deliver work that is considered down to the final detail, we’d like to hear from you.

Due to the high volume of applications expected, we’ll do our best to respond to everyone, although this may not always be possible. We genuinely appreciate the time taken to apply and your interest in joining us.