Technical Manager – Scenic Production

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Technical Manager – Scenic Production to join our team immediately on a contract basis in Abu Dhabi, supporting the technical planning, coordination and delivery of scenic production elements for a high-profile international event.

The successful candidate will be responsible for translating approved creative concepts into technically coordinated, buildable and venue-compliant solutions, ensuring the seamless integration of scenic structures, engineering requirements, technical systems and venue infrastructure.

This role requires extensive experience in technical production, scenic construction, engineering coordination and large-scale exhibition delivery, with the ability to manage complex technical interfaces across Scenic Production, AVL, Event Operations, Creative, HSE and venue stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the technical coordination and development of scenic production elements, ensuring alignment between creative design, engineering requirements and onsite execution.
• Review approved creative concepts, layouts, renders, CAD drawings, shop drawings, structural details and technical specifications for feasibility, buildability and compliance.
• Coordinate scenic plans, elevations, sections, structural details and installation methodologies with relevant technical stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Scenic Production Manager to resolve technical challenges and ensure alignment between design development, fabrication and construction.
• Coordinate with AVL teams on audio, video, lighting, LED, projection, rigging and other technical interfaces within scenic structures.
• Collaborate with Event Operations on venue infrastructure, MEP provisions, site constraints, installation sequencing and operational requirements.
• Review structural loads, fixing methods, engineering requirements, access provisions and temporary construction interfaces with specialist contractors and engineers.
• Identify and resolve technical clashes between scenic structures, AVL systems, rigging, electrical services, MEP and venue infrastructure.
• Coordinate technical documentation, engineering calculations, structural submissions, certifications and approvals with suppliers, HSE and venue stakeholders.
• Review supplier technical submissions, drawings and installation methodologies to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with project requirements.
• Support technical procurement reviews, value engineering assessments and evaluations of construction methodologies.
• Coordinate technical specifications, bills of quantities (BOQs), risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), engineering submissions and inspection requirements.
• Maintain technical drawing registers, approval trackers, coordination logs and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Align technical development and engineering requirements with scenic fabrication schedules, supplier deliverables and construction milestones.
• Coordinate installation sequencing, technical dependencies, first-fix requirements and inspection hold points with Scenic Production, AVL and Operations teams.
• Oversee the technical aspects of scenic installation, ensuring works are carried out in accordance with approved drawings, engineering methods and venue requirements.
• Conduct joint inspections, identify technical defects and coordinate snagging, corrective actions and compliance checks.
• Verify the technical readiness of scenic infrastructure before AVL installation and commissioning.
• Support final inspections, technical handover, live event operations and dismantling activities.
• Monitor technical progress, engineering approvals, installation readiness and outstanding technical issues.
• Identify and escalate technical risks, design conflicts, construction constraints and programme impacts, recommending practical mitigation measures.
• Maintain accurate technical reports, risk registers, approval records and close-out documentation.

Job Specifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in technical production, scenic technical coordination, exhibition delivery or temporary event construction.
• At least 4 years of experience in a management or technical leadership role .
• Proven experience delivering large-scale exhibitions, conferences, summits or comparable complex event environments.
• Demonstrable experience coordinating multi-zone exhibition environments and working across scenic production, AVL and event operations teams.
• Strong technical knowledge of scenic construction, temporary structures, engineering interfaces and buildability requirements.
• Ability to review and interpret CAD drawings, shop drawings, structural details, technical specifications and installation methodologies.
• Strong understanding of technical integration between scenic structures, AVL systems, rigging, power, MEP and venue infrastructure.
• Experience coordinating structural loads, fixing methods, engineering calculations, technical approvals and venue compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of technical specifications, BOQs, risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), inspections and engineering submissions.
• Proven experience managing technical coordination, design reviews, construction interfaces and onsite technical challenges.
• Strong understanding of installation sequencing, technical snagging, inspection procedures and project handover requirements.
• Experience coordinating with specialist contractors, engineers, suppliers and multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Strong planning, prioritisation, technical documentation and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to support technical procurement reviews and value-engineering assessments.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder coordination and technical leadership capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Previous UAE/GCC event delivery experience is preferred.
• Experience working at major international exhibition and conference venues is an advantage.
• Flexibility to work onsite, including extended hours, night shifts, weekends and public holidays, in line with event requirements