Director, Production

All About Us

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations at the PNE, this role provides strategic leadership for all technical production and operations across PNE venues, delivering world-class support for concerts, festivals, trade shows, sporting events, and special events.

Who we are...

The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 116-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams: the 15 day annual summer Fair which averages more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events. In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance. PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization's core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to "Deliver Memorable Experiences" for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations at the PNE, this role provides strategic leadership for all technical production and operations across PNE venues, delivering world-class support for concerts, festivals, trade shows, sporting events, and special events.

Why join our Team?

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

What will you do this year?

In your role as Director, Production, your primary accountabilities will be to:

Production Leadership & Oversight

• Lead all technical production operations across PNE venues, including concerts, festivals, trade shows, sports, and special events.
• Supervise, schedule, and coordinate IATSE crews for load-ins, show calls, and load-outs. And non-union
• Develop and enforce venue production policies, procedures, and safety protocols in compliance with WorkSafeBC standards.

Technical Systems Management

• Oversee Maintenance, repair, and upgrade of all venue technical systems, including rigging, lighting, audio, video, digital screens, and power distribution infrastructure.
• Coordinate regular testing, documentation, and preventive maintenance programs to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Oversee in-house AV systems supporting small boardrooms, press conferences, and meeting spaces, including setup, troubleshooting, and vendor support.

Event Advancement & Execution

• Serve as the primary technical production liaison for promoters, tour managers, resident tenants, and event producers.
• Advance all technical details, ensuring each event's requirements are met efficiently and within venue capabilities.
• Develop comprehensive production schedules, crew calls, and technical documentation for all events.
• Provide on-site leadership during high-profile events, ensuring smooth coordination across departments.
• Maintain strong working relationships with preferred production vendors and suppliers for rigging, staging, lighting, sound, and video.
• Negotiate service agreements and pricing to ensure cost-effective, high-quality outcomes.
• Foster positive relationships with national and international concert promoters, touring productions, and event organizers to reinforce PNE's reputation as a premier venue destination.
• Ensure both internal and external events have the proper sound management plans in place for their events and are compliant to the city sound bylaw. For some indoor and outdoor events the position will required to be onsite to manage sound levels with the promoter and the community relations team.

Financial Management

• Prepare and present accurate technical production cost estimates for concerts, corporate events, and internal projects.
• Track, reconcile, and report on event technical production budgets and labor costs.
• Contribute to the development of annual department budgets and long-term capital investment planning for technical production systems.
• Partner with the Sales. Events, Operations, and Guest Experience teams to ensure cohesive event delivery.
• Participate in pre-event planning and post-event debriefs to align production logistics with client expectations.
• Maintain clear communication with touring personnel, management, and staff to resolve technical and logistical challenges proactively.

What else?

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Event Production, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 10 years in live event or venue production, including at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multi-venue or arena-scale operations or touring management.
• Demonstrated experience managing concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, and large public gatherings.
• Proven experience working with IATSE or similar stagehand unions.
• Strong technical expertise in audio, lighting, video, rigging, and power systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent budgeting, estimating, and financial management abilities.
• Proficiency in production and venue management software (e.g., AutoCAD, Vectorworks, VenueOps, Microsoft Office).
• Ability to multitask and manage high-pressure environments with professionalism and calm.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the event schedule.
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Organized
• Methodical
• Proactive
• Skillful communicator
• Critical thinker
• Committed to striving for excellence

Where and when to APPLY?

Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled.

Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume/cover letter before Sunday, March 01. We look forward to hearing from you!

Additional Information

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $130,000 - $150,000 per annum. The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate's competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures. As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements.

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@pne.ca .