Director of Technology & Production Operations
Multi-Venue Hospitality & Entertainment Group | 14 Locations
Think of it as: Technical Director for a 14-venue repertory company that runs 365 days a year
The Role
We operate restaurants, nightclubs, beer gardens, and seasonal entertainment experiences across multiple locations. We're looking for a Technical Director/Production Manager from the theater world to lead all technology and production operations.
If you've ever wished your theater had consistent funding, year-round programming, and the ability to create spectacular seasonal installations without grant applications—this is that job.
What You'll Actually Do
The Theater Part (40% of role):
- Maintain entertainment audio systems for nightclubs, DJ events, live music, karaoke, and corporate presentations. Supervise Design & install.
- Program and manage intelligent lighting systems, LED control, atmospheric effects (CO₂/smoke machines), and special effects
- Create and execute large-scale seasonal productions: Christmas light shows with synchronized control across multiple buildings, immersive Halloween experiences, beer garden art installations
- Manage digital signage systems, video distribution, and projection/display tech
- Specify, purchase, and maintain all AV equipment across 14 venues
The Production Management Part (30% of role):
- Lead technology installations for new venue openings and renovations (like a load-in, but permanent)
- Manage vendors: sound companies, lighting suppliers, installation crews, networking contractors
- Create project timelines, coordinate trades, oversee technical testing
- Budget planning and capital expenditure forecasts
- Document systems, create show plots/paperwork, train venue staff
The Infrastructure Part (30% of role - we'll teach you):
- Oversee networks, WiFi, and connectivity across all locations (think: house systems that must stay up)
- Manage POS (point-of-sale) hardware and software (like ticketing systems, but for food/beverage)
- Administer cloud software platforms (Google Workspace, reservation systems, inventory management)
- Security systems: CCTV, access control, ID scanning
- Guest-facing tech: reservation tablets, digital menu boards, vending/gaming equipment
You're a Great Fit If You:
Must Have:
- 5+ years as Technical Director, Production Manager, or Venue TD in theater/live entertainment
- Hands-on experience with audio system design, installation, and troubleshooting
- Strong knowledge of lighting control systems (DMX, smart lighting, effects programming)
- Project management experience: load-ins, tours, multi-show coordination, vendor management
- Ability to read technical drawings, create system diagrams, and document everything
- Budget management and capital planning experience
- You can explain complex technical concepts to non-technical people
- Comfortable being on-call for technical emergencies (the show must go on)
Highly Valued:
- Networking knowledge (WiFi, switches, basic IT infrastructure)
- Experience with entertainment venues, theme parks, cruise ships, or casino entertainment
- Multi-venue or touring production experience
- Familiarity with SaaS platforms, user administration, or production management software
- Experience managing technical staff/crews
Don't Worry If You Don't Know:
- Restaurant POS systems (we'll train you—it's easier than ETC Ion programming)
- Hospitality-specific software (you'll learn)
- Enterprise IT (we'll pair you with specialists or hire them)
What Makes This Different from Theater
Better:
- Consistent funding and investment in equipment
- Ability to say "yes" to creative installations without fundraising
- Year-round operation with multiple simultaneous productions
- Competitive compensation with benefits
- Your systems stay installed (no strike after every show)
Different:
- Service happens 365 days/year, not in runs
- Technology must be operator-friendly for restaurant managers (not just trained technicians)
- Some operational systems (POS, reservations) you may not have encountered
- Entertainment is one component of the operation, not the sole focus
Challenging:
- Multi-site management requires strong documentation and remote troubleshooting
- On-call expectations when venues are operating
- Balance between entertainment spectacle and operational reliability
Location & Schedule
- Based in Center City Philadelphia
- Regular site visits across 14 locations
- Some evening/weekend work during installations and venue openings
- Flexibility for production schedules and seasonal activations
