ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

An Associate Production Manager keeps brand partners informed, deliverables on schedule, and content teams aligned. Simple enough to say - genuinely difficult to do when a single week involves tracking campaign kick-off calls for advertising clients, managing episodic archive submissions, and reconciling streaming production budgets simultaneously. The role occupies the operational center of a content or media production organization, reporting upward to a Production Manager or Director while coordinating daily across creative, technical, and client-facing teams. What distinguishes it from adjacent roles is direct ownership of production timelines and client communication - not just execution support, but accountability for whether a campaign ships or a show locks on time.

As the Associate Production Manager, you translate approved creative concepts into scheduled, budgeted, delivered content by owning the production calendar and serving as the primary point of contact for brand partners and internal stakeholders. You operate within a media or entertainment production team - spanning advertising campaigns, episodic content, or social programming - and coordinate daily with Creatives, editors, vendors, and senior producers to keep every project on time and on budget.

Career Impact: Managing branded content campaigns and episodic deliveries in the media and entertainment industry builds the cross-functional production credentials that distinguish Senior Production Manager candidates from their peers.

Business Impact: When shoot schedules slip or archive deliveries miss a platform window, the downstream losses for a streaming or advertising-dependent business are immediate - this role is the operational checkpoint that prevents that outcome.

Growth Opportunity: The scope here - spanning campaign management, freelancer oversight, and budget reconciliation across multiple concurrent productions - accelerates the path toward a Production Manager or Executive Producer seat faster than any single-format role could.

• Coordinate production timelines for multiple concurrent projects, serving as the primary point of contact for brand partners and vendors.
• Manage project budgets from initial estimate through final reconciliation, identifying variances and cost-saving opportunities before they escalate.
• Partner with creative leads, editors, and technical operations teams to align schedules, deliverables, and quality standards across each production.
• Track and communicate project status to senior leadership, flagging risks and recommending resolution options in a timely manner.
• Own delivery of final assets - including masters, metadata, and supporting documentation - to platform partners and archive systems.
• Liaise with legal, talent services, and standards teams to route content for required approvals before distribution.
• Support above-the-line freelancer management, including scheduling, expense tracking, and per diem processing for assigned productions.
• Maintain production documentation standards, including project plans, scope change records, and post-production spec sheets.

• Bachelor's degree in film production, communications, media studies, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of production coordination or project management experience, with direct client or brand partner interface.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously while meeting platform or campaign delivery deadlines.
• Experience building and tracking production budgets, including variance reporting and cost-out documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort presenting project status to senior stakeholders and external clients.
• Familiarity with post-production workflows including editorial scheduling, mastering, and asset delivery to streaming platforms.
• Ability to coordinate across cross-functional teams - creative, legal, technical, and finance - without direct authority over any of them.

• Experience managing episodic content deliveries to a major streaming platform, including archive and metadata submission standards.
• Background in branded content or advertising production, with demonstrated experience translating client feedback into creative team direction.
• Exposure to live or social-first production environments where turnaround windows are measured in hours rather than days.
• Prior experience managing above-the-line freelancer payments and production expense reconciliation.

• On-time delivery rate across all assigned productions, measured against committed platform or campaign launch dates.
• Budget variance per project, tracking actual spend against approved estimates at final reconciliation.
• Approval cycle time for standards, legal, and QC reviews, reflecting how efficiently content clears required sign-off gates.
• Asset error rate on platform submissions, measuring the percentage of deliveries requiring redelivery due to technical or metadata issues.
• Freelancer payment accuracy and timeliness, measured against contractual pay periods for above-the-line talent.
• Typical tools: project management platforms (commonly Asana or equivalent); office productivity suites (commonly Google Workspace or Microsoft 365).

• Base Salary Range: $62,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on market and experience.
• Bonus: Discretionary annual bonus, typically 5 to 10 percent of base salary.
• Equity: Uncommon at this level; may apply at larger media companies.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by organization.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard US holidays.
• Common Perks: Streaming service subscriptions, production guild access, hybrid work arrangements where production schedule allows.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for this position. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check conducted in accordance with applicable law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

Embedded within the Bleacher Report and Turner Sports production organization, the Associate Production Manager leads budget tracking, production planning, and cross-departmental coordination for social content and streaming shows across portfolio brands and league partners. Working closely with Legal, Talent Services, Finance, and Technical Operations, this role delivers efficient, on-budget productions that build the social content calendar for Bleacher Report's sports media output.

Key Deliverables

• Coordinate with Production, Talent Services, Project Management, and Video Technical Operations to manage streaming shows and distribute production and technical information to all parties for each broadcast.
• Collaborate with Production leads, Sr. Production Manager, and Video Technical Operations on production models and strategies.
• Assist Production leads in collaborating with departments across Turner Sports and Bleacher Report including Legal, QC, Talent Services, Integrated Strategy, BR Design, WM Studios, and others to ensure efficient productions.
• Build and maintain production plans including budgets, schedules, and structures for all aspects of production, continuously searching for efficiencies and opportunities to streamline.
• Partner with the Sr. PM, Technical Operations team, and Finance to build and maintain invoice tracking documents, and create, track, and reconcile production budgets for assigned projects.
• Drive content development and strategy by building and distributing overall production plans for assigned projects.
• Manage payment for above-the-line freelancers for social productions including expenses and per diem.

Position Requirements

• 2-5 years of experience in a live production environment.
• Basic knowledge of control room roles and workflows.
• Strong understanding of sports culture.
• Great attention to detail and a creative mindset.
• Strong communication skills across calls, email, and Slack.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced production environment with quick turnarounds.

Reporting to the General Manager of In-House Production, the Associate Production Manager leads the day-to-day operations of the in-house production team by overseeing staffing, workflow scheduling, and performance tracking to meet forecasted demand at target service levels. Partnering with collaborators across the business, this role builds internal talent pipelines and drives cost efficiency, process consistency, and a positive team culture that enables the Digital Print team to achieve full capacity.

Primary Duties

• Lead through inspiration, care, development, and talent management to build a strong, motivated team.
• Enhance team member performance through feedback, guidance, training, tools, and systems.
• Contribute to site performance and IHP team development through coaching, development partnerships, and building an internal talent pipeline.
• Guide and oversee hiring, promotions, and troubleshooting within the team.
• Leverage data to make decisions about processes, customer preferences, team performance, and technology.
• Meet forecasted production demand at target service levels through planned staffing, established workflow, scheduling, performance tracking, and process implementation.
• Collaborate with other areas across the business and manage consistent processes focused on cost minimization, waste reduction, efficiency, and achieving full capacity.
• Champion a positive work environment, growth mindset, and strong employee experience.

Skills & Qualifications

• 3-5 years as an active, visible leader inspiring, motivating, directing, and coaching others.
• Production or manufacturing experience a plus.
• Track record of setting standards, holding team members accountable, and providing and receiving quality feedback.
• Success developing internal talent and building a talent pipeline.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve production excellence in quality and efficiency.
• Experience coordinating schedules, workflow, and problem-solving.
• Past P&L management with demonstrated ability to influence profits and expense management a plus.

Sitting at the intersection of editorial operations and advertising logistics, the Associate Production Manager coordinates the end-to-end production of print and digital issues by liaising between publishers, ad sales staff, advertisers, and printers to meet all deadlines. Operating across the Send My Ad portal, Virtual Publisher, and Twixl platforms, this role ensures every ad, page, and digital edition is accurately placed, quality-checked, and transmitted on time.

Duties

• Work as liaison between publishers, ad sales staff, and advertisers to obtain documentation and digital files for every ad across multiple titles in time to meet production deadlines.
• Ensure each ad is accompanied by an insertion order and properly entered in the Send My Ad portal and the MSG ad revenue system.
• Use the Send My Ad system to determine whether digital files meet required quality standards and are fit for print production.
• Confirm proper ad material runs in each title and work with the Production Manager to certify correct placement within the issue.
• Coordinate publisher, editor, art director, consumer marketing department, and printer efforts in the production of special issues.
• Produce package-size reports and budget comparisons for the publisher and finance department.
• In Virtual Publisher, create issue maps balancing placement of ads, edit, and circulation components to ensure efficient production.
• Double-check insertion orders upon map completion to confirm all advertising requirements are met.
• Review and approve pages for mistakes and advertising conflicts, and ensure proper UPC placement with confirmation it scans correctly.
• Generate press instructions including print order, binding instructions, and postal calculations, and transmit all pages to the plant by deadline.
• Generate digital editions, upload to Twixl, and confirm proper on-sale date and successful upload.

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 1+ years of experience in the field preferred.
• Ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and in a group setting with good judgment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and adapt to changing environments.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate professionalism.
• Typical office conditions; ability to lift 25 lbs. often.

The Associate Production Manager owns the day-to-day production of sold advertising campaigns within Spotify's Creative Studio, serving as the main point of contact for brand partners across multiple mediums. Working closely with Sales, Creative teams, and third-party vendors, this role shapes client outcomes by translating ideas into high-quality content and ensuring internal teams operate with accurate timelines and centralized information.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate complex campaign production by collaborating with Creatives, 3P Vendors, Engineers, Sellers and AdOps as the key stakeholder of project timelines, asset delivery, and client communication.
• Support 3P Vendor engagement and oversee creative quality of 3P Vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison between Spotify's Studios team and Spotify's Free Business Unit, often interacting with talent directly.
• Work independently to maintain and execute project plans, keeping production on time and on budget.
• Prepare and produce in-studio interviews and conversations with hosts, producers and VO talent to create ad spots across Spotify Originals.
• Navigate the balance between client needs and creative goals, acting as the problem-solving bridge between revenue and creative.
• Drive projects forward by anticipating needs, understanding risks, and problem-solving across teams.
• Provide clients with a white glove experience by leading campaign kick-off calls and ensuring they feel heard and fully informed.
• Identify gaps and trends in the production process and proactively optimise workflows across teams.
• Multitask efficiently under pressure and manage campaign deadlines in a casual but effective manner.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a client-facing project management or production role, preferably with a focus on branded content.
• Strong creative writing skills and proficiency in fundamentals of copywriting for audio creative.
• Experience interfacing with high-calibre clients and translating needs between creative teams and clients.
• Compelling storyteller, comfortable pitching work to internal and external audiences.
• Deep understanding of Google Suite products and project management software such as Asana.
• Good-to-have: proficiency in A/V platforms including video editing programs (Final Cut, Premiere), audio editing programs (ProTools, Audition, Hindenburg), and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Curious, proactive problem-solver who is exhaustively detail-oriented and collaborates with patience and positivity.
• Diplomatic communicator able to manage time, stakeholders, and accountabilities in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Talented multitasker with strong attention to detail despite high volume of work.
• Fluent in German and English.

A key member of the Iowa Events Center operations team, the Associate Production Manager leads AV support and video production for all events including sports, shows, and concerts while maintaining equipment, vendor relationships, and security standards. Collaborating across operations, production staff, and external clients, this role ensures every broadcast, video display, and live event is executed with technical precision and excellent client service.

Functions

• Supply AV support to all events including sports teams, shows, and concerts.
• Support the Operations department in technical needs during event setup and execution.
• Maintain all security standards of the Iowa Events Center at all times.
• Maintain equipment storage and ensure orderly, clean storage areas.
• Support, maintain, and inventory all AV equipment and maintain good working relationships with all vendors.
• Edit digital video for upcoming events and report system failures to the Production Manager promptly.
• Hire, schedule, and train all part-time production staff and make recommendations for disciplinary action as needed.
• Coordinate all video and electronic advertising displayed during events and oversee video production of all games and events in house.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external clients and maintain communicative, collaborative relationships with other staff members.

Experience & Qualifications

• College degree in Video Production or related field and/or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Experience with multi-camera production, signal routing and patching, and managing all phases of video production and crew.
• Demonstrated experience in editing and sound reinforcement.
• Working knowledge of DMX controls for lighting and live effects is a plus; electrical engineering experience is a bonus.
• Experience with sound and video equipment including wireless mics, mixers, amplifiers, speakers, and video boards.
• Specific experience with Ross, Newtek, and Panasonic production equipment a plus; exposure to Windows OS and Mac OS basics preferred.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work events outside normal working hours including nights and weekends.

Building and sustaining a high-performing battery cell production team depends on the Associate Production Manager, who leads supervisors, operators, and technicians through daily operations, safety compliance, and production target execution. Based within a cross-functional development environment alongside Quality and Engineering teams, this role enables organized, metrics-driven output that advances the company's lithium-ion cell manufacturing program.

Scope of Work

• Ensure safety and conduct policies are prioritized and met among employees.
• Plan and execute operations to meet production targets.
• Lead, coach, and mentor front-line supervisory leaders and teams.
• Build and continuously develop a strong, motivated production team.
• Organize and manage production activities according to organizational needs and plans.
• Monitor and report on production KPIs to technical and management teams.
• Interface with cross-functional teams such as Quality and Engineering to synchronize activities and ensure organized execution.
• Facilitate the development and deployment of standard works whenever a gap is identified.

Background & Experience

• BS or MS in a technical discipline and/or evidence of exceptional experience.
• 5+ years of experience managing teams; industry experience in lithium-ion batteries preferred.
• Experience working in development programs a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and perform under high pressure.
• Ability to manage production performance metrics including efficiency, quality, safety, throughput, and costs.
• Fluent with common MS Office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Embedded within the post production department, the Associate Production Manager works closely with the Director of Post Production, Episodic Producers, and support staff across all phases of episodic production. Working closely with technical teams at Lucasfilm, D+, and outside vendors, this role delivers organized, efficient show lock, mastering, and distribution to ensure every episode reaches archive and platform on schedule.

Core Functions

• Manage post production milestones for episodic productions.
• Schedule post production meetings, sessions, and final reviews, and capture notes as needed.
• Keep all editorial and post calendars up to date.
• Manage the delivery of all retake shots to post.
• Serve as daily liaison with producers, editors, and production staff.
• Collaborate with post staff to prioritize workload of technicians, editors, and suites.
• Create episodic credits and route them for internal review and approval.
• Send episodes to standards and practices teams for review and approval, and submit content to award guilds with production and publicity teams.
• Serve as point of contact for technical teams at Lucasfilm, D+ and outside vendors, and respond to and deliver media for marketing or screening requests.
• Manage post production workspace and assets from production to archiving, and deliver masters, metadata, and documentation to D+ and the Lucasfilm archive.
• Create and maintain technical and procedural spec sheets and department documentation, and cross-train with post staff on workflows and pipelines.
• Anticipate and communicate issues to supervisors and help reach timely solutions, and flag important material for review.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3-5 years of professional work experience required, preferably in post production.
• Familiarity with HD, UHD, DCI, and DolbyVision HDR workflows.
• Familiarity with Stereo and 5.1 audio post production workflows.
• Very strong organizational, communication, and project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously with the highest level of professionalism and work ethic.
• High level of initiative, flexibility, and confidentiality.
• Ability to adapt and work with diverse personalities and work styles.
• This position may require some weekend work and the ability to work overtime on an ongoing basis.
• This position requires on-site attendance for in-person sessions and reviews.

As the Associate Production Manager, this role leads the Body-In-White Production team by managing daily production planning, quality targets, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives across a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. The Body-In-White team relies on this work to maintain first-time yield standards, develop supervisory talent, and cross-functionally align with Sales, Engineering, Finance, and Quality to advance Tesla's world-class manufacturing goals.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Manage daily production planning, delivery to plan, production cost, first time yield, safety, quality targets, and production staffing.
• Maintain high product quality, safety, and yield while ensuring optimal cost, efficient use of resources, and adherence to best safety practices.
• Maintain facility and equipment in optimal operating condition through preventative maintenance systems and corrective actions.
• Hire, coach, lead, and develop large-scale teams composed of salaried and hourly team members.
• Assist with driving safety and environmental compliance.
• Drive high quality standards through process control systems, monitoring key product metrics, consistent documentation, and 5S initiatives.
• Develop and deliver continuous improvement initiatives across safety, environmental, quality, cost, efficiency, and productivity objectives, and provide management feedback on issues and benchmarks.
• Lead by example through positive reinforcement and collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, and Test and Quality departments.
• Facilitate the development and deployment of standard works whenever a gap is identified.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing; automotive experience preferred.
• Experience in a body shop department is a plus.
• Good understanding of manufacturing KPIs and developing action plans to drive results.
• Experience and thorough knowledge of production systems, processes, and a broad variety of measurement and inspection techniques.
• Strong background in collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and NPI.
• Demonstrated leader in developing technical and motivated teams with experience leading Supervisors or Team Leads.
• Proven ability to drive a positive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and high-morale environment, and experience in hiring and developing new team members in a production environment.

Associate Production Manager shapes end-to-end media production for a growing Toronto-based content team, overseeing project plans, budgets, Asana task management, and deliverable milestones across multiple concurrent client engagements. The work directly supports flawless client outcomes by ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery while aligning internal creative leads, external partners, and senior leadership through clear escalation and status reporting.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Coordinate media production and budgeting for multiple projects, including inputting, reviewing and assigning Asana tasks, prioritizing across the production team, and maintaining deliverable milestones and documentation.
• Manage a group of projects to ensure all are on time, of high quality, and on budget; identify areas of risk and implement mitigation strategies.
• Create timely, accurate, and thorough project plans, progress reports, and scope change documents for each assigned project.
• Ensure quality execution and delivery through optimized workload distribution, and manage expectations of internal and external clients at the project level.
• Communicate potential variances upstream through senior team in a timely fashion.
• Serve as primary escalation point for project issues impacting the client, and work with strategy and content teams to identify and communicate resolution options.
• Attend client kick-off and status meetings, participate in scoping meetings, and provide ongoing status reports to clients and senior leadership.
• Facilitate effective meetings and working sessions that align the team, and build positive internal and external relationships and partnerships.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Post-secondary education with 1-2 years of work experience, preferably in PM roles in creative or content environments.
• Proficient in a project management tool such as Asana, and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficient with G Suite including Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Highly developed organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills with the ability to work under pressure and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving, team support, and self-development with strong learning agility and a passion for continuous growth.

The Associate Production Manager owns the production management of physical shopper marketing tactics and retail experiences, coordinating supplier bids, die-lines, proofs, and purchase orders from ideation through compliance execution. Working closely with Creative teams, Pre-Media, cross-functional agency partners, and retailer contacts, this role delivers best-value client solutions by maintaining rigorous documentation and seamlessly backfilling Production Manager responsibilities as needed.

Accountabilities

• Understand key agency, client, supplier, and retailer functions, roles, processes, systems, and timing to fulfill executional requirements.
• Manage, track, and communicate daily updates to internal and external teams.
• Plan, organize, and execute on schedule with the ability to adapt quickly to evolving project, client, and team needs.
• Collaborate with the Creative team to bring concepts to life, ensure feasibility, and drive innovative solutions.
• Support production management of physical shopper marketing tactics and experiences from ideation through execution and compliance.
• Communicate with Pre-Media managing die-lines, specs, proofs, and art release.
• Support supplier management including product samples, prototype management, die lines, purchase orders, art out, and internal vendor proofs.
• Negotiate competitive bids with suppliers and provide budgets and estimates for all internal and external costs.
• Maintain thorough documentation of job specs, costs, and timelines, and backfill the Production Manager when needed to ensure projects run smoothly.

Education & Experience

• BA degree in marketing, logistics, graphic design, or related field.
• 1–3 years of agency or project management work experience required.
• Experience working and collaborating with clients and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of shopper marketing, retail display development, production, execution, print production, and logistics.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Basic skills in Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.