Production Manager

About Opera Australia

Opera Australia is one of the world’s most celebrated opera companies with an ambition to bring an Australian stamp to telling great stories through music and song, and a commitment to develop and nurture new generations of Australian talent on and off the stage.

Opera Australia is the largest and busiest performing arts organisation in Australia, with over 800 opera performances a year, including opera seasons in Sydney and Melbourne, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, musical theatre, opera concerts and a range of other activities. Through its touring arm, the Company reaches out to communities in regional Australia, and also delivers an extensive program to school students. Opera performances are broadcast and distributed nationally and internationally.

The Company manages the Opera Australia Orchestra and also works in partnership with Orchestra Victoria. The Company works with leading directors and designers, and employs a large number of highly skilled people in the areas of scenic construction and painting, wardrobe and wig-making, stage production, and management and administration. Overall, the Company plays a vital role in developing and sustaining a specialist skills base in this unique area of the performing arts.

For more about OA please refer to our website: opera.org.au

About The Role

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the full technical lifecycle of delegated productions, from concept and planning through to staging, maintenance, and touring. Working closely with creative teams, technical departments, and external suppliers, you’ll ensure seamless delivery and uphold Opera Australia’s reputation for artistic excellence and production quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all technical requirements for allocated productions, ensuring they are delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget.
• Realise the creative team’s vision through effective planning, problem-solving, and resource management.
• Oversee supplier contracts, budgets, and expenditure tracking across production elements including sets, props, lighting, sound, and digital.
• Maintain comprehensive production records and ensure timely communication across departments.
• Coordinate and chair production meetings and debriefs, documenting outcomes and action items.
• Support the Technical Director in insurance, risk management, and WHS compliance.
• Develop and manage logistics plans for bump-ins, strikes, transport, and storage.
• Provide technical support for associated events, sponsorship activations, and international touring projects.

About You

• 5+ experience managing technical aspects of live performance, theatre, or large-scale productions.
• Strong understanding of WHS practices and risk management within a production environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with a collaborative working style.
• Exceptional attention to detail, budgeting experience, and ability to manage multiple projects cncurrently.
• A passion for live performance and delivering exceptional audience experiences.

What We Offer

Being Australia’s National opera company, we are committed to fostering a safe and collaborative environment for all. Our values are Curious, Creative, Collaborative, Brave, and Inclusive, and we are dedicated to supporting your journey at OA.

• Hybrid and flexible work environment
• Strong diversity and inclusion priority
• Generous Leave Policy including First Nations Cultural & Ceremonial Leave, Cultural & Religious Holiday Leave, Education Leave, Women’s Health Leave, Gender Affirmation Leave, and more
• 16 weeks' paid Parental Leave and continued payments of superannuation if using Unpaid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted private health insurance
• Access to salary packaging through SmartSalary
• Discounted retail goods through our Swag Rewards platform and other affiliated businesses
• Complimentary tickets to select Opera Australia shows

If this sounds like you, click ‘Apply’ to send through your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 7th November 2025.

For any enquiries about this role, please contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist, Jessica.Owen@Opera.org.au.