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Production Studio Manager, Modeling and Design Visualization

Los Angeles, California, United States

Thinkwell Group is a global strategy, experience design, and production agency specializing in the master planning, design, and production of world-class entertainment destinations, major branded and intellectual property attractions, interactive media installations, events & spectaculars, museums & exhibits, and expos around the world.

For over 20 years, our multi-disciplinary teams have created compelling, immersive experiences for a diverse portfolio of clients. With nearly 2,000 projects completed in 28 countries around the world, Thinkwell has earned a reputation as experts in creating world-class experiences. 

We’ve built a deep roster of subject matter experts with extensive knowledge and expertise to help our clients create new, innovative projects. Our award-winning projects and diverse clients around the world are supported by Thinkwell’s studio teams and offices in Los Angeles, Orlando, Montréal, and Abu Dhabi.

In March 2022, Thinkwell was acquired by the TAIT Group. TAIT’s global team of planners, creative engineers, fabricators, technologists, and producers is made up of more than 1200 employees in 20 office locations around the world.  By combining forces, Thinkwell and TAIT’s new project delivery structure means greater success in achieving bespoke, world-class, never-before-seen experiential solutions on a grand scale.

 

Position Purpose 

The Production Studio Manager, Modeling and Design Visualization for Thinkwell, a TAIT Company works with the Head of Art and Design,  to build and manage a new dynamic team focused on the creation of computer generated rendered imagery and media.  This position works with the HOD to assist in strategizing an effective pipeline to produce cutting edge best in class imagery and representation of designs. 

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant design and/or management experience.
  • Experience or degree in architecture, or interiors a plus.  
  • Proficient Modeling and Visualization skills in a large array of software with an understanding of how to import/ export files from one software to another.  Software knowledge should include an understanding of all software listed with specialty skills in 3 or more of the following list and ability to render in multiple render engines;  Blender, SketchUp, Rhino, Maya, 3DS Max, Revit, Enscape, Lumion, Twinmotion, Cinema 4D, and Unreal.
  • Must have experience in successfully managing and leading people.
  • Strong coaching and mentorship skills.  
  • Ability to use Google Suite, Keynote, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Proven communication and presentation skills: written, verbal, and numerical.
  • Ability to multitask in a creative open office environment,  be detail-oriented, adaptable and meet stringent deadlines with a “do what it takes” attitude.
  • Ability to prioritize work assignments and focus on the most critical tasks.  
  • Ability to work independently and to use common sense and sound judgment to complete assignments in a timely manner.
  • Personable, friendly, outgoing, inclusive personality relates well to others and is willing to resolve personnel issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt and learn new software applications.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.
  • Previous experience with turn-key projects, specifically within the entertainment industry a plus.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Develop new visualization styles and processes, including but not limited to 3D renders, fly throughs, live time walkthroughs of project designs.
  • Research and implement new technologies and software to support the team in keeping a competitive advantage.    
  • Identify types of talent needed in the building of a team, and support in the hiring process.
  • Coach members of the team, and support in building talent.
  • Educate new team members, Art Directors and Project Managers in new processes.
  • Develop schedules and meet deadlines by the allocation of personnel and office resources.
  • Monitor and measure department performance and timely completion of deliverables
  • Participate in the implementation of procedures and systems to maximize operating efficiency.
  • Evaluate staffing needs, make recommendations on hiring and third party services.
  • Review performance data to monitor and measure productivity, goal progress, and activity levels
  • Continually assess employee productivity levels, provide feedback, coaching, and recognition as needed
  • Support Forecasting staffing requirements and work strategically with Production Studio leadership to meet staffing requirements
  • Support  workload and resources to ensure the department and project objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost-effective manner
  • Perform a daily review of schedules, deliverable progress, and employee morale
  • Coordinate with the Head of Studio Operations for Facilities and IT on personnel seating, tools, and equipment allocation
  • Maximize communication with other departments and company leadership
  • Understand, maintain, and adhere to internal production standards
  • Ensure the staffing level in the department is adequate to meet the demands of projects
  • Assist in the identification and selection of new staff
  • Oversee and assist the respective subject matter experts on job-specific training and onboarding of new staff
  • Ensure the staff understands and adheres to quality standards
  • With the department subject matter expert(s), collaborate with Project Development in the proposal process
  • Coordinate with the PM for visibility on project budgets as they relate to the department
  • Liaise with Project Management and key leadership to ensure deadlines will be met
  • Effectively prioritize, manage and accomplish multiple projects simultaneously
  • With the guidance from the HoD and Production Studio leadership, coach staff on the career path, and provide team members the opportunity to grow and develop with targeted assignments, as applicable
  • Coordinate and facilitate employee evaluations, assessments, and feedback using the system and procedure(s) in place for performance management
  • Assist with the development of department-level quality standards and process improvements
  • Work with the TW Project Development team along with the TAIT Business Development team to ensure both entities are supported in efforts
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Management Responsibility
This role directly leads and manages Designers and Modelers. 

Competencies

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is required to frequently walk, bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel each day. Specific requirements are:

  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to lift or move equipment within material handling guideline
  • Must be able to carry equipment within material handling guidelines

Work conditions of the role are:

  • Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions
  • Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes, safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location

 

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant design and/or management experience.
  • 7-10 years in show set, architecture, themed entertainment development or related experience with CAD and BIM.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interiors, Design, or Theatre is preferred.
  • Showset experience within Location Based Entertainment in both BIM and Design Software and cloud platforms, including but not limited to BIM360/Autodesk Construction Cloud, Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup and Bluebeam.  Rhino a plus.
  • Previous experience with turn-key projects, specifically within the entertainment industry. 
  • Hand and Computer drawing, and drafting skills required.
  • Deep knowledge of local building codes and plan check, permitting and inspection processes are preferred.
  • Strong understanding of materials, fabrication and construction approaches.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Work collaboratively with the BIM Managers and other key leads to create effective solutions for integrating BIM into the design and development process.
  • Develop guides and references to help educate teams about new workflows  
  • Lead and manage a team of Showset BIM Modelers, production designers, and drafters, and identify types of talent needed.
  • Act as a Lead on Show Design Packages in BIM when required.
  • Collaborate with Technical BIM manager to develop and maintain company Showset BIM templates and standards.
  • Responsible for executing industry standards in drafting. Ensure compliance to include ADA.
  • Develop schedules and meet deadlines, and participate in the implementation of procedures and systems to maximize operating efficiency.
  • Continually assess employee productivity levels, provide feedback, coaching, and recognition as needed.
  • Support Forecasting staffing requirements and work strategically with Production Studio leadership to meet staffing requirements.
  • Direct workload and resources to ensure the department and project objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost-effective manner.
  • Maximize communication with other departments and company leadership.
  • Understand, maintain, and adhere to internal production standards.
  • Oversee and assist the respective subject matter experts on job-specific training and onboarding of new staff.
  • Liaise with Project Management and key leadership to ensure deadlines will be met

Management Responsibility
This role directly leads and manages BIM Managers, BIM Modelers, Showset Designers, Designers and Modelers. 

Competencies

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is required to frequently walk, bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel each day. Specific requirements are:

  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to lift or move equipment within material handling guideline
  • Must be able to carry equipment within material handling guidelines

Work conditions of the role are:

  • Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions
  • Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes, safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location

Salary range: $125,000 - 145,000

 

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.

Company Description

Thinkwell is a full-service design firm specializing in the master planning and creation of large-scale destination resorts, theme parks,  museums/exhibits, live shows, attractions, and other unique experiences. Thinkwell's innovative approach to concept development, experience design, project management, media, interactive design, and production comes from over two decades of creating engaging experiences and unique storytelling environments for clients worldwide. Thinkwell believes in original solutions, not off-the-shelf ideas. 

Company Culture

Thinkwell's greatest resource is our people - and our diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and talents strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional work for our broad range of clients and end-users. We believe in an open and collaborative environment, and our office is door-free! We know great ideas come from everywhere, so we strive to create a climate where voices are heard and a habitat in which they can grow. Working for Thinkwell should be as great an experience itself as the experiences we create for our clients and their guests.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Thinkwell Group LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Thinkwell Group LLC.'s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment. Any employees with questions or concerns about equal employment opportunities in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the Head of Human Resources. Thinkwell Group LLC. will not allow any form of retaliation against employees who raise issues of equal employment opportunity. If employees feel they have been subjected to any such retaliation, they should contact the Head of Human Resources. To ensure the workplace is free of artificial barriers, violation of this policy, including any improper retaliatory conduct will lead to discipline, up to and including discharge. All employees must cooperate with all investigations conducted pursuant to this policy.

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