Manager, Sea Production (Cruise Ship Entertainment)

New York, NY
Full Time
Experienced
Job Title:                     Manager, Sea Production (Cruise Ship Entertainment)
Reports To:                  Director, Sea Production
Working Hours:           Normal office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm
Place of Work:             NYC HQ, 34-01 38th Avenue, Suite 302 – New York, NY 11101
Work Status:                Mobile (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
Compensation:            $69,000 -$72,000 Annually 
Other:                           Full Time

ABOUT RWS GLOBAL
RWS Global is the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, creating customized guest experiences spanning theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia, consumer products and more.
  
RWS Global is headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando and Sydney with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base. With a focus on entertainment and sports experiences, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theaters, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals and performers worldwide.  
  
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com. 

JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director, Sea Production, the Production Manager is responsible for the development, production, rehearsal, installation, deployment, and ongoing quality of assigned entertainment products for our cruise line clients. The role serves as the primary liaison between Creative, Casting, Technical, Studio Operations, Shipboard Leadership, and onboard teams throughout the product lifecycle. The Production Manager owns the successful delivery and handoff of entertainment products from concept development through installation and operational launch.

RESPONSIBILITES 
Product Development & Delivery
  • Serve as the primary project manager and cross-functional coordinator for the development and deployment of new entertainment productions, experiences, and onboard programming initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables for assigned projects.
  • Coordinate across Creative, Casting, Music, Scenic, Props, Costumes/Wardrobe, Technical, Studio Operations, Production, and other stakeholder groups to ensure successful project execution.
  • Facilitate cross-functional communication to align project objectives, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and operational requirements.
  • Track project progress, identify risks, and proactively resolve issues impacting project timelines or delivery milestones.
  • Ensure all project components are delivered on schedule and meet client, operational, creative, and production requirements.
  • Coordinate handoff from project development through rehearsal, installation, and operational launch.
  • Lead post-mortem reviews following each installation and cast changeover, partnering with relevant stakeholders to evaluate project execution, document lessons learned, identify process improvements, and implement recommendations for future deliveries.
Production Delivery
  • Manage rehearsals, production schedules, installation timelines, and deployment plans.
  • Lead production planning and execution for cast changeovers.
  • Coordinate implementation and launch of new entertainment productions, experiences, and onboard programming initiatives.
  • Oversee production workflows and operational readiness during rehearsal and install periods.
  • Maintain production documentation, SOPs, and show records.
  • Review and action rehearsal reports.
  • Support shipboard installations both remotely and onsite, ensuring timely and effective execution.
  • Uphold client and company entertainment standards across assigned productions.
Talent & Install Personnel Support
  • Coordinate cast travel for rehearsals, shipboard assignments, and cast changeovers.
  • Own production-specific readiness for cast members, install personnel, and contractors associated with rehearsals, installations, and cast changeovers.
  • Coordinate onboarding, travel, and payment processes for install personnel and contractors, partnering with Creative and Studio Operations teams to support rehearsal, installation, and deployment requirements.
  • Coordinate and manage travel insurance arrangements for cast members, install personnel, and contractors associated with rehearsals, installations, and cast changeovers.
  • Communicate production-specific expectations to cast and install personnel.
  • Support shipboard team leadership interviews and selection processes as requested by the Delivery Manager, providing input on rehearsal performance, production readiness, and artistic considerations.
Installation & Shipboard Support
  • Lead assigned shipboard installations and cast changeovers.
  • Own all install-related and cast changeover-related cabin requests.
  • Serve as the primary production liaison with shipboard leadership during pre-install planning, installations, and cast changeovers.
  • Lead pre-production communication with shipboard leaders to ensure operational readiness for rehearsals, cast changeovers, installations, and production activities.
  • Coordinate directly with shipboard leadership to plan and execute installations and changeovers.
  • Communicate installation schedules, personnel requirements, logistical needs, and operational impacts to onboard stakeholders.
  • Serve as the primary onboard production contact during installations and changeovers.
  • Facilitate handoff of operational responsibility to the Delivery Manager following installation.
Cast Experience
  • Lead the initial onboard Company Connection during installation periods.
  • Gather and action feedback related to rehearsals, installations, and production delivery, including through Talent Experience Surveys, stakeholder feedback, and other established feedback channels.
  • Partner with the Delivery Manager to ensure a successful transition into shipboard operations.
  • Support talent Welcome Meetings as needed by providing production-specific information.
Financial Management
  • Manage production budgets and changeover budgets.
  • Coordinate contractor travel expenses and install-related expenditures.
  • Ensure production expenses are accurately tracked and allocated.
  • Monitor project financial performance and identify opportunities for efficiency and cost management.
QUALIFICATIONS 
  • BFA/BA degree in Theatrical Production, Musical Production, or equivalent professional experience
  • 3+ years of experience in the entertainment industry, working in theatre, performance venues, or live entertainment settings; specific experience on cruise ships preferred
  • Minimum of 2 years in a management position, preferably within an entertainment setting
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including strong cross-functional collaboration abilities
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with flexibility to adapt in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook; familiarity with Wrike or other project management software is a plus
  • Flexible schedule allowing for up to 35% travel (international and domestic) and occasional work during non-standard hours (including weekends and holidays)
  • Passion for live entertainment, operational excellence, and collaborative teamwork
  • Highly self-motivated and organized, with exceptional attention to detail
  • Theatrical administration experience (e.g., stage management, production management, general management)
  • Experience with cruise ship and/or theme park entertainment preferred
  • Valid passport required for the duration of employment
  • Existing legal right to work in the USA; visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

COMPANY BENEFITS:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Flexible working schedule, depending on position
  • Company 401K
  • Health Benefits – Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Citi Bike Membership
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Summer Fridays
  • Cafeteria Plan
  • Pet Friendly
Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.


DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT: 
DIVERSE IS WHO WE ARE
Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements.
So, bring all of who you are, no questions asked.


 
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