Sr Technical Director

freemanP1 • Sparks • 3w ago

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About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award-winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust—all around the world.

Summary

The Senior Technical Director develops, oversees, and directly implements creative concepts and strategy for clients. The role is responsible for technical leadership, management and staffing as it pertains to the production process from point of opportunity to point of completion. This role is responsible for the planning and coordinating technical requirements for produced events.

This position will support our Production Technology team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or show-site 3 days per week. The ideal candidate will be based out of any of the following locations:

Philadelphia, PA
Dallas, TX
Detroit, MI
Orlando, FL
Nashville, TN

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Supports a team of Technical Directors through scheduling, training, and coordination.
Develops senior level relationships with clients that position Sparks as a strategic partner advisor leading to account growth and successful project delivery.
Works closely with clients, sales staff, operations, and project managers to develop event designs and to coordinate pre-production, onsite, and post-production activities in line with event budget.
Mentors and coaches team members in an effort to provide development and growth opportunities.
Resolves team conflicts as necessary.
Negotiates client contracts on behalf of Client Solutions Manager.
Partners with client to produce event media content.
Creates diagrams and for shows based on budgeted designs; ensures on-site personnel have and understand this information.
Assists in the scheduling and/or recommending of personnel to optimize resources.
Oversees load-in, load-out, install, and dismantle of equipment.
Coordinates and/or assists both technical and labor crews.
Responsible for ensuring the correct specification setup and optimization of event requirements.
Supervises the installation, optimization, and monitoring of technical systems.
Oversees installation for full-time, part-time and contingent labor force.
Directs workflow for teams at events with a high degree of complexity.
Oversees scenic construction to ensure it is within established show design parameters.
Produces stage scenic involving multiple elements, mediums, and materials.
Produces events with multi-elements switching and cues.
Generates and maintains a comprehensive production book and schedule for each event.
Coordinates logistics with multiple vendors for all events’ needs.
Coordinates and supervises on-site labor and review any labor budget impacts with Client Solutions Manager.
Calls complex show cues for all technical disciplines.
Stays abreast of industry trends and knowledge.
Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree in related field preferred.
Minimum 15 year’s experience working in project management with a minimum of 10 years focused on corporate events, entertainment, or theater; or equivalent combination of education, certification and experience.
Ability to engineer instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to communicate how to install and troubleshoot various related equipment.
Ability to incorporate advanced problem-solving techniques with labor team.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry to relevant situations.
Ability to calculate figures such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Experience drawing system design in AutoCad or VectorWorks.
Proven aptitude in CAD programs; ability to develop and interpret AutoCad, VectorWorks, and/or architectural drawings and renderings.
In-depth knowledge base of audio, lighting, video, and set systems.
Ability to navigate ambiguous situations.
Diplomacy and tact in high-pressure situations involving different personality types.
Experience delivering training programs to diverse groups.
Strong general business acumen.
Proficient in Google Drive and Microsoft Office.
Strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a team player.
Ability to operate within a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Travel Requirements

Travel 50% to 75%

What We Offer

Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Parental Leave
Life, Accident and Disability
Retirement with Company Match
Paid Time Off

Diversity Commitment

At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws.

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