Exhibitions Production & Special Projects Manager

Applications are now open.

Deadline:  November 15, 2026.

Apply here: https://421-online.submittable.com/submit

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Job Title

Exhibitions Production & Special Projects Manager

 

Job Type

Full-time

 

Department

Exhibitions and Capability-Building

 

Reporting Line

Reports to Head of Exhibitions and Capability-Building


Location

421 Arts Campus, Abu Dhabi

 

Exhibitions Production Manager

Job Description  

 

Role Overview:

We are seeking an engaged and experienced Exhibitions Production Manager to join the 421 Arts Campus team. The Exhibitions Production Manager will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of various internal and external exhibitions, events, and projects. This position requires a strong blend of organizational, managerial, and creative skills to ensure the smooth and successful production of exhibitions and related special projects. The role will include working with emerging and established artists and curators, along with interns, and so a mentorship mentality and a desire to share knowledge and expertise are important. 

 

About 421 Arts Campus:

421 Arts Campus is an independent platform dedicated to emerging artists and creative practitioners in the UAE and across the region. A site for research, learning and experimentation, 421 provides a nurturing environment for emergent creative practices and those who want to harness the arts as an agent for social inquiry and transformation.

Position Context:

The Exhibitions Production Manager is a key member of the Exhibitions and Capability-Building team, responsible for translating exhibition and program concepts into well-planned, technically sound, and successfully delivered physical outcomes. Working across multiple projects at different stages of development, the role connects curatorial intent with the practical requirements of design, fabrication, installation, logistics, budgeting, and operations.

The position works closely with artists, curators, colleagues across 421, and a network of external fabricators, suppliers, contractors, and technical specialists. As 421 works with both emerging and established practitioners, the role requires a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to provide technical guidance while remaining responsive to artistic intent and different levels of production experience.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

  1. General:
  • Manage timelines, agreements, budgets and vendor selection for producing exhibitions and public programs.
  • Oversee the build and install of new exhibitions.
  • Oversee the take-down and return of previous exhibitions.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive project plans for exhibitions, events, and installations.
  • Coordinate with various departments, including curatorial, design, education, communications, and operations, to ensure seamless execution of projects.
  • Work closely with selected curators and artists to ensure smooth production and installation of their works.
  • Produce 3D models and architectural drawings, incorporating input from the 421 team and external curators, to support design, planning, and supplier communication for exhibition and program displays, builds, and installations.
  • Ensure clear communication of tasks and schedules with colleagues across the organization.

 

  1. Logistics:
  • Acting as point of contact, managing and working with external installation teams where necessary.
  • Onboarding and working closely with external fabricators and contractors.
  • Ensure the use of museum best practices during exhibition installation and space preparation.
  • Develop a network of production related suppliers and specialists based in Abu Dhabi and the UAE to execute the timely delivery of our programs.

  

  1. Budget Management:
  • Work closely with the director to develop and manage project budgets, ensuring that expenditures align with approved financial plans.
  • Identify cost-efficient opportunities without compromising the quality of productions.

 

  1. Resource Allocation:
  • Efficiently allocate and manage human resources, including production staff and external contractors, to meet project deadlines and objectives.
  • Collaborate with external vendors and contractors to secure necessary resources.

 

  1. Timeline Adherence: 
  • Develop and maintain project timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on schedule.
  • Proactively identify and address potential delays, implementing corrective actions as needed.

 

  1. Quality Control:
  • Uphold and enforce quality standards for all aspects of production, including exhibition construction, lighting, and multimedia installations.
  • Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with established museum standards.

 

  1. Risk Management:
  • Identify potential risks and challenges associated with production activities and implement strategies to mitigate these risks, including aligning with predetermined Health and Safety department regulations.
  • Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen issues and emergencies.

 

  1. Communication:
  • Facilitate effective communication among project teams, providing regular updates on project status, challenges, and achievements.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align production activities with 421 goals and objectives.

 

  1. Administration:
  • Maintain detailed documentation of all production activities, including budgets, schedules, and project reports.
  • Create post-project evaluations to assess the success of each production and identify areas for improvement.
  • Take on 421 administrative tasks as necessary.
  • Support on the financial administration of program-related and exhibition production related spending, including the processing of invoices, receipts and contracts. 

 

Qualifications:

 

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Arts Administration, Museum Studies, Project Management, or related field.
  • Proven experience in project management within a museum or cultural institution.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Familiarity with museum standards and best practices.
  • Proficiency in project management and design tools and software, including Rhino 3D, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Google Workspace.

Core Competencies:

  • Exhibition Production and Technical Delivery: Strong understanding of exhibition fabrication, installation, deinstallation, spatial planning, lighting, AV, materials, and museum-standard handling and display practices.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects from early planning through delivery, maintaining clear schedules, priorities, responsibilities, and documentation.
  • Spatial and Technical Communication: Ability to develop and interpret floor plans, elevations, technical drawings, 3D models, specifications, and other materials required to communicate effectively with artists, curators, fabricators, and contractors.
  • Budget and Resource Management: Strong financial awareness, with the ability to develop estimates, monitor expenditure, evaluate quotations, negotiate with suppliers, and identify practical and cost-efficient production solutions.
  • Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Ability to anticipate production challenges, respond calmly to changing requirements, and develop practical solutions under tight timelines.
  • Collaboration and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly across creative, technical, and operational teams, including with artists and curators who may have varying levels of technical experience.
  • Vendor and Contractor Management: Ability to brief, coordinate, and oversee fabricators, installers, suppliers, and specialist contractors while maintaining quality, safety, and schedule requirements.
  • Attention to Detail and Quality Control: High standards of accuracy and finish, with an understanding of how technical decisions affect both the presentation of artworks and the visitor experience.
  • Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share technical and production knowledge with colleagues, artists, curators, and emerging practitioners as part of 421’s wider commitment to learning and capability building.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

Success in this role means exhibitions, installations, and related programs are delivered safely, on time, within approved budgets, and to a consistently high standard, while maintaining the integrity of the artistic and curatorial vision.

The Exhibitions Production Manager establishes clear and reliable production processes, anticipates technical and logistical challenges before they affect delivery, and keeps internal teams and external partners informed throughout each project. Artists and curators feel supported in developing and realizing their work, while suppliers and contractors receive the information and direction required to deliver effectively.

Over time, the role strengthens 421’s production capacity by developing reliable supplier and specialist networks, improving documentation and workflows, contributing technical knowledge early in project development, and capturing lessons from completed projects. Success also means being a dependable and collaborative presence within the team, able to balance creative ambition with practical, financial, operational, and safety considerations.

If you are passionate about the intersection of art, culture, and project management, and you possess the skills and experience outlined above, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of our institution's productions.

 

Applications must be submitted online: https://421-online.submittable.com/submit