Production Lead

Fern is at the top of the trade show and expo service industry. Our operation spans more than 200 cities from coast to coast. In other words, wherever there's a major convention center and event venue, we're there with experienced local teams providing exceptional service and support, whenever you need it. We recognize that our team members are the core of our company. It is why they stay with us for so long, and it's also what attracts new clients to come aboard.

We are looking to add a Production Lead to our Kansas City warehouse. The Production Lead plays a key role in supporting Fern's Account Management team by ensuring all event-related operational activities are executed professionally and with effective best practices. This position requires a highly organized, self-motivated leader capable of multiple tasks, clear communication, ability to adapt to changing conditions, and supervise workforce of varying sizes and skill levels. The Lead coordinates materials, labor, and workflow to deliver high-quality production outcomes whole continuously improving efficiency and operational processes and outcomes.

You will report directly to the Operations Manager. Position does require being on site full time plus the ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Pay is $19-21/hr.

GENERAL OPERATIONS:

• Serve as the primary Operations point of contact supporting the Account Management Team and coordinating client event requests.
• Collaborate with labor crews, warehouse teams, production planning, and office staff to ensure seamless delivery of services.
• Collect, organize, and distribute event information to ensure labor, materials, and timelines are appropriately aligned.
• Build strong, professional relationships with workforce, facility teams, and vendor partners to improve operational best practices and labor efficiency.
• Participate in company production-planning sessions to maintain alignment with organizational directives and resources.
• Ensure all client service requests are fulfilled promptly, accurately, and professionally.
• Perform standard warehouse duties when not working in a foreman capacity.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

PRE-SHOW PLANNING & ON-SITE:

• Communicate with the Account Management Team to confirm all event requirements and expectations.
• Prepare event documentation, including equipment lists, diagrams, layouts, schedules, and floor plans.
• Determine labor needs and develop daily workforce schedules.
• Organize and assign workflow for all show tasks, including floor marking, booth setup, registration support, freight handling, dismantle, and load-out.
• Serve as the lead on-site supervisor overseeing the workforce.
• Maintain accurate daily labor records.
• Ensure high-quality workmanship and professional standards throughout all production activities.
• Track and record all labor and material usage for each project.
• Adjust schedules and materials based on updated information from Account Management.
• Troubleshoot on-site issues and resolve challenges quickly and effectively.

SHOW SUPPORT & WAREHOUSE COORDINATION:

• Oversee and participate with the pulling and preparation of stock items and rental equipment required for trade shows, conventions, and meetings.
• Ensure the warehouse and production environment is safe, productive, and well-organized.
• Maintain accurate, legible records as required.

POST-SHOW RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Finalize material usage and labor timing reports for billing purposes.
• Create production notes documenting opportunities for improvement or process enhancements for future events.
• Follow up with the Account Management Team to ensure all client expectations were met and all deliverables were completed.

IDEAL CANDIDATES' QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• CDL A preferred (and/or willing to obtain)
• Experience in trade shows, events, or a related industry preferred.
• Proven experience leading or supervising a labor workforce.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation/communication skills.
• Maintain proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other required operational technology tools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during event setup, production, and dismantle.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and working at floor level.
• Ability to climb ladders or operate lifts as required for event production tasks.
• Must be able to work long or irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overtime, based on event schedules.
• Ability to work in environments that may require sustained physical activity, multitasking, and quick problem-solving under time constraints.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work performed across event show floors, warehouses, loading docks, and convention centers.
• Exposure to varying conditions, including loud noise, fluctuating temperatures, dust, and busy work areas with active equipment movement.
• Work may occur in crowded public environments during show hours and in high-traffic production areas during setup and dismantle.
• Requires frequent work around forklifts, pallet jacks, dollies, and other material-handling equipment.
• Some travel required to support regional or national events.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required, including safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility vests, and hearing protection.

Fern is an equal opportunity employer committed to equal consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.