Opening & Operations Producer (Freelance / Contract)

Location: Philadelphia, PA (Hybrid: On-site & Remote) Engagement: Initial 30-day contract, with potential extension Start: ASAP Compensation: To be discussed based on experience and scope About the Opportunity We're preparing to open a new, independently developed cultural experience in Philadelphia and are looking for an experienced, resourceful, hands-on Opening & Operations Producer to help bring it across the finish line. The creative vision is established, the project is well underway, and many of the major pieces are already in motion. Now we need someone who can take ownership of the remaining production, procurement, vendor coordination, and operational details and make things happen. This is not a creative direction, strategy, or consulting role. We're looking for someone who knows how to get complex projects open and operational, who can comfortably juggle multiple moving parts, make sound independent decisions, and solve problems without needing constant direction. What You'll Own Retail & Merchandising: Coordinate merchandise assortment, source suppliers, negotiate pricing, calculate margins, manage purchasing, establish inventory and reorder systems, populate the POS catalog, and oversee stocking and merchandising. Food & Beverage: Source and coordinate vendors for a curated tea, chocolate, and beverage offering. Negotiate pricing and quantities, place orders, coordinate deliveries, and establish practical service procedures. Signage & Fabrication: Manage vendors for exterior, interior, and wayfinding signage, including production, fabrication, permitting, electrical coordination where needed, and final installation. Casting & Talent Coordination: Coordinate casting logistics for media production, confirm performers and roles, manage availability and scheduling, and negotiate compensation within approved budgets. Production & Vendor Management: Coordinate remaining contractors, fabricators, suppliers, deliveries, purchases, and physical installations. Keep vendors accountable, resolve issues, and ensure work is completed on schedule. Pre-Opening Operations: Help coordinate staffing, onboarding, training, operational supplies, facility needs, guest-service procedures, and other practical requirements for opening. Testing & Opening Readiness: Identify operational gaps, coordinate testing and adjustments, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the venue, systems, supplies, and staff are ready to welcome guests. Cross-Team Coordination: Work alongside existing creative, technical, sales, marketing, and publicity resources to keep production and operational milestones aligned with the overall launch schedule. Day-to-Day Project Ownership: Independently manage priorities, deadlines, vendors, and outstanding tasks. Bring founders consolidated decisions requiring creative or budgetary approval rather than a constant stream of questions. Who We're Looking For Proven experience personally managing the execution of complex openings, experiential productions, cultural attractions, hospitality venues, exhibitions, or similarly multifaceted projects. Strong practical experience with vendor sourcing, purchasing, negotiation, production logistics, budgets, and operational coordination. Familiarity with retail operations, inventory management, POS systems, merchandising, and/or hospitality service setups. A demonstrated ability to manage several overlapping workstreams, anticipate problems, and make good decisions independently. Strong organizational skills, resourcefulness, persistence, and exceptional follow-through. Philadelphia-based, with an understanding of the local market and an established network of vendors, fabricators, contractors, and other resources. Experience with museums, libraries, themed entertainment, immersive experiences, cultural institutions, arts organizations, or hospitality is a major plus. Comfortable working in a creative, entrepreneurial, non-corporate environment. The Most Important Part We're looking for s…

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