Sydney Writers' Festival Ltd – The Rocks NSW Sydney Writers’ Festival is one of the world’s leading and most beloved literary institutions. It is a place for readers, writers and thinkers to share ideas, tell stories and celebrate literature. Since our first Festival in 1997, we have brought thousands of diverse writers and thinkers from Australia and around the globe together in Sydney. In the company of the world’s best novelists, poets, journalists, public intellectuals, economists, politicians, podcasters and scientists, we’ve discussed some of the most pressing issues of our times. We’ve celebrated prize-winning authors, long-awaited novels from writers at the height of their careers and introduced debut authors to eager and enthusiastic new audiences. Readers and writers have exchanged thoughts and opinions, perspectives and philosophies, creating a powerful community based on radical dialogue and respectful debate. The drumbeat of questioning that thrums underneath the Festival is powerful and enlivens Australia’s democratic tradition. About Sydney Writers’ Festival

Sydney Writers’ Festival is one of the world’s leading and most beloved literary institutions. It is a place for readers, writers and thinkers to share ideas, tell stories and celebrate literature. Since our first Festival in 1997, we have brought thousands of diverse writers and thinkers from Australia and around the globe together in Sydney. In the company of the world’s best novelists, poets, journalists, public intellectuals, economists, politicians, podcasters and scientists, we’ve discussed some of the most pressing issues of our times. We’ve celebrated prize-winning authors,



long-awaited novels from writers at the height of their careers and introduced debut authors to eager and enthusiastic recent audiences. Readers and writers have exchanged thoughts and opinions, perspectives and philosophies, creating a powerful community based on radical dialogue and respectful debate. The drumbeat of questioning that thrums underneath the Festival is powerful and enlivens Australia’s democratic tradition. About this role

This six-month, full-time Production Manager contract role (4 January 2027 to 25 June 2027) is an opportunity to join the Sydney Writers’ Festival team as Production Manager for the 2027 Festival and year-round Events. Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Production and Operations, the Production Manager will support the planning and delivery of production and operational requirements, with responsibility for production planning, technical delivery, logistics, budgets, contractors and event crew. The successful candidate will have substantial experience in the production and delivery of large-scale festivals, events or public programs, with demonstrated experience managing complex production requirements, teams and suppliers. Responsibilities

Production, Technical & Planning

Support the Head of Production and Operations in the planning and delivery of the production and operational requirements, including schedules, staffing, resources and production timelines.





Provide production and technical advice to the Head of Production and Operations and CEO on venue suitability, technical requirements, production methodology, costs and operational considerations.

Develop and coordinate Festival precinct and venue layouts in consultation with the Head of Production and Operations and relevant Festival teams, including staging, seating, audience flow and infrastructure such as temporary toilets, box office facilities and signage structures.

Undertake research and obtain quotations for the provision of equipment, supplies and services.

Oversee the coordination, hire and return of all required technical and site-related equipment.

Prepare production briefs to form the basis of suppliers’ quotes.

Liaise with suppliers and venues on technical and production matters.

Support the preparation of technical event documentation, spreadsheets and site plans.

Develop and maintain production schedules, critical paths and delivery timelines across Festival venues and workstreams.

Coordinate accessibility delivery across Festival venues, including accessible seating, access services and wayfinding.

Implement sustainability and waste initiatives across the Festival precinct and capture data to support impact reporting.

Financial & Budget

Support the Head of Production and Operations in the development of the production budgets, including venue and equipment hire and event staff, and monitor expenditure in these areas.

Manage allocated production and event budgets, monitor expenditure and commitments, and identify and report budget variances to the Head of Production and Operations.

Obtain and assess supplier quotations and provide recommendations to the Head of Production and Opera

📌 Production Manager (The Rocks)
🏢 Sydney Writers' Festival
📍 The Rocks