Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Location Manager

🎯 Role Definition

As a Location Manager, you are the on-the-ground leader responsible for finding, securing, and managing the physical spaces where our work happens. Whether for a film shoot, a corporate event, or a new branch office, you will be the primary liaison between our organization, property owners, government agencies, and the public. Your mission is to create a seamless, safe, and productive environment, managing everything from initial scouting and contract negotiations to on-site logistics and post-project wrap-up. This pivotal role requires a unique blend of creative vision, logistical prowess, and exceptional interpersonal skills to navigate complex challenges and bring our projects to life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Assistant Location Manager
Production Assistant / Coordinator
Event Coordinator
Facilities Coordinator

Advancement To:

Supervising Location Manager
Unit Production Manager (UPM)
Director of Operations
Head of Production

Lateral Moves:

Production Manager
Event Producer
Operations Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Scout, research, photograph, and present a diverse portfolio of potential locations that align with creative briefs and logistical constraints.
Lead all negotiations and execute location agreements, contracts, and fee structures with property owners, agents, and managers to secure favorable terms.
Manage the entire permitting process, securing all necessary operational permits from local, state, and federal agencies, including film, traffic, and special events.
Develop, manage, and meticulously track comprehensive location budgets, ensuring all activities remain within financial guidelines and processing payments efficiently.
Act as the primary on-site representative and diplomatic liaison for the company, interfacing with property owners, neighborhood associations, law enforcement, and government officials.
Orchestrate all on-site logistics, including but not limited to crew/guest parking, basecamp setup, power and water access, security deployment, and waste management.
Create and distribute detailed logistical information, including maps, schedules, contact sheets, and safety protocols to all relevant cast, crew, and staff.
Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations, conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing robust safety protocols for all personnel.
Oversee the complete setup and breakdown of the location, managing crews to ensure the site is protected and returned to its original or better condition post-project.
Collaborate closely with creative leadership, production designers, directors, and department heads to guarantee the chosen location meets all artistic and technical requirements.
Mediate and proactively resolve any issues, conflicts, or complaints from the public or property owners in a timely, professional, and diplomatic manner.
Conduct comprehensive pre-production technical scouts with key department heads to finalize logistical, technical, and safety planning before project commencement.

Secondary Functions

Build and actively maintain a proprietary, comprehensive digital library of potential locations, contacts, and resources for future projects.
Manage and supervise on-site support staff, including Location Assistants, security personnel, and cleaning crews, delegating tasks effectively.
Document the condition of the location meticulously before, during, and after use with comprehensive photography, videography, and detailed reports to mitigate liability.
Arrange and manage essential on-site ancillary services, such as mobile catering, portable restrooms, green rooms, and production trailers.
Prepare and present detailed location breakdown reports, budget updates, and post-project summaries to senior management and production teams.
Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with a network of location owners, real estate agents, film commissions, and permitting bodies.
Forecast potential logistical, environmental, or community-related challenges and develop proactive contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.
Handle sensitive and confidential information regarding project details, budgets, and high-profile personnel with the utmost discretion.
Stay current with local ordinances, industry trends, and new technologies related to location management and logistics.
Support the production or operations team with ad-hoc logistical challenges and exploratory research as needs arise.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Contract Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements and legal terms with property owners and legal entities.
Budget Management: Expertise in creating, tracking, and managing large-scale budgets using software like Excel, Movie Magic Budgeting, or custom financial tools.
Logistics & Operations Planning: Mastery of planning and executing complex logistical operations, including transportation, resource allocation, and scheduling.
Permitting & Regulatory Compliance: Deep understanding of municipal, state, and federal permitting processes and legal requirements for various types of operations.
Project Management: Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) to manage timelines, tasks, and team collaboration.
Location Scouting & Photography: A strong creative eye for identifying suitable locations and the technical skill to photograph/catalogue them effectively.
Risk Assessment: Ability to identify potential safety, security, and logistical risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Geospatial & Mapping Tools: Competency with tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, and GIS software for planning and communication.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication: Articulate and persuasive communication skills, capable of liaising effectively with everyone from C-suite executives to the general public.
Superior Negotiation & Persuasion: The ability to influence outcomes and find mutually beneficial solutions in high-stakes situations.
Creative Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness and ingenuity to quickly and effectively solve unforeseen challenges under pressure.
Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments and can pivot strategies in response to changing circumstances.
Interpersonal Skills & Diplomacy: A natural ability to build rapport, de-escalate conflict, and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Leadership & Team Management: Capable of leading and motivating a team of assistants, security, and other on-site staff.
Unflappable Under Pressure: Maintains a calm, professional demeanor while managing crises and tight deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent is required; extensive, relevant experience can substitute for formal education.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree is highly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film & Television Production
Business Administration
Hospitality or Event Management
Communications
Urban Planning

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of direct experience in location management or a closely related field like event production, field operations, or production coordination.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience managing locations for large-scale feature films, television series, or major corporate events is highly advantageous. A strong existing network of location and industry contacts within the target region is a significant plus.