Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Video Production Manager

🎯 Role Definition

As our Video Production Manager, you are the central hub of our video content creation engine. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of all video projects, acting as the bridge between creative ideation and flawless execution. This role involves leading a talented team of creators, managing complex budgets and timelines, and ensuring every video we produce is on-brand, on-budget, and of the highest possible quality. You are a master organizer, a creative problem-solver, and a passionate leader dedicated to telling powerful stories through video.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Video Producer
Production Coordinator
Senior Video Editor

Advancement To:

Head of Video / Director of Video
Creative Director
Director of Content Production

Lateral Moves:

Content Strategist
Senior Creative Producer
Brand Marketing Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee the entire video production lifecycle, from initial concept development, scripting, and storyboarding through to final delivery, distribution, and archival.
Develop and manage comprehensive project budgets, production schedules, and resource allocation plans, ensuring all projects are delivered on time and within financial scope.
Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of in-house and freelance creatives, including directors, videographers, editors, and motion graphics artists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all video production needs, expertly managing stakeholder expectations and communication across multiple departments.
Source, negotiate with, and manage external vendors, including production houses, freelancers, talent agencies, and equipment rental companies, to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
Establish and enforce production standards, technical specifications, and quality control processes to maintain brand consistency and technical excellence across all video outputs.
Manage all physical and digital assets, including raw footage, project files, and final deliverables, by implementing and overseeing a robust digital asset management (DAM) system.
Conduct location scouting, secure permits, and handle all logistical arrangements necessary for on-location and in-studio shoots.
Collaborate closely with the creative and marketing teams during pre-production to translate creative briefs and strategic goals into actionable production plans.
Review and approve all stages of post-production, including rough cuts, color grading, sound mixing, and final edits, providing constructive feedback to ensure alignment with the creative vision.
Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks and roadblocks in the production process, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills under pressure.
Stay current with the latest video production technologies, industry trends, and platform best practices to drive innovation and efficiency within the team.
Manage all legal and rights-management aspects of production, including talent releases, music licensing, and usage rights for all produced content.
Develop and refine production workflows and processes to optimize for speed, quality, and scalability as the team and content needs grow.
Lead production meetings and creative reviews, ensuring clear communication, alignment, and forward momentum on all active projects.
Manage the procurement, maintenance, and inventory of all in-house production equipment, including cameras, lighting, and audio gear.
Create detailed call sheets, production books, and other essential documentation to ensure shoots are organized and run smoothly.
Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for video content and work with the analytics team to track performance and derive actionable insights for future projects.
Drive the creative direction on select projects, providing hands-on guidance to ensure the final product effectively communicates the intended message and story.
Act as the on-set lead or producer for key shoots, supervising the crew and ensuring the production plan is executed effectively and safely.
Champion a positive, solutions-oriented team environment that encourages creative risk-taking and continuous improvement.

Secondary Functions

Analyze video performance metrics and audience engagement data to inform future content strategy and creative decisions.
Contribute to the broader content and marketing strategy by providing insights on video best practices, platform trends, and production capabilities.
Partner with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and product, to understand their objectives and translate business needs into compelling video concepts and briefs.
Engage in creative and strategic planning sessions, contributing to content calendars and campaign roadmaps to ensure video production is aligned with organizational goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Project Management: Expertise with project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Trello) to manage complex, multi-stage projects.
Video Editing Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Media Encoder.
Production Equipment Expertise: Deep, hands-on understanding of professional camera systems, lighting techniques, and audio recording equipment.
Budgeting & Financial Acumen: Proven ability to create, manage, and track detailed production budgets with precision.
Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience implementing and managing DAM systems and workflows for large volumes of media.
Post-Production Workflow: Comprehensive knowledge of the entire post-production pipeline, including color correction/grading (DaVinci Resolve is a plus) and sound mixing.
Vendor & Contract Negotiation: Skill in sourcing, negotiating with, and managing third-party vendors and freelance talent.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Leadership: The ability to inspire, manage, and mentor a team of creative professionals to do their best work.
Flawless Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for articulating creative concepts and managing stakeholder expectations.
-Creative Problem-Solving: The capacity to think on your feet and devise innovative solutions to unexpected production challenges.
Meticulous Organization: A highly organized approach with a keen eye for detail, capable of juggling multiple projects without sacrificing quality.
Collaborative Spirit: A natural ability to work effectively with diverse, cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal.
High-Pressure Composure: The resilience and temperament to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Film, Media Production, Communications, or a similar creative discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film & Television Production
Communications & Media Studies
Broadcasting
Marketing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-8 years of progressive experience in video production, with at least 2-3 years in a producer or management capacity.

Preferred: A strong portfolio demonstrating management of a diverse range of video projects (e.g., brand anthems, social media campaigns, product explainers, customer testimonials, internal communications) from concept to completion. Proven experience leading and growing a creative team is highly desirable.