Programming Producer - Contract

About the role

We are looking for an organised, proactive, and hands‑on Programming Producer to support the delivery of a major cultural festival in Abu Dhabi. Reporting to the Programming Lead, you will lead the production and execution of client‑approved programme elements from pre‑planning through to live delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the production of approved programming elements, ensuring full planning, coordination and delivery to required standards.
• Support pre‑planning, scheduling, logistics, budgets and production requirements.
• Research, source and onboard artisans, artists, facilitators, vendors and programme partners.
• Manage contributor onboarding, including profiles, documentation, schedules and logistics.
• Collaborate with Creative, Production, Technical and Operations teams to coordinate visual identity, structures, equipment, AV, lighting, power and audience flow.
• Develop and maintain programme schedules, run sheets, production trackers and technical requirement documents.
• Lead site visits, rehearsals, testing and oversee programme elements during build and live phases.
• Act as the key point of coordination between contributors and the wider production team, resolving issues and escalating decisions.

Required profile

• 5+ years of experience in event production, cultural programming, festivals, performing arts or exhibitions.
• Proven track record of taking programmes from pre‑production through build to live delivery.
• Strong project management, organisational and stakeholder‑management skills, with ability to work under pressure.

Required skills

• Sound equipment
• Lighting
• Technical requirements