About Portal Scenic Studios
Portal Scenic Studios specializes in the design and fabrication of immersive themed environments —
from mini-golf courses and laser tag props to large-scale scenic sculptures and environments. We
combine creativity and engineering to produce modular, productized scenic systems that deliver
repeatable quality and efficiency. We’re a lean, fast-moving shop where artistry meets precision
manufacturing. We’re looking for an Operations Manager who knows this world — someone with
experience running or working inside a scenic/theming fabrication facility and who understands
materials like foam, urethanes, fiberglass, and scenic paints inside and out.
Position Overview
The Operations Manager will oversee all aspects of production, scheduling, and shop management.
This person ensures that scenic fabrication projects move smoothly from design to delivery —
maintaining quality, efficiency, and consistency across multiple modular product lines.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee all fabrication activities including foam carving, coating, sanding, painting, assembly,
and crating.
Maintain clear build standards and repeatable methods for productized scenic packages (e.g.,
mini-golf theming, laser tag props).
Develop and maintain production schedules across multiple concurrent builds.
Manage purchasing and inventory for key materials: foams, urethanes, fiberglass, scenic
paints, adhesives, and coatings.
Lead a small crew of fabricators, painters, and finishers with clear expectations for quality and
safety.
Collaborate with design and creative direction to align fabrication methods with artistic intent
and budgets.
Ensure all products meet finish and durability standards before shipment and installation.
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in scenic or theming fabrication, specialty construction, or prop
manufacturing.
Deep working knowledge of foam carving (EPS, urethane, CNC machining), urethane hard
coats, fiberglass layups, scenic painting, and texture finishing.
Proven ability to manage shop operations, schedules, and teams in a fast-paced build
environment.
Understanding of fabrication sequencing, curing times, and paint/finish workflows.
Experience with lean production or small-team operations preferred.
Familiarity with fabrication planning tools such as Trello, Airtable, or Asana.
Hands-on approach with strong leadership and communication skills.
Compensation & Benefits
This role offers a starting base salary range of $70,000 – $95,000 per year, depending on experience
and skill set. For candidates with strong shop management and theming experience, additional
performance-based incentives or profit-sharing opportunities may be available.
Competitive salary based on experience.
Performance-based bonuses tied to project success.
Opportunities for growth within a scaling creative manufacturing company.
Flexible schedule aligned with production cycles.
Collaborative environment focused on creativity, craftsmanship, and efficiency.
Why This Role Matters
Portal Scenic Studios is shifting toward scalable, productized scenic systems — efficient, beautiful, and
repeatable themed environments that deliver high creative impact with lean production. The Operations
Manager will be central to making that transformation possible — ensuring each project moves through
the shop with precision, predictability, and excellence.
