Seasonal Production Operations Specialist

Be part of an amazing story. 

Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about the excitement of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ve been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work. 

Job Overview 

The Production Operations Specialist supports the Production Operations team in managing operational plans and coordinating logistics for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and other iconic Macy's events. This role ensures seamless execution by assisting with planning, operational coordination, and event-related logistics across multiple productions. 

What You Will Do 

• Manage key production elements of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, including vendor coordination, security planning, permit acquisition, timeline development, and production schedule management. 

• Support production budget management by researching and negotiating with vendors, partnering with Legal and Procurement on contracts, creating purchase orders, maintaining budget documentation, and tracking invoices. 

• Develop and distribute detailed operational timelines, production schedules, and site plans in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Coordinate event permitting and agency relations with city, state, and federal partners, including NYC CECM, NYPD, DOT, DOB, FDNY, and FBI. Serve as the primary liaison to agency partners and prepare permits, presentations, schedules, and supporting documentation for review and approval. 

• Develop staffing plans and oversee day-of production crews responsible for event setup, crowd management, event operations, and breakdown activities. 

• Lead assigned operational areas of the Parade on event day with minimal supervision. 

• Maintain production databases, records, and volunteer tracking systems as needed. 

• Support ticketing and credentialing operations, including allocation management, printing, and distribution. 

• Coordinate and manage ancillary production activities, including rehearsals, site walks, trainings, and volunteer meetings, which may occur during evenings and weekends. 

• Provide hands-on event support, including crowd management, signage installation, barricade movement, and staff and crew coordination. 

• Assist with the planning and execution of other Macy’s Studios events and productions as needed. 

• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.  

• In addition to the essential duties mentioned above, other duties may be assigned. 

Skills You Will Need 

Event Operations Management: Ability to coordinate complex event logistics, develop operational plans, manage production schedules, and ensure seamless execution of large-scale live events. 

Project Management: Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, develop detailed timelines, coordinate cross-functional activities, and drive projects to completion in a fast-paced environment. 

Stakeholder & Agency Management: Ability to build relationships, collaborate across functions, and serve as the primary liaison with internal partners, vendors, and external agencies, including city, state, and federal organizations. 

Vendor & Contract Management: Ability to source vendors, negotiate pricing, coordinate contracts, manage purchase orders, and oversee vendor performance to support production objectives. 

Budget Administration: Ability to track budgets, monitor expenses, maintain financial documentation, process invoices, and support cost-effective event execution. 

Operational Planning & Logistics: Ability to create site plans, staffing models, crowd management strategies, credentialing plans, and other operational frameworks required for large public events. 

Communication & Relationship Building: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to coordinate information, influence stakeholders, and maintain positive working relationships across diverse groups. 

Adaptability & Problem Solving: Ability to remain flexible, respond effectively to changing priorities, and resolve operational challenges in a dynamic event environment. 

Technical & Administrative Skills: Proficiency with databases, Microsoft Office applications, data entry systems, and event management tools, with experience using Airtable or similar platforms preferred. 

Customer Service & Professionalism: Ability to represent the Macy's brand professionally, deliver exceptional service, and interact effectively with volunteers, partners, vendors, and event attendees. 

Who You Are 

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.  

• This position requires heavy lifting, constant moving, remaining in a stationary position, and reaching with arms and hands. Involves remaining in a stationary position for at least two consecutive hours, lifting at least 35 lbs. stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders. May involve reaching above eye level. Requires close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment. 

• Able to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on department and company needs. Must be available to work flexible and extended work hours the month of November; must be available to work all of Thanksgiving week.