Job Information
FREEMAN Senior Designer - Audio in Chicago, Illinois
About Us
Freeman is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry’s largest network of experts, Freeman’s insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 96-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.
Summary
The Senior Audio Specialist is responsible for initial sound system design and pre-coordination of audio equipment and deliverable for all assigned events as well as the on-site execution of said events. They work with the sales staff and project stakeholders to ensure profitability on the audio equipment and labor. It is the specialist’s responsibility to reserve audio equipment for the events they design. This role’s primary responsibility is to design and execute all assigned events as the Audio Engineer/Designer and may have additional duties assigned such as the assisting in the creation and organization of relevant standardized training programs; as well as assisting in the audio budgeting for capital expenditures.
This position will support our Audio Visual & Event Technology team. The position follows an in-person schedule working full-time in-office and/or show-site based out of Chicago, IL.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Works closely with clients, sales staff, operations, and project managers to develop sound designs and to coordinate pre-production, onsite, and post-production activities in line with event budget
Creates wiring diagrams, signal flows, adjusts room diagrams, and reserves equipment for shows based on budgeted designs; ensure on-site personnel have and understand this information
Recommends audio personnel during scheduling process to ensure company resources are used effectively and top talent is being retained and utilized
Evaluates/vets the competency of Audio Specialists to ensure that Freeman’s quality standards are maintained as requested
Responsible for ensuring the correct specification design and optimization of meeting room, exhibits, and general sessions sound systems
Oversees equipment logistics and gear use to ensure that company resources are used effectively, including minimizing cross-rentals, and efficiently using interbranch gear
Researches and recommends Capital Expenditure Audio purchases for the company to keep abreast with current with industry standards and reduce cross rentals to maximize profitability
Organize local audio training to improve staff competency levels
Stays current with new and developing industry trends
Acts as a mentor within the audio design department, and maintains audio design procedures to ensure efficiency when designs must move between designers and/or regions
May lead audio specialization committees
Functions as onsite Client Contact and/or Crew Chief
When on-site, supervises and directs work for an average of 5 full and/or part time labor including specialists, technicians, and union employees. Duties include hiring recommendation, training, assigning work, overseeing installation of equipment, and ensuring that activities are performed in a timely and cost-effective manner
Handles on-site grievances up to and including notifying hiring manager if anyone needs to be released from their duties
May be asked to submit show reports for each event to Sales Manager and Senior Leadership, which include equipment additions and overtime hours for billing, issues and successes on show, and evaluation of labor performance, which will be used to determine future assignments
Supervises load-in, load-out, install, and dismantle of equipment
Directs and/or assist both technical and labor crews
As the show site execution A1, will supervise the installation, optimization, and monitoring of the sound system during the event
Performs other duties as assigned
Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree in related field preferred
Minimum 8 years’ experience working in audio production with a minimum of 6 years focused on corporate events; or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience
Travel Requirements
Travel 25% to 50%
What We Offer
Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Parental Leave
Life, Accident and Disability
Retirement with Company Match
Paid Time Off
Diversity Commitment
At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.