Location Manager

Career Guide

A Location Manager finds, secures, and manages real world sites used for filming and events. They handle permissions, budgets, scheduling, logistics, and on site coordination so production can work smoothly while keeping the public, property owners, and crew safe and informed.

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Key Responsibilities

Scout potential locations that match creative and practical needs
Negotiate terms with property owners and local stakeholders
Secure permits and approvals from local authorities
Build and manage location budgets and cost tracking
Create location schedules aligned with the production plan
Coordinate parking, access routes, base camp areas, and crew flow
Oversee site preparation and restoration before and after use
Manage location staff and day to day communication on site
Address community concerns including noise, traffic, and disruption
Implement safety and risk controls in coordination with production
Maintain documentation including agreements, permits, and site rules
Troubleshoot issues quickly during filming including weather and access changes

Top Skills for Success

Communication

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Management

Budget Management

Scheduling

Risk Management

Team Leadership

Location Scouting

Permit Coordination

Contract Review

Site Operations

Knowledge of Local Regulations

Production Workflow Knowledge

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Location Manager

Unit Production Manager

Production Manager

Line Producer

Locations Department Head

Transition Opportunities

Event Operations Manager Facilities Manager

Real Estate Project Coordinator

Logistics Manager Community Relations Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Budget ForecastingContract NegotiationPermit StrategySafety PlanningCrew ManagementDocumentation ManagementLocal Vendor Management

Development SuggestionsBuild a portfolio of locations you have secured, including constraints and solutions. Practice budget tracking on small projects, learn local permitting steps in your area, and strengthen negotiation by documenting outcomes and lessons learned. Seek mentoring from experienced production managers to improve planning and set readiness.

Market Intelligence Report

Location Manager is part of the Military Training & Leadership category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 65,000 per year

Mid LevelUSD 65,000 to 95,000 per year

Senior LevelUSD 95,000 to 140,000 plus per year

Growth Trend

Demand is steady and closely tied to film, television, advertising, and live event production volume. Hiring increases in regions offering production incentives and strong studio activity. Contract based work is common.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Film and television production companiesStreaming content studiosCommercial production agenciesLive event production companiesLocation services vendorsStudio lots and production campuses

Industry Sectors

FilmTelevisionAdvertisingLive EventsMedia ProductionEntertainment

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page portfolio that shows three to five locations you managed with photos and key outcomes

Map the permitting process in your city and collect links, lead times, and fees into a reusable checklist

Take a short course in production budgeting or project management to strengthen planning skills

Build a vendor list for parking, security, restrooms, waste removal, and power services

Ask to shadow a senior location manager during prep to learn stakeholder handling and on site flow

Update your resume to emphasize measurable results such as savings achieved, permits secured, and issues resolved