Job Description
Visual Effects Production Manager
About REFUGE
In the land of craft beer, craft coffee, and craft doughnuts, we craft the visual effects of film and television, using tools of science to create pieces of art.
Refuge is an Emmy Award-winning visual effects studio based in Portland. A self-styled “Monster Shop,” we specialize in the creation of creatures, FX, and world-building that bring shows to life. Refuge is home to a team of skilled artists and producers committed to breakthrough work in visual effects. We thrive on creativity and collaboration, blending science with artistry to give talented professionals the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.
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The Role
At Refuge, the Visual Effects Production Manager is responsible for the daily and weekly execution of a project translating the overall plan into clear schedules and actionable tasks.
Collaborating closely with the Producer, VFX Supervisor, and team leads to ensure the project stays on track, while actively supporting artists and coordinators to optimize workflows. The expectation is not just to track the schedule, but to actively manage it - identifying risks early, solving problems quickly, and keeping the team set up for success.
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What You'll Be Responsible For
Scheduling & Task Management
• Build and maintain detailed weekly artist schedules
• Manage the workload of project coordinators
• Set weekly project goals and assign tasks in partnership with the CG and Comp Supervisors
• Adjust schedules based on evolving project needs
Project Execution
• Translate high-level milestones into actionable daily and weekly plans
• Monitor artist workloads and progress, ensuring efficiency across departments
Problem Solving & Risk Management
• Identify scheduling bottlenecks, resource gaps, and pipeline issues early
• Escalate risks to the Producer with proposed solutions
• Remove blockers to keep artists focused
Crew Coordination
• Coordinate crewing needs with Producer and Head of Production
Tracking & Reporting
• Maintain accurate project tracking in ShotGrid
• Prepare and send Weekly Status Reports (WSRs) to clients
Time Tracking & Data Integrity
• Oversee logging of artist hours and ensure data accuracy for reporting and payroll
Team Support
• Manage Coordinators in day-to-day production flow
• Facilitate clear communication across artists, supervisors, and production
• Foster a structured and organized working environment
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Key Responsibilities
• Own the weekly execution and schedule health of the project
• Ensure artists are properly tasked and supported
• Translate high-level plans into actionable work
• Identify and resolve production issues before they escalate
• Maintain accurate tracking, reporting, and data integrity
• Support the Producer in keeping the project on schedule
• Create clarity and organization across the team
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What We're Looking For
• 3+ years of experience in VFX production (Coordinator or Production Manager level)
• Experience with remote teams and large complex projects
• Strong understanding of VFX pipelines and post-production workflows
• Experience managing schedules and artist task assignments
• Experience with production tracking tools (ShotGrid, ftrack, Notion, or similar)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• This is an in office position located in Portland, Oregon in a dog friendly enviornment
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Why This Role Matters
This role is vital for daily project operations. The Production Manager ensures that plans turn into action, and that artists have the clarity and support they need to do their best work.
A strong Production Manager not only tracks schedules but also actively shapes them, anticipating challenges, and keeping the entire team aligned so that projects stay on track and deliver high-quality work.