stage-manage

stage-manage (third-person singular simple present stage-manages, present participle stage-managing, simple past and past participle stage-managed)

1. (literally) To manage or organise the operation of a theatrical stage; to act as stage manager.
2. (figuratively) To carefully control or direct (an event, operation, etc.) from the background, especially in a calculating manner, so as to achieve a particular desired appearance or outcome.

   Bad practices were rife at the factory, but the boss stage-managed the inspectors' visit so that they did not see anything amiss.