Technical Manager

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry is on the lookout for a dynamic, hands-on Technical Manager to join our buzzing Production Department. This is your chance to take centre stage behind the scenes, bringing bold ideas, technical expertise, and creative problem-solving to everything we do.

Post: Technical Manager
Salary & Band: £39,000 - 42,600 Key Manager
Department: Production
Contract:Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reporting to: Director of Production & Operations
Starting date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 8 September 2025
Location: Coventry
Responsible For: Deputy Technical Manager, Senior Technician, Full-time Technicians and Technical Department Casuals

Step Into the Spotlight as Our New Technical Manager!

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry is on the lookout for a dynamic, hands-on Technical Manager to join our buzzing Production Department. This is your chance to take centre stage behind the scenes - bringing bold ideas, technical expertise, and creative problem-solving to everything we do.

From jaw-dropping homegrown productions to spectacular touring shows, you'll be at the heart of the action - elevating our technical standards and delivering unforgettable experiences for our audiences. One day you might be fine-tuning the details of a professional production, the next you could be supporting community projects, masterminding event setups, or ensuring our equipment is in top shape.

We're looking for someone with drive, skill, and a passion for theatre magic - someone who can blend professionalism with creativity and keep customer satisfaction centre stage.

If you're ready to lead, innovate, and thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment, the spotlight is waiting - join us!

You will act as Deputy for the Director of Production & Operations within the theatre and directly head-up the theatre's technical department, as well as line-managing the technical team. Staff scheduling and administration will be an integral aspect of this role therefore good IT skills and communication skills are essential.

You will have experience in stage, lighting, sound and audio-visual equipment, set elements, get-ins/fit-ups and get-outs. You will also have a solid understanding of H&S legislation, be highly organised, a good communicator, effective at multi-tasking and have an eye for detail. Reliability and flexibility in approach will be complemented by great team working skills.

Please bear in mind that this role is not purely a 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday role. Evenings, weekends and long hours may be required at busy times in order to facilitate all shows and events.

You will provide first class leadership to the Technical Department within the Belgrade Theatre, as well as providing support to directors and creative teams. This post will be hands on and administrative across all technical disciplines. The post may involve providing some performance cover from time to time and to assist when needed on fit ups/get-outs as and when required. Support is for all Belgrade Theatre productions and associated events, including conferencing and all visiting work to the Belgrade Theatre. Particular regard must be given to maintaining consistently high production values within the Belgrade Theatre, and offsite and on tour if required.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Key Objectives

• The administration & management of the technical department and associated staff including staff calls and holiday/TOIL management
• The administration & management of agreed budgets.
• Liaise with visiting companies to establish their staff/stage/scenic/lighting/sound and video requirements.
• Collate and distribute technical information for event weeks, Sunday concerts and all visiting productions

Staff management

• Work with the Director of Production & Operations in the recruitment, appraisal and ongoing training of departmental staff.
• Responsibility of the provisions to secure a safe and healthy departmental working environment.
• Actively promote awareness of and compliance to the company Health & Safety, COSHH and Equal Opportunities Policies, fire and safety procedures for all technical staff whether permanently, seasonally or casually employed and to all users of the stage areas.
• To provide line management to Deputy Technicians.

Operational

• Attendance at meetings/rehearsals as required.
• When required aiding the realisation of designs
• Discuss the feasibility of production designs with the Director of Production & Operations & members of the Creative Team, and advising on safe & suitable techniques to realise those designs
• Costing and controlling the work of the department in terms of both time and materials; ordering tools and materials.
• Liaise with outside contractors and companies in connection with their provision of stage/scenic/lighting/sound and video elements and/or related items.
• Carry out research and development where appropriate.
• Assist with the running of technical rehearsals with the Company Stage Manager.
• Aid in the delivery of performances by (but not limited to)
• Ensure in conjunction with the Director of Production & Operations and Head of Construction, the safe and efficient fitting-up and getting-out of all Belgrade Theatre and visiting company productions.
• Ensure the operation, movement and maintenance of all staging equipment (stage lifts etc) located throughout both stages; of the stage/scenic/lighting/sound and video elements, and/or related items; of the show in performance.
• Read and interpret ground plans elevations and working drawings.
• Work closely with the Head of Construction in the provision of scenery and being involved with the technical aspects of that process.
• Responsible for the safe and efficient use of flying systems and other mechanical equipment installed in the building whether permanent or temporary.
• Keep work and storage areas tidy, accessible and compliant with safety and insurance requirement
• Decide with the Director of Production & Operations what stage/scenic elements, and/or related items are kept in storage, and ensuring that appropriate records are kept.
• Ensure that all departmental and associated equipment/infrastructure is used safely and is properly and regularly maintained. Including leading on PA Testing of all stage electrical equipment
• Assist with the development and implementation of Health and Safety procedures. In particular, carrying out Risk Assessments pertaining to the work of the department as required.
• Drive the theatre van and hired vehicles for deliveries, collections and other purposes.
• Manage and report on the use of resources
• Devise & maintain suitable systems for the physical (including safe storage) and paperwork control of all materials and tools ordered, and of staff time and expenditure.
• Manage the employment of casual & freelance labour to assist with the work of the department.
• Transfer stage/scenic/lighting/sound and video elements, and/or related items, between the theatre, stores and rehearsal rooms; unloading and storing items delivered to the department.
• Administration & management of agreed budgets.
• Management
• Directly manage Technical Staff and work with these individuals to develop their skills so that they can contribute to the delivery of the Theatre's strategy in a rapidly changing economic climate.
• Oversee the management of full-time and Casual Staff, including ensuring accurate record keeping is maintained. This will also include recruitment and conducting appraisals and disciplinary action where required as per the Theatre's policy
• Ensure that all staff are paid accurately and on time, and that this remains within agreed budgets

General

• To undertake any other duties which are consistent with the function of the job including attending staff meetings and training courses
• To develop an understanding of the Belgrade Theatre brand and act as an ambassador for the Theatre in general.
• To work at all times within the Theatre's Equal Opportunities Policy, and especially to create and maintain equality of access for local people to appropriate activities for self-expression within an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
• To take a responsible approach to health, safety and environmental risks in relation to the job role and to control the risks or report them to management as appropriate

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• At least 5 years' experience preferably within the technical/production department of a similar organisation.
• Excellent knowledge and experience of the technical side of performance, with experience of lighting, sound and AV operation, rigging, fault finding and maintenance.
• Strong people management and motivational skills with the ability to coach and develop the individual as well as the team.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and capable of communicating and building relationships with stakeholders at all levels, internally and outside of the organisation.
• A good understanding of budgetary requirements and financial constraints
• Accuracy and attention to detail, with the commitment to produce work of the highest standard
• Computer literate to include the use of Microsoft Office
• Proficient in the ability to operate counterweight flying system, and/or stage motors and motor control
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