Head of Technical

Factory International; Greater Manchester, Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job description

Closing date - 06 May, 12pm
Interview date - 15th May
Salary - £50,000 per annum

Please feel free to contact us at [e-mail] if you require any support in completing your application.

Head of Technical

The Head of Technical will ensure the physical production of all Factory International (FI) concerts, artworks, productions, and shows are delivered and maintained to the highest standard. This includes FI produced work in addition to co-produced, third party created visiting work and corporate events at all scales from small foyer events through to whole building takeovers.

The Head of Technical will lead, develop, and manage the permanent and temporary technical teams (Technical Trainer, Sound, Lighting, Video, Stage, & Rigging), and show-specific teams such as wardrobe, wigs, and stage management. The post holder will develop and embed a cohesive, efficient, cost-effective and robust technical operations structure whilst always keeping environmental sustainability, access and customers at the heart of what we do.

Key Responsibilities

1. Line management of permanent and temporary Technical and Production Department staff and to oversee the recruitment of contract Factory International staff as appropriate.
2. Liaise with visiting companies and artists regarding production and technical requirements, ensuring the highest standards of delivery and presentation, and that all contractual agreements are met.
3. Work with the Director of Production and Building Operations, and Production Managers, to deliver produced and co-produced shows, artworks, and events to the highest standard, to budget, and on time.
4. Work with the Technical Trainer and Technical Heads of Department to embed training and professional development within the department.
5. Be part of the planning process around venue infrastructure format changes with particular focus on scheduling, logistics (materials & staffing), and budgetary parameters.
6. Work with Factory International’s commercial team and producers to ensure technical sales, contras, and staffing recharges are managed effectively within delivery of third-party events.
7. Ensure all venue technical and production equipment is maintained and in good working order, including managing specialist vendors and leading on the procurement of show specific equipment.
8. Ensure Factory technical specifications, drawings, plans, and models are kept up to date and available for distribution.
9. Ensure Factory shows, artworks, and events are captured for archive and remounting (Production Manuals) including video, audio, prompt copies and show files and digital models.
10. Lead the technical team in the development and maintenance of up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures.
11. Responsible for statutory compliance across all technical related systems and keep accurate records.
12. Ensure the Technical Team’s proactive compliance with Factory International’s H&S Policies, including risk assessments and implementing safe systems of work.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

• Substantive track record in technical management in either a receiving or producing environment.
• Proven experience of managing and motivating a team to achieve consistently high levels of performance.
• Up to date knowledge of technical production (e.g., lighting, sound, video, rigging, set construction, etc.), or relevant and proven knowledge from equivalent fields.
• Experience of developing and updating standard operating procedures.
• Proven experience of interpreting technical plans and diagrams from CAD plans.
• Experience in rostering staff and managing variable hours.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, guidance, and practical implementation.
• Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation.

DESIRABLE

• Experience of production management.
• Experience of technical management in a new building/post a major redevelopment.
• Experience of developing and delivering staff training.
• Experience of working with a commercial events team.
• Experience with Artifax and Deputy software packages.
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
• IPAF 3a&3b, telehandler and forks accreditation, or other MEWP/plant qualification.
• Enthusiasm for training, mentoring, and support of emerging talent.

When applying please do not rely solely on ChatGPT/AI software for your answers as it may not fully reflect your skills and experience and how they align with this role.