Technical Director

Do you have a demonstrable track record of delivering the technical and production aspects of making large-scale theatre? Are you experienced in, and committed to leading, inspiring, and developing people? Can you drive sustainable innovations in theatre-making ensuring it meets 21^st century demands and is fit for the future? Are you dedicated to fostering a safe, equitable and inclusive working environment?

We are looking for a Technical Director to provide strategic and operational leadership of the RSC's Technical Operations and Production teams. In this role, you will be primarily responsible for:

• Realising all technical and production aspects of the creative programme on time and to budget;
• Driving innovations in theatre-making, understanding and responding to opportunities and challenges in building an operation that meets environmental, technological and workforce demands;
• Providing inspirational leadership to the Production and Technical Heads of Department and wider teams;
• Developing strategies to diversify our technical workforce to be a pipeline for talent and skills development for the creative industries – making the RSC the place every artist, creative, manager, craftsperson and technician wants to work.

This role leads a highly skilled and multi-disciplinary set of departments with many different working patterns and environments. We are looking for someone who can lead these teams through many interlocking needs, such as clear planning (Artistic and Workforce), and regular points of intense pressure, given the need to meet ambitious goals and deadlines.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team you will contribute to the RSC's overall strategic objectives, including creating, leading and role-modelling a respectful and inclusive working environment for all, encouraging behaviours in line with RSC values.

Reporting to the Executive Director and with responsibility for Technical Operations and Production Heads of Departments, Technical Coordinator and Production Managers, key areas of responsibility include:

Production, Planning and Delivery

• Working with creative teams to help them to deliver artistically, technically and financially feasible productions on time and to budget.
• Building strategic partnerships with the Co-Artistic Directors, Executive Director and Executive Producers through technical and operational expertise.
• Overseeing the planning and management of the technical aspects of touring productions.
• Ensuring that all creative teams, artists, visiting companies, freelancers and participants always receive the highest level of technical support.

Departmental Management and Strategic Leadership

• Providing leadership and direction to the Technical Operations and Production Departments and to Production Managers, enabling them to provide innovative, world-class production standards.
• Developing and defining the strategy, objectives and accountability framework for Technical Operations and production Departments.
• Primary responsibility for all Health and Safety issues relating to Technical Operations and Production areas.
• Leading on the RSC's relationship with BECTU in respect of Technical Operations and Production matters.
• Planning, costing and implementing necessary capital projects to upgrade the RSC's stage and systems.
• Reporting to the Board and other key stakeholders on matters relating to Technical Operations and production Departments.

Financial and Resource Management

• Budget setting, forecasting, monitoring and control of financial risk.
• Reviewing and optimising working practices and processes to strive for world-class standards of effectiveness and efficiency.
• Effective resource management to highlight potential pressures and offer solutions in advance.

Senior Leadership Team

• Ensuring the effective flow of all production and technical information across the organisation.
• Developing strong management structures and systems, identifying and effecting change where necessary whilst carrying out continuous reviews.
• Driving and innovating the RSC's commitment to environmental sustainability.

To be suitable for this role, it is essential that you have the following knowledge and experience:

• A demonstrable track record of delivering the technical and production aspects of making large-scale theatre.
• Proven ability of working collaboratively with world-class and ambitious creative teams.
• Excellent technical skills with current knowledge and understanding of equipment, systems, procedures, stagecraft, and the use of technology across all main areas of technical theatre.
• Significant experience of leading and motivating managers of multi-skilled departments to deliver projects successfully and on time and within budget.
• An understanding of union agreements and experience of managing trade union relations and negotiations.
• Ability to create structures and environments in which everyone can do their best work.
• Strong awareness and adherence to health and safety legislation and other relevant statutory obligations.
• Robust financial management skills, with a strong understanding of management accounts and the ability to manage significant resource and budgets.

This is a full time, permanent position based in Stratford-upon-Avon with travel to London, nationally and internationally as required. You will be working up to a maximum of 48 hours per week, reflecting the programme of activity which will include some evenings and weekends at various locations.

We are committed to a culture of flexible working. This role will provide the opportunity for some flexibility in hours and location of work, ensuring that the specific remit of the role is delivered.

Application Process

All applications should be made online using the RSC website. If you need any assistance when applying, please email jobs@rsc.org.uk.

Interviews will be a two-stage process with the first interviews being held week commencing 2 December 2024.

About the RSC

The RSC strives for excellence, and values creativity, inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration, and accountability.

We can offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.