Technical manager/director

Technical director (arts centre)

Purpose of Post

• the Technical Director is a senior post that carries responsibility for ensuring high quality production values for all events and activities
• the Technical Director contributes to corporate strategy, to customer service and to the development of artistic policy, by ensuring that ideas are achievable within the centre’s facilities and resources to an acceptably high standard
• the Technical Director also ensures the safe, effective and efficient use of our facilities and resources

Responsibilities

• lead and direct the technical and production management of all
  events and activities
• contribute to programme planning and development ensuring that proposals can be delivered to an acceptably high standard within the organisation’s resources
• in collaboration with the General Manager, devise technical and
  production budgets; the Technical Director will be responsible for the
  management of these budgets – ensuring s/he keeps within agreed expenditure levels and meets any agreed income targets
• provide effective line management, supervision, appraisal and support for all linemanaged staff and freelancers. In addition, manage staffing rotas to ensure appropriate technical staff are present to service the technical and production needs of artists, companies and groups, and to ensure acceptable levels of public safety and customer care
• contribute to the planning, development and implementation of policies.
• in collaboration with the General Manager, ensure the effective and efficientcmanagement and operation of building, facilities and equipment
• take day-to-day responsibility for the management of health and safety compliance and improvement associated with all premises, facilities, equipment, events and activities
• ensure compliance with all relevant licensing requirements, legislation and byelaws in the use of premises, facilities and equipment and presentation of all events and activities
• in collaboration with the General Manager and Marketing Director, ensure that we adopt high levels of customer care in relation to all its users and clients. In particular, manage and develop the organisation’s building and other resources to achieve customer care targets
• supervise all aspects of design, construction and technical servicing of events and activities
• supervise the arrangements for, and effective and efficient operation of, get-ins, get-outs, fit-ups, sound checks and installations for visiting artists, companies and groups
• undertake all aspects of technical support of events and activities as needed
• act as a representative at external meetings relevant to the
  technical, production and building/facilities management functions
• to commit to a high level of customer service that will inform decision making and influence the delivery of services, exceeding the expectations of customers
• to provide reports and information as may be required in the execution of these duties
• to work as a team with other members of the staff, committing to the
  achievement of the centre’s corporate goals, and both recognising and supporting the contribution of each member of staff to that common purpose
• to undertake any training provided by the trust appropriate to the post.
• to commit to equal opportunities policy and practice
• to undertake any other duties commensurate with these responsibilities as management may require from time to time

Liaison
The post-holder will be required to undertake internal liaison with members of staff, committees and boards, which will include:

• attending programme team meetings, operations team meetings, and other staff meetings as required
• making presentations to the Hounslow Arts Trust and board of
  management as required

Responsible to:

The General Manager

Responsible for:
Technician, Projectionists plus casual staff as necessary

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience and Attributes:

• experience of working at a senior level in technical management within an arts environment
• experience of working with a range of art forms
• the ability to work as part of a team with collective responsibility for the devising and implementing of policy, and management of its delivery
• the ability to plan and prioritise work; to set and meet deadlines; and to make considered decisions calmly under pressure
• excellent people management skills
• knowledge of health and safety at work legislation
• high standards of personal organisation within working practices
• experience of managing budgets
• a commitment to quality in the delivery of services
• understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities
• IT experience, computer literacy

Desirable Experience and Attributes:

• understanding of strategic planning and management
• good communication skills
• production management skills
• training in health and safety at work legislation as it relates to theatre practice
• membership of the ABTT or similar professional network