Senior Technician (Stage)

ABOUT US:

With a mission to enrich the cultural life of our region, Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the most popular theatre complexes in the UK. Varied productions in our 1,850-seat auditorium (dating from 1899), and in our 200-seat Patrick Studio ensure we play a key role in the region’s world-class cultural scene. With c.400 live performances annually in our main house, we present nothing but the best in touring musical theatre, ballet, dance, opera, pantomime, drama, and comedy. Our Patrick Studio welcomes a range of smaller-scale productions and is an important base for dance and for the development of new artistic work.

🍦Fun fact: If you stacked the number of ice creams we sold last year on top of each other it would make a tower 21 miles high! (that’s an amazing 115,000 ice cream tubs).

ABOUT THE ROLE:

🔮 Working on average 44 hours/week across 6 days per week, on an annualised basis

🔮 Frequently working evenings, nights, weekends, and bank holidays

Under the direction of the Technical Manager (Stage), the Senior Technician (Stage) will take a lead role in overseeing the technical operation of the stage department and all associated infrastructure. The postholder will bring specialist knowledge in stagecraft, rigging, and flying systems to support the delivery of world-class productions and events.
The Senior Technician (Stage) will act as a primary point of contact for all stage operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, particularly LOLER and PUWER regulations, and overseeing the safe use of stage machinery and flying systems. The postholder will also deputise for the Technical Manager (Stage) and collaborate closely with other technical teams to deliver a safe, efficient, and artistically excellent working environment.

MAIN DUTIES:

Production & Technical Support:

• Lead and deliver technical support for all stage-related activities across Main House, Patrick Studio, and other spaces.

• Supervise the get-in, fit-up, running, and get-out of productions with a focus on stage and rigging operations.

• Interpret stage and rigging plans to ensure safe and efficient implementation in line with production requirements.

• Collaborate with visiting companies, ensuring their technical needs are met and maintained to the highest standard.

Health & Safety:

• Take the lead in maintaining health and safety compliance for stage activities, including documentation, risk assessments, and working practices.

• Act as the lead competent person for LOLER and PUWER compliance related to stage equipment and machinery.

• Ensure that inspections and certifications of lifting equipment, rigging systems, and other relevant assets are up-to-date and fully compliant.

• Conduct safety briefings and toolbox talks for casual and permanent staff involved in stage operations.

• Support the continuous development and review of safety procedures within the stage department.

Equipment & Infrastructure:

• Oversee the safe use, maintenance, and first-line repair of stage equipment including rigging, flying systems (manual and automated), stage lifts, trucks, and revolves.

• Ensure the proper maintenance and availability of tools and equipment in the stage workshop and stores.

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance schedules, inspections, and repairs of all stage infrastructure.

Leadership & Team Support:

• Supervise and mentor technicians, apprentices, and casual staff, setting a professional and collaborative tone.

• Deputise for the Technical Manager (Stage), ensuring continuity of operations and standards.

• Participate in recruitment, induction, and ongoing development of technical staff, including the provision of training on stage practices and equipment.

Planning & Administration:

• Attend and contribute to production meetings, technical recces, and planning sessions.

• Liaise with other departments to plan and deliver safe and efficient get-ins, rehearsals, and performances.

• Support the development and review of standard operating procedures and documentation for stage-related activities.

CORE DUTIES (Applies to all Senior Technicians)

Production and Technical Support:

• Deliver exceptional technical support across all performance spaces and events.

• Participate in get-ins, fit-ups, show running, and get-outs.

• Translate production plans into effective technical implementation.

Equipment & Infrastructure:

• Maintain technical equipment in good working condition.

• Carry out first-line maintenance and repairs.

• Keep workspaces organised, tidy, and safe.

Health & Safety:

• Comply with all Health & Safety regulations and policies.

• Use equipment and tools safely and appropriately.

• Participate in risk assessments and safety briefings.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Liaise effectively with visiting companies and internal teams.

• Attend production and team meetings as required.

• Ensure reports and documentation are completed accurately and on time.

• Support creative learning and community events.

Training, Mentoring & Personnel Development:

• Take responsibility for personal and professional development.

• Comply with all statutory and Hippodrome policies, including safeguarding, GDPR, and health & safety.

• Support training of new team members and casual staff.

• Share knowledge to enhance team capability.

General Duties:

• Support the maintenance and readiness of all performance spaces.

• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and nights.

ABOUT YOU:

Essential (Core) Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of stage and rigging systems in a theatrical environment.

• Competence in managing LOLER and PUWER compliance.

• Experience in counterweight flying and general rigging techniques.

• Familiarity with theatre automation, winches, truss systems, and safe working at height.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

• Ability to lead under pressure and problem-solve in a live performance environment.

• Excellent working knowledge of Health & Safety practices within a technical theatre setting.

Essential (Core) Experience:

• Significant professional experience in stage and rigging within a theatre or live events context.

• Demonstrated experience in supervising technical teams and leading get-ins/get-outs.

• Experience working with a range of lifting equipment and automated systems.

• Track record of working collaboratively with internal departments and external creative teams.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualification in rigging or health & safety (e.g. NRC Level 2, IOSH/NEBOSH).

• Experience in working with automation systems or heavy scenic elements.

• Experience managing inspections, certification, and record keeping.

• Experience in large-scale receiving houses or repertory theatres.

Personal Attributes:

• Enthusiastic, flexible, and calm under pressure.

• Positive, proactive attitude with strong attention to detail.

• Committed to continuous personal and team development.

• Willingness to work at height and perform physically demanding tasks.

• Reliable, self-motivated, and committed to delivering the highest standards.

Recognising under-representation in our workforce of the global majority, and people with disabilities, we particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds.