Chief Technical Manager in England

About Airdrawn: Airdrawn is a specialist studio of creative technologists, digital artists, system architects, and project directors. We design and deliver installations, visitor experiences, and events, bringing ideas to life through creativity, technology, and expertise. We are looking for a Technical Manager (AV & Immersive) to take ownership of our technical design and delivery.

Currently, our technical direction is led by the Managing Director. As we expand, we need a specialist to take over the detailed engineering and planning of our projects. You will become the technical authority for our installations, taking client vision and turning it into a fully costed, documented, and buildable reality.

We are a growing, agile company, and we need a "Swiss Army Knife" technical lead. While your primary focus is desk-based engineering and pre-production, you must have the practical skills and generalist mindset to jump in wherever needed.

You will work closely with our Senior Producer (who leads the creative and interactive development) to ensure the physical systems you specify can support their creative requirements. We operate a flexible hybrid model. We are looking for someone based in the Greater Bristol, Bath, or Wiltshire area who can join us at our Chippenham Head Office (Kington Langley).

Typical Schedule: We aim for 1 day a week in the office for team collaboration, though this may fluctuate based on active project demands. Onboarding: To ensure a smooth handover, we may require 2-3 days a week in the office during your first month.

Responsibilities:

• Translate creative briefs into robust technical specifications.
• CAD & Schematics: Use Vectorworks to produce high-level technical documentation, including signal flow schematics, rack elevations, patch schedules, and plan-view site layouts.
• Select and specify the correct AV hardware (Projectors, LED processors, Media Servers, Networking), balancing technical performance with budget constraints.
• Creative Technology & Content Support:

• Technical & Creative Alignment: Partner with the creative leads to translate artistic concepts into technical realities.
• Workflow Definition: Define the technical workflow for content delivery.
• Serve as the linchpin between our creative technologists and the technical delivery team.

• Budget Management: Manage project budgets, ensuring delivery within budget while achieving profit targets.
• H&S and Compliance: Maintain project documentation and processes, including creating RAMS and ensuring site safety.

This role may require non-standard working hours, including weekends and bank holidays, and travel both nationally and internationally. It may involve working at height, with or around plant and access equipment, and in adverse weather conditions. The role can be high pressure and time sensitive, but flexible working arrangements are possible with prior notice.

Small Team Mindset: You understand that in a small agency, everyone helps out. A flexible problem-solving approach and a solutions-based mindset. Confident and able to lead a team of colleagues and/or freelancers at all levels.

A deep understanding of video and audio signal distribution and networking. Proven experience specifying AV hardware for installations, ensuring technical compatibility and budget alignment. Experience with media server software (Disguise, Touch Designer, Pixera, Watchout, Resolume, etc.)

Location: Hybrid. Primarily remote, with a target of 1 day/week at our Chippenham Head Office (SN15). 25 days paid holiday, plus bank holidays ~ An extra day off on or around your birthday ~ Hybrid working, with plenty of flexibility to work from home ~ Free on-site parking ~ Company pension scheme & access to private medical insurance following probation period.