At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical teams and ensure smooth operations for exciting live events.
- Company: Join the Sunderland Empire, a vibrant theatre at the heart of cultural transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and sustainability, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of world-class productions and make a real impact in the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience in live performance venues and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Thinking about a fresh start in the North East, region of culture, castles and coasts? Sunderland is a lively city by the sea, and the Empire Theatre is right at its heart of its transformation—the biggest theatre between Edinburgh and Manchester. Officially one of the best workplaces in the world (GPTW survey 2025) and hosting big West End shows and increasingly buzzing with energy.
We are looking for someone experienced in operating within the theatre/live events sector, to lead our technical and facilities team, making sure every show and event runs smoothly and safely. You will be the go-to person for visiting productions, manage building projects, and help keep our venue in top shape. You will also play a key part in our senior management team, helping shape the future of the theatre. This year you will be working on the RSC's Matilda, Moulin Rouge, Woman in Mind starring Sheridan Smith, pantomime (oh yes you will) amongst a stellar line up of many others.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and motivate the technical and buildings teams
- Be the main contact for producers, tour managers, and contractors
- Champion health, safety, and wellbeing for everyone in the building
- Oversee budgets and technical projects
- Make sure the building is always safe, welcoming, and ready for action
- Work with our creative learning and community teams on events and outreach
- Collaborate with Technical Operations colleagues across ATG where required
What we’re looking for:
- Experience managing technical teams in live performance venues
- Strong leadership and people skills
- Solid knowledge of health & safety and building management - Bonus points for IOSHH/NEBOSH certification or experience with building systems
- Great at planning, organising, and working under pressure
- Comfortable with Word, Excel, and Outlook
Why join us?
- Be part of a friendly, ambitious team in a city with loads to offer
- Help bring world-class shows to the North East
- Opportunities to grow, learn, and make a real impact
- We value diversity, inclusion, and sustainability—everyone's welcome
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strive to provide a stage for everyone. Onstage and off, we hold ourselves accountable for nurturing an inclusive culture. We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer, which means that we are taking action to ensure that people with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will offer an interview or recruitment event to disabled candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they best meet the essential criteria for the role. Where we receive more applications than we are reasonably able to interview for any given role, we will retain applications for the next available interview opportunity wherever possible.
If you’d like to discuss accessibility prior to applying, please email where you can find our contact details to request a confidential discussion.
Salary: Circa £50k depending on experience
Technical & Buildings Manager, Sunderland Empire, High Street West employer: Ambassador Theatre Group
Join the Sunderland Empire, a vibrant hub of culture and creativity in the heart of the North East, where you will be part of a friendly and ambitious team dedicated to delivering world-class performances. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee growth, we offer a supportive environment that encourages learning and development while ensuring every show runs smoothly and safely. Experience the unique advantage of working in one of the best workplaces globally, where your contributions will make a real impact on the community and the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical & Buildings Manager, Sunderland Empire, High Street West
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the theatre and live events sector. Attend local events or join online groups to connect with people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for theatre and live events shine through. Share your experiences and how they relate to the role of Technical & Buildings Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Sunderland Empire and its upcoming shows. Knowing the venue's history and current projects will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at the Sunderland Empire.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical & Buildings Manager, Sunderland Empire, High Street West
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Theatre:When writing your application, let your love for the theatre and live events shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our vibrant environment at Sunderland Empire, so share specific examples of your past work in similar settings.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise, especially in health and safety management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear why you’re the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you stand out. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Sunderland Empire.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambassador Theatre Group
✨Know Your Theatre Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Sunderland Empire thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its history, recent shows, and any upcoming events like RSC's Matilda or Moulin Rouge. This will show your genuine interest in the venue and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led technical teams in live performance venues. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your strong leadership and people skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Health & Safety Know-How
Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to theatre operations. If you have IOSHH/NEBOSH certification, be ready to discuss how you've applied this in past roles. This will highlight your commitment to creating a safe environment for everyone involved.
✨Plan for Pressure
Expect questions about how you handle high-pressure situations, especially during busy show times. Prepare a few anecdotes that illustrate your planning and organisational skills, as well as your ability to keep calm and focused when things get hectic.
