Senior Stage Technician (Deputy Head of Stage) in Liverpool

You’ll report to the Head of Stage (Deputy Technical Manager) and be responsible for Casual Technicians. You’ll also work closely with the other Senior Technicians. This exciting role is a key operational position within the technical department at the Liverpool Empire, a busy regional receiving venue. The successful candidate will play a leading role in the day-to-day running of the Stage department, supporting the delivery of productions, events and backstage operations to the highest possible standard.

The role will support the Head of Stage in supervising staff, coordinating fit ups, performances and get outs, maintaining theatre systems and equipment, and ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the department whilst maintaining high standards of safety and presentation. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical theatre knowledge with extensive experience in large scale receiving theatre operations, particularly in counterweight flying systems and stagecraft. They will be an effective communicator with the ability to lead crews, motivate others and build positive working relationships with visiting productions and internal departments.

Alongside practical stage duties, the role will also involve administrative tasks supporting the efficient running of the department, including production paperwork, maintenance records and staffing information. In the absence of the Head of Stage, the Senior Technician-Stage & Flys (Deputy Head of Stage) will deputise and assume responsibility for the operational running of the Stage department and provide leadership across stage, flying and backstage operations. The role is offered on an annualised hours contract, meaning that working hours may vary throughout the year and payment for any premium hours, such as get outs, are all included in the annual salary. The role will be subject to a 6-month satisfactory probation period. This role will involve regular evening and weekend work, including fit ups, performances and get outs. You will be working in a fast-paced environment, with no two days the same. Please note, your role may involve working with children or vulnerable people.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Head of Stage in the day-to-day operation of the Stage department, assisting in the coordination of staffing, resources and departmental priorities.
• In the absence of the Head of Stage, lead and supervise stage and flying operations during fit ups, performances and get outs, ensuring work is carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with current legislation, company procedures and the BECTU / UKT Code of Conduct.
• In the absence of the Head of Stage, lead all operational matters relating to Stage & Flys, including communication with visiting companies and the coordination of backstage activity.
• Operate and maintain counterweight flying systems and stage equipment safely and competently.
• Assist with ensuring LOLER inspections, routine maintenance and servicing of stage and flying equipment are carried out within required timescales.
• Work closely with the Head of Stage and wider technical department to ensure productions are delivered efficiently and to the highest standards of presentation and customer care.
• Support advance planning for productions by assisting with the communication of technical and operational requirements with visiting companies.
• Undertake duty technician responsibilities as required, including responding to backstage incidents, fire alarm activations and emergency procedures.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records relating to inspections, maintenance, equipment and departmental documentation.
• Assist with the organisation and upkeep of stage storage areas, workshops and backstage spaces, promoting high standards of housekeeping throughout the department.
• Work across technical disciplines where required to support the operational needs of the venue and promote a multi-skilled working environment.
• Assist with maintenance tasks and in-house technical projects as required.
• Undertake training courses as required to further self-development and meet the operational needs of the business.
• Complete any other reasonable duties as delegated by the Head of Stage, Technical & Building Manager or senior venue management.

Health and Safety

• Implement and comply with the company’s Health & Safety Policy and Risk Management System, maintaining the safest possible environment for colleagues, visiting companies and customers.
• Promote and support a positive safety culture within the technical department.
• Assist in ensuring risk assessments, safe systems of work and rescue plans relating to stage operations are followed.
• Ensure that all equipment is used safely, maintained appropriately and reported if defective.
• Ensure any accidents, near misses or safety concerns are reported promptly and in accordance with company procedures.

Your skills, qualities, and experience

If you can demonstrate many of the essential criteria, we encourage you to apply, and welcome transferable skills from other industries or backgrounds. We can give experience of any desirable criteria but may also use them to decide between candidates for this role.

Essential

• Previous experience working within a technical department in a large-scale theatre or similar live entertainment venue.
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience of stagecraft and counterweight flying systems.
• Experience supervising technical crews and leading operational activity during fit ups, performances and get outs.
• Good working knowledge of current Health & Safety legislation and safe working practices within a theatre environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with visiting companies, colleagues and contractors.
• Experience in motivating and supporting teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and respond effectively to operational challenges.
• IT literate, including Microsoft Office and digital communication systems.
• Proactive approach to work with the ability to manage workload effectively and use initiative.

Desirable

• Experience working in a commercial receiving theatre.
• Experience writing or reviewing risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Experience of preventative maintenance and equipment care.

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 for a confidential discussion.