At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the automation team for the iconic Harry Potter production in London's West End.
- Company: Join ATG Entertainment, a diverse and inclusive employer in the heart of theatre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to work on a world-renowned show.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a vibrant and creative setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking production and make your mark in the theatre industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation systems and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
This job is with ATG Entertainment, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Sonia Friedman Productions is seeking applications for Head of Automation (Maternity Cover) on the London production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
The successful candidate will be joining at a crucial time for the production as we change from the two part version of the show to the reimagined one part production. Your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Management, maintenance and operation of all automation equipment and systems
- Leading the automation department
- Overseeing all automation operations
- Ensuring that the production's automation elements remain true to the original creative concept while maintaining the highest standards of safety, consistency and performance
Experience in automation and performer flying systems within the theatre industry is essential, along with proven proficiency in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting automation control systems, particularly STS and FOYS.
Candidates should demonstrate excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage, motivate and develop the automation team. They should work calmly and efficiently under pressure, possess strong organisational and time-management skills, and collaborate effectively with all departments and associated personnel to ensure the production runs safely, efficiently and smoothly.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Day-to-day management of the automation department
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant safety procedures
- Maintaining accurate records and documentation
- Liaising with company management, technical management and the creative team as required
Experience in a similar senior position on a large-scale production is essential.
We are committed to a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from those currently underrepresented in our workforce.
Role details:
- Start Date: December 2026
- Job Location: West End London
- Contract Type: A year contract with the possibility to extend
- Salary: Weekly salary as per the SOLT/BECTU agreement
- Weekly Hours: 8 shows per week plus maintenance and rehearsal calls
- Application Deadline: Friday 16th October 2026, 12 noon
Head of Automation (Maternity Cover) employer: ATG ENTERTAINMENT
ATG Entertainment is an exceptional employer for those passionate about theatre and digital storytelling, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of the entertainment industry, employees benefit from unique opportunities to engage with live performances and industry professionals, while also enjoying comprehensive growth and development pathways. With a focus on innovation and audience engagement, this role provides a meaningful platform for aspiring content creators to thrive in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Automation (Maternity Cover)
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like ATG ENTERTAINMENT!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Head of Automation (Maternity Cover) position at ATG ENTERTAINMENT, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when ATG ENTERTAINMENT is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Head of Automation (Maternity Cover) role at ATG ENTERTAINMENT!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Automation (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to ATG ENTERTAINMENT and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at ATG ENTERTAINMENT
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to ATG ENTERTAINMENT.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at ATG ENTERTAINMENT, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
