Technical Supervisor

Responsible to: Technical Manager, Senior Technical Manager

The Barbican is an international arts, conference and learning organisation in the heart of the City of London. Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in. Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.

The Music Department's boundary-pushing music programme cuts across all genres, including work by contemporary artists, experimental collaborations and visits from the world’s best orchestras and soloists. Alongside our resident, associate and international ensembles and other partners, we provide some of the finest musical experiences the capital has to offer, from Baroque operas to cutting‑edge electronic music. Together we create projects which would otherwise be unfeasible, and at the heart of a multi‑arts centre we produce concerts which go beyond the standard live music experience, presenting music which hovers at the edges of classification. We showcase and invest in emerging talent through commissions, learning programmes and through our partnership with the Guildhall School. Our concerts are open and accessible to all; we offer thousands of discounted tickets to 14 – 25‑year‑olds through our Young Barbican scheme and present music all over the city.

Purpose of Post

To work in close co‑operation with the Senior Stage and Technical Team to affect the delivery of the Barbican music and event programme of over 250 concerts annually to one world‑class standard, ensuring customer‑focused technical support of the highest quality. To work closely with the Technical Managers for the supervision of the technical & stage show crew on events to ensure excellent client liaison and a high quality of service. The Technical Supervisor will be expected to plan, inspire, supervise and delegate, whilst promoting a positive and constructive atmosphere within the crew. As a role with line management duties, the Technical Supervisor will develop the technical team through using the appraisal system and by promoting leadership best practice and staff wellbeing. To rig and operate lighting, sound, audio‑visual and projection equipment to meet the level of technical service required by the daily operational schedule of the Barbican’s music and commercial operations. The Technical Supervisor will work alongside and assist the Technical Management Team with maintenance works in allocated venues, technical equipment purchases and general upkeep of spaces to ensure all health & safety protocols are met and exceeded. To be committed in providing the highest level of customer service and actively seek to promote equality of opportunity in alignment with the Centre’s vision of providing a “Barbican Experience.”

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervising the planning, set‑up and operation of temporary and fixed technical & stage equipment and systems in the Barbican, specialising in sound reinforcement and with a knowledge of lighting and video systems.
• Work alongside the Technical Managers in advancing concerts and events, attending programming and production meetings to determine sound, lighting and AV needs/designs of assigned events.
• When required, to provide technical advice and guidance to Production and Commercial Event Managers, ensuring a high quality of technical service.
• To deliver the associated events to the highest standard to include supervision of production companies, contractors and freelancers.
• Oversee the recording (sound and visual) aspects of an event under the direction of the Technical Management Team.
• Maintain a high degree of knowledge of up‑to‑date technology associated with the live music industry, and a confidence in working with older legacy equipment to help achieve the Barbican’s aims for sustainability and financial resilience.
• Line‑manage, mentor and train department technicians and wider team members.
• Supervise the Barbican Music and Commercial Event’s preventative maintenance and statutory testing programmes in conjunction with the Technical Managers.
• Include record keeping, report writing, database updates and inventory/asset register updates.
• Work with the Senior Stage & Technical Manager and Technical Managers on feasibility studies, capital projects, and equipment acquisitions.
• Lead on specific projects related to the needs of the department as defined by the management team and produce technical reports in support.
• Attend the departmental Health & Safety Committee and actively participate in the development of safe working practice.
• Prepare and oversee the application of Health and Safety procedures in the workplace and carry out risk assessments according to regulatory requirements and as instructed by the management team.
• Supervise, develop and encourage safe working practices compliant with Health & Safety regulations in all aspects of the department’s work, and ensure safety consciousness within the team.
• Assist with the induction and training of departmental staff members and encourage a high standard of awareness among the Barbican’s contractors and clients.
• Foster good working relationships and communication with all Barbican departments.
• Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy in relation to the duties of the post and always give due regard to the health and safety of both them and others when carrying out their duties.
• Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Equal Opportunity Policy and the objective to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the duties of the post.
• Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate.

Location: London Contract Type: Full Time, 2 year FTC