Deputy Head of Rigging in Brighton

We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Rigging & Automation to help artists and creatives from all artforms stretch the realms of possibility, creating works of ambition and scale. Our new multi‑artform venue uses flexible spaces, providing a wide range of possibilities and includes a fully‑walkable grid with rolling beams and grid stands to make a welcoming environment to work in and to allow points to be rigged across the entire venue space. Our stock of in‑house equipment includes around 200 Liftket hoists, including a stock of Kinesys Apex Hoists, running on Tait epiQ consoles. Unusual Rigging have provided custom 22m long portable flying bars in pairs, along with Revolution 2 winch assemblies, Apex Drive V2 units and LibraCell load monitoring shackles. House trussing is supplied by Total Solutions Group and incorporates over 3km of different truss sections.

You will support a core department of 4 with a Head, Deputy and three in‑house riggers, along with a wider pool of casual and freelance technicians. We are looking for expertise from all artforms; visual and performing arts, live music, theatre, exhibitions, corporate events and beyond. The Deputy Head of Rigging will work with, and support, other technical teams and wider Factory International teams to ensure that all of our spaces, events, and shows are delivered to an exceptional standard. We’re looking for people who are good communicators, enthusiastic, with the ability to work with a variety of people, and who want to be part of something new and unique. Factory International is a place to be proud of your background, your experience and your expertise, while also providing the opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the head of department in the line management and day‑to‑day deployment of the in‑house rigging team.
• Oversee the deployment and operation of all aspects of Factory International’s Rigging and Automation equipment.
• Work with other technical departments to organise the smooth running of the get‑ins, show runs, and get‑outs, ensuring that these are carried out in accordance with current Health & Safety legislation and Environmental Good Practice.
• Oversee production rigging and automation within the creation and delivery of artworks, concerts, shows, and events; including truss and temporary structures. This extends to performer flying and working at height including rescue.
• Liaise with visiting technical departments, ensuring their requirements are met, they are compliant with Factory policies and there is maximum exploitation of the commercial contract.
• Cover the position of Technical Duty Manager on a rota basis and manage other technical departments in the absence of the relevant manager.
• Provide advice to all other users of the venue with regard to the safe and proper use of technical and stage equipment with specific emphasis on rigging.
• Assist in the planning and delivery of an effective programme of maintenance (inc Planned Preventative Maintenance), housekeeping, stock control and testing for all appliances and performance related equipment in the building.
• In conjunction with other departments, develop and maintain up‑to‑date Standard Operating Procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience of entertainment rigging or automation in one or more art form (live music, theatre, performance art, etc), preferably in a producing environment.
• Advanced knowledge of rigging practices and techniques with the ability to create, read, and provide constructive feedback on rigging plots.
• Strong working knowledge of various rigging equipment and automation systems.
• Experience of managing teams with demonstrable leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to prioritise competing workload demands.
• Knowledge of technical drawing programs such as AutoCAD or Vector Works.
• Comfortable working at height.
• Experience of Health & Safety practice and procedures including Risk Assessments.
• Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation with a proven ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Desirable

• NRC rigging qualification or equivalent.
• Advanced user of AutoCAD or Vectorworks with the ability to create plans.
• A practical knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and other relevant Health and Safety regulations working within a large receiving venue.
• IPAF, MEWP, PASMA.
• Experience of co‑production/collaboration on projects with a variety of partners and stakeholders.
• Good understanding of statutory regulations governing venues such as the Working Time Directive.
• Experience of developing a working at height rescue plan.
• Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent.