Theatre Consultant - Stage Lighting in London

Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue! We are seeking a Theatre Consultant in Stage Lighting Design to join our talented team. To apply please complete the online application form and submit a short CV (1-2 pages max.) and a cover letter addressing the below prompts:

• Why do you consider yourself to be a suitable person for the post and what you would like from the job?
• Which of your previous experience would you highlight as being particularly relevant?
• Please highlight any stage lighting design for performance buildings and event spaces.
• Describe any experience of designing, specifying and commissioning stage lighting or performance systems.
• Describe your experience and competency using CAD drawing tools for designing stage lighting systems.
• Please highlight the elements of the role requirement where you feel you have the least experience.
• Please highlight any experience you have leading teams.
• What are your salary expectations in line with experience?

Description of Role: We are seeking a Theatre Consultant – Technical System Designer with a Stage Lighting focus to join our global Theatre Consultancy team in the UK. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documenting, and commissioning Stage Lighting systems on our projects, working as part of our project teams which can include team leads, theatre designers, stage equipment designers, experience designers and acousticians to deliver holistic, bespoke dedicated design solutions. It would be advantageous for you to have prior experience with theatre and/or presentation technical systems and/or broadcast and media technology, either as a practitioner and/or systems designer and/or experience as a team leader or project manager. You will report to one of our Associate Directors and your project assignments and workload will be managed by your line manager. You will have the chance to meet regularly with your line manager to ensure you are fully supported in your role and since theatre consultancy is a specialist field, we will provide role-specific inductions, and ongoing training to help you succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide general support for projects; primarily assisting with the production of drawings, specifications and reports for specific projects, as well as assisting the more senior team members with research on new products, developing the principles of system design and the production of Charcoalblue’s ‘standard’ system information.
• Work to a consistently high standard, in line with Charcoalblue’s quality assurance and control procedures.
• Ensure that the demands of your projects are fully met.
• Operate with minimal administrative assistance: drafting emails, letters, reports and budgets as necessary.
• Meeting with clients to evaluate their needs for a project as they relate to stage lighting systems and network systems design (and beyond).
• Working with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution which balances all aspects of performance functionality and budget.
• Communicating with client teams to describe our solutions and ensure they reflect the right fit which balances the needs of various project constituents.
• Working with architectural and engineering teams to ensure that each of the design disciplines includes the required infrastructure, support, and accommodation for all elements of the stage lighting systems.
• Providing cost projections throughout a project for stage lighting systems integration.
• Conducting value engineering; adapting and revising designs to reduce cost while maintaining as much value and performance as possible.
• Participating in site visits for commissioning, witness testing, construction progress, and other purposes as required. This position will require occasional travel, including international/overseas travel.
• Working with our Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals, and deliverables.
• Contributing to the continual development of our internal design and technical resources.
• Discussing your work and ideas with other designers at Charcoalblue.
• Serving as a resource for all our designers about stage lighting technology applicable to our projects.

Qualifications and key skills:

• Minimum four (4) years’ experience as a stage lighting designer or technician, ideally across performing arts and architectural contexts.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working as a technical systems designer or specifying stage lighting systems or equipment.
• Experience in computer drafting of some form; Proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD or REVIT will be required.
• Professional experience with the standard suite of Microsoft Office and GSuite products.
• Professional experience with Adobe Acrobat and / or Bluebeam.
• Experience and interest in live performance, and/or events, with a demonstrable passion for the performing arts.

What’s in it for you? This is a permanent, full-time role with flexibility built in. You’ll be UK-based, working a 40-hour week with flexible hours between 8am–8pm, Monday to Friday, and enjoy a hybrid setup with a minimum of 2 days per week working in one of our studios, balanced with studio collaboration, site visits, and project meetings. Ability to request an unlimited number of days off under our “Take What You Need” leave policy. Studio closure over Christmas and New Years. Annual company bonus scheme. Pension auto‑enrolment. Monthly live event tickets allowance to stay inspired by the industry we design for. Home working contribution towards internet and utilities. Private Health Insurance after two years for you and your dependants. Laptop and peripherals provided. Company mobile phone scheme.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Overview: We are committed to becoming an increasingly inclusive organization. We continuously work to eliminate unfair and discriminatory practices within the company while encouraging full and equal contributions from our diverse community.