Head of Lighting

Head of Lighting

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead lighting design and implementation for world-class ballet productions and events.
  • Company: Join the English National Ballet, a pioneering company in the arts.
  • Benefits: Be part of a diverse team with opportunities for growth and creativity.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on the visual storytelling of ballet performances.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in lighting design and team leadership in theatre or dance.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and accessibility.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Head of Lighting

Join to apply for the Head of Lighting role at English National Ballet, a leading ballet company dedicated to bringing world‑class ballet to audiences worldwide.

About the role

Your main responsibilities include:

  • Lead all aspects of lighting design, implementation and delivery across the company’s productions, tours and events, ensuring the highest standards of creativity, precision and innovation.
  • Lead the lighting team, including deputy, technicians, freelance technicians and venue crews.
  • Work collaboratively with visiting creatives and the wider Technical team to manage all lighting output for new productions, revivals and programmed events.
  • Deliver all work to a high standard in line with technical requirements, budgets, collective agreements and deadlines.
  • Manage and maintain use of all equipment, ensuring a safe system of work and sustainable practice across all activities.
  • Lead troubleshooting of lighting data and network systems, ensuring reliable signal distribution across all venues.
  • Plan and manage own and department workload, capacity and workflows to support productivity and effective resource management.

Key Selection Criteria

  • Extensive professional experience as Head of Lighting, Deputy Head of Lighting or Senior Lighting Technician leading large‑scale theatre, dance or touring productions.
  • Demonstrated experience in reinstating and relighting existing repertory productions with sensitivity to artistic integrity and original vision.
  • Strong working knowledge of CAD software (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, WYSIWYG).
  • Ability to operate effectively within a touring company and prepare technical equipment for transport, get‑ins and get‑outs within the UK and internationally.
  • Track record of delivering work to a high standard within demanding schedules, demonstrating good judgement and prioritisation.

Diversity and Inclusion

English National Ballet is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where staff of all backgrounds can thrive. We would particularly like to hear from applicants from Black and global majority groups, and from those living with a disability or a long‑term health condition.

Contact

Please contact us if you need reasonable adjustments to attend the recruitment process or an alternative application format: hr_recruitment@ballet.org.uk.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a satisfactory number of suitable applications.

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Head of Lighting employer: English National Ballet

At English National Ballet, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity thrives. As the Head of Lighting, you will be part of a passionate community dedicated to delivering world-class ballet, with ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across disciplines. Our commitment to diversity and support for all employees ensures a rewarding environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
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Contact Detail:

English National Ballet Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Lighting

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow lighting professionals and creatives in the industry. Attend events, workshops, or even online forums to connect with people who can give you insights or even recommend you for roles.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure you have a solid collection of your past work ready to share. Whether it’s through a website or a digital presentation, let your creativity shine and demonstrate your experience in lighting design.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its productions. Understand their style and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Lighting

Lighting Design
Team Leadership
Collaboration
Technical Management
Troubleshooting
CAD Software (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, WYSIWYG)
Project Management
Budget Management
Resource Management
Attention to Detail
Creativity
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for lighting design and ballet shine through. We want to see how your creativity and experience can contribute to our mission of bringing world-class ballet to everyone.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Lighting role. Highlight your extensive experience in leading teams and delivering high-quality work under pressure. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key selection criteria. This helps us quickly see how you fit into our team and the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at English National Ballet.

How to prepare for a job interview at English National Ballet

✨Know Your Lighting Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially regarding CAD software like Vectorworks and AutoCAD. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've led lighting design in large-scale productions.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As the Head of Lighting, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, including any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to collaborate with creatives and technicians alike.

✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities

Be prepared to talk about specific instances where you've had to troubleshoot lighting issues or manage equipment logistics during a production. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the pressures of a touring company.

✨Align with ENB's Vision

Familiarise yourself with English National Ballet's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience and vision align with their goal of bringing world-class ballet to diverse audiences. Showing that you understand and support their commitment to inclusivity will set you apart.

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