Deputy Head of Video in Manchester

Closing date - 24 August 2026

Please feel free to contact us at recruitment@factoryinternational. org if you require any support in completing your application.

Overview

Factory International delivers a variety of live events and installations within the flexible performance spaces of Aviva Studios and its surrounding area.

We present 5,000‑capacity raves, large‑scale immersive works created by icons of the art world, intimate gigs in our Hall, and everything in between.

The company also runs the biennial Manchester International Festival, presenting brand‑new shows by national and international artists in theatres, galleries and found spaces across Greater Manchester.

Aviva Studios was built to host premiere league art and performance and to run top‑tier music gigs, conferences and talks.

It is a home to artists and musicians, as well as a world‑class venue for commercial events.

The Video Team is responsible for all aspects of projection, LED and other screen presentation, video playback, camera work, video networks and system integration throughout Aviva Studios.

In a constantly changing mix of events, we require expertise in video processing and playback, a thorough understanding of video signal paths and networking, and experience of working in a multi‑disciplined production team.

Our core activities demand rigorous projection skills, a good understanding of media servers and video editing, a knowledge of PTZ and operated cameras, and experience in live vision mixing.

The Deputy Head of Video will support the Head of Department, the wider Video team, Lighting, Sound and other Factory International teams to ensure that all of our spaces, events and shows are delivered to an exceptional standard and accessible to everyone.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Video in the operation of all aspects of Factory International’s technical equipment with particular emphasis on Video.
• Support the Head of Video with staffing levels and rota management, ensuring adequate staffing levels for all projects.
• Participate in the organisation and supervision of get‑ins, technical rehearsals, show runs, and get‑outs, planning appropriate staffing levels and apportioning equipment for the department, and ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation and Environmental Good Practice.
• Supervise and lead discipline‑specific team members in the delivery of production video within the creation and delivery of concerts, artworks, shows and commercial events; oversee the rigging and operation of equipment in the various venue spaces and program and operate video equipment as required.
• Oversee practical video elements of each production and project and assess the feasibility and cost implications of designs in conjunction with the Head of Department and other technical departments; assist in video design for in‑house productions and events, including programming and operating.
• Attend production meetings, rehearsals and technical rehearsals as required; liaise with visiting technical departments, ensuring their requirements are met and they are compliant with Factory policies.

Work with team members to develop and promote production‑related income streams and maximise return on the commercial contract.

• Cover the position of Duty Technical 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 regarding the safe and proper use of venue video equipment.
• Plan and deliver an effective programme of maintenance (including Planned Preventative Maintenance), housekeeping, stock control and testing for all appliances and AV‑related equipment in the building.

Person Specification

Essential

• Extensive practical experience of technical AV in one or more art forms (e. g. live music, theatre, performance art), preferably in a producing environment.
• Experience of projector deployment and techniques such as image alignment, focusing, warping and blending.
• Experience working on projects using multiple projectors and immersive technologies, including AR and VR.
• Experience of vision mixing, streaming, recording, camera set‑up and networking.
• Experience of media server set‑up and operation.
• Experience of supervising and managing staff with demonstrable leadership skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and prioritise competing workload demands.
• Experience of receiving or delivering large‑scale national and international touring productions.
• Proven experience of scheduling and planning staff requirements.
• Knowledge of technical drawing programmes such as Auto CAD or Vectorworks.
• Knowledge of the principles relating to the safe use of electricity, and an ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations typically required in an entertainment environment.
• 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

• Experience using media servers, controllers and software systems – Qlab, Disguise, Touch Designer, Isadora, Bitfocus Companion.
• Understanding of video signal transmission over SDI, HDMI, Optical and using SMPTE 2110 IP networks.
• Practical experience of multi‑projector mapping, advanced AV system deployment and techniques especially in large, complex spaces.
• IPAF, MEWP, PASMA training.
• Practical experience with Clear‑Com wireless comms systems.
• A practical knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and other relevant Health and Safety regulations working within a large receiving venue.
• Electrical qualification or training; BS 7671 18th Edition, BS 7909, C&G 2365 Lvl. 3, PAT testing & inspection, etc.
• Good understanding of statutory regulations governing venues (such as the Working Time Directive).
• Experience of co‑production / collaboration with a variety of partners and stakeholders.
• Awareness of current trends in various venue technologies and systems.
• Experience of touring.
• Full UK Drivers Licence.
• Appropriate qualification in technical theatre from an accredited college, university, ABTT or industry‑relevant training courses.
• Understanding of ABTT Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment.
• Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude, including a flexible approach to developing and delivering the job.
• Application Guidance

When applying please do not rely solely on Chat GPT/AI software for your answers as it may not fully reflect your skills and experience and how they align with this role; we may decide to discount your answer if we believe it is solely generated by AI.

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