Technical Manager in Gateshead

Peppa Pig Surprise Party is a brand-new immersive theatrical experience inspired by the beloved children’s television series. Located within the Metrocentre in Gateshead, guests are invited to step into Peppa’s world, travelling by train to Peppatown where they will interact with performers, puppets, games, and story-led activities. The experience combines live performance, puppetry, lighting, audio, show control systems, real-time video, CCTV monitoring, and interactive installations to create a highly engaging family attraction.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Technical Manager to lead the day-to-day technical operation of the production. This is a hands-on management role responsible for maintaining technical excellence, leading a team of casual technicians, and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of all show systems. Due to the guest-facing nature of the experience, the successful candidate will be comfortable interacting with visitors, troubleshooting issues in a calm and professional manner, and contributing positively to the overall guest experience.

Job Overview

The Technical Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, and consistent technical operation of Peppa Pig Surprise Party. Acting as the senior on-site technical authority, the Technical Manager will oversee all technical systems following installation and commissioning, ensuring that equipment is maintained to the highest standard and that the experience consistently delivers the intended creative vision. The role combines technical leadership, preventative maintenance planning, operational management, and live show support across lighting, audio, video, show control, networking, CCTV, and interactive systems. The Technical Manager will manage and develop a pool of casual technicians, creating a positive working culture that prioritises safety, reliability, teamwork, and exceptional guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day technical operation of the experience.
• Ensure all technical systems operate safely, reliably, and consistently throughout public opening hours.
• Perform daily technical inspections, system checks, and pre-opening procedures.
• Operate show systems when required, including show control, lighting, audio, and show-running duties.
• Support rehearsals, previews, maintenance sessions, and special events.
• Monitor show quality and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
• Respond to technical faults quickly and effectively, minimising operational downtime.
• Maintain technical standards in line with creative intent and operational requirements.

Maintenance and Asset Management

• Develop and manage a comprehensive preventative maintenance programme for all technical equipment.
• Maintain accurate records including maintenance schedules, fault logs, snagging lists, and asset registers.
• Carry out routine maintenance and inspections across all technical systems.
• Coordinate repairs, servicing, upgrades, and replacement works as required.
• Manage relationships with specialist contractors, suppliers, and technical support providers.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels of consumables, spare parts, and critical system components.
• Identify risks to operational continuity and implement mitigation strategies.
• Recruit, induct, train, supervise, and develop a team of casual technicians.
• Create and manage technician rotas to ensure appropriate operational coverage.
• Allocate daily tasks and monitor completion to the required standard.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and safety-conscious team culture.
• Conduct performance feedback, coaching, and ongoing skills development.
• Act as the primary point of escalation for all technical matters on site.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure all technical operations comply with company policies, venue procedures, risk assessments, and relevant legislation.
• Promote a strong culture of health and safety throughout the technical department.
• Ensure safe systems of work are implemented and followed at all times.
• Monitor compliance with RAMS, permit systems, and working-at-height procedures.
• Investigate and report incidents, accidents, hazards, and near misses.
• Support emergency response procedures and business continuity planning.
• Work closely with Production Management, General Management, designers, licensors, contractors, and suppliers.
• Support technical inspections, audits, creative reviews, and licensor visits.
• Produce regular reports on technical performance, maintenance requirements, and operational risks.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements to systems, processes, and guest experience.
• Represent the technical department professionally with internal and external stakeholders.

Working Hours

This position is offered on a permanent-hours basis with a minimum guaranteed level of work, reflecting the seasonal and operational requirements of the production. As a family-focused attraction, operational hours vary throughout the year, with lower-hour off-peak periods and extended opening during school holidays and peak trading periods. Typical working hours range from 30 to 45 hours per week. Weekend working will form a regular part of the schedule. There is no routine late-evening operation. Flexibility is essential to support rehearsals, maintenance activities, peak periods, and operational requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ professional experience within technical theatre, live events, visitor attractions, or a related field, or a relevant technical theatre qualification.
• Demonstrable experience operating and maintaining lighting, audio, video, and show control systems.
• Strong working knowledge of QLab and ETC Eos.
• Experience working with radio microphone systems.
• Comfortable using both MacOS and Windows operating systems.
• Excellent fault-finding and troubleshooting abilities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Confident leading and motivating technical teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable interacting with members of the public in a professional and approachable manner.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Experience working at height and undertaking maintenance activities safely.
• Experience working within immersive theatre, themed entertainment, visitor attractions, or site-specific productions.
• Knowledge of networked AV systems, show control infrastructure, and CCTV systems.
• Experience with interactive technologies, sensors, triggers, and automation systems.
• Previous experience in guest-facing or front-of-house environments.
• Stage management or live show-running experience.
• IPAF 3A certification.
• IOSH Working Safely or equivalent health and safety training.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a practical and solutions-focused Technical Manager who enjoys being hands-on, leading by example, and taking ownership of complex technical systems. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced live environment, enjoy working as part of a collaborative team, and be committed to delivering a safe, reliable, and magical experience for every guest who walks through the doors.