At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PLASA in achieving strategic goals and enhancing member engagement.
- Company: Join a respected trade association in the entertainment technology sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape industry initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and professional growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic industry while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for the entertainment technology sector.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 120000 £ per year.
Organisation: PLASA – Professional Lighting and Sound Association
Role: Managing Director
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (hybrid working considered, minimum 3 days per week in the office)
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Travel: UK and international travel is a requirement of this role
Reporting to: Board of Directors (via the Chair)
Direct Reports: Senior Leadership Team / Functional Heads
Team Size: Approximately 20 staff
Membership: Approximately 370 member companies
Salary: £75,000 - £120,000 commensurate with experience
About PLASA: PLASA is the lead international trade association for the entertainment technology sector, representing companies that supply technologies and services to the live events, concert and touring, theatre, broadcast, AV installation, and related industries. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Eastbourne, PLASA serves a membership of approximately 370 companies across the UK and internationally. As a not-for-profit organisation, PLASA reinvests all surpluses into member services and industry initiatives.
The Association provides its members with a powerful collective voice, promoting best practice and safe working, and representing member interests with government, regulators, and key stakeholders. PLASA’s commercial activities are central to its ability to serve members and the wider industry. These include:
- PLASA Show – the UK’s leading international trade event for live entertainment technology, held annually at Olympia London, attracting 270+ exhibiting brands and visitors from over 25 countries
- PLASA Focus – regional trade events, including PLASA Focus Leeds, bringing the show closer to members across the UK
- LSi (Light & Sound International) – market-leading print and digital trade publications read by professionals in over 120 countries
- Training & Qualifications – industry-recognised certification programmes
PLASA has a staff team of approximately 20 people and operates with a Membership Governing Body and specialist working groups that ensure close collaboration with members. The Association has a strong track record of industry mobilisation – most notably through the #WeMakeEvents campaign, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to amplify the voice of the live events supply chain.
Following the planned retirement of long-serving Managing Director Peter Heath, PLASA is now seeking an exceptional leader to build on strong foundations and take the Association into its next chapter.
Purpose and Scope: Reporting to the Board (via the Chair), the Managing Director (MD) is responsible for leading PLASA to deliver its strategic objectives, as agreed with the Board. The MD provides overall leadership, ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability, and operational excellence while representing the interests of members and the wider entertainment technology industry. The MD will drive the development and growth of the Association, balancing member value with commercial sustainability, and ensuring PLASA remains influential, relevant, and responsive in a dynamic external environment. The role combines the responsibilities of a membership organisation with the oversight of significant commercial assets – including a major international trade show, market-leading publications, and training programmes.
Key Accountabilities:
- Delivering PLASA’s strategy and business plan and ensuring the association remains relevant
- Ensuring long‑term financial sustainability and income diversification
- Leading, developing and empowering a high‑performing team of approximately 20 staff
- Growing and engaging a strong, representative membership base of ~370 companies
- Enhancing PLASA’s profile, influence, and impact nationally and internationally
- Providing strategic oversight of PLASA Show, regional events, publications, skills and training programmes
- Identifying and responding to policy, regulatory and market developments
What We Offer: PLASA offers a salary in the range of £75,000 – £120,000 commensurate with the seniority of this role. Hybrid working is supported with a minimum of 3 days per week based in our Eastbourne office. This is a genuine opportunity to shape the next chapter of a well‑established and respected industry association.
How to Apply: Please submit your CV and supporting statement (maximum 2 pages), outlining your suitability for the role with reference to the key responsibilities. Please include your current or most recent salary. The recruitment process will be via a formal panel interview with members of the Board. For an informal conversation about the role in the meantime, please contact: recruitment@plasa.org
Interview Dates: July 2026
Equal Opportunity: PLASA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, particularly those under‑represented in our sector.
Managing Director in Eastbourne employer: PLASA
PLASA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Eastbourne that fosters collaboration and innovation within the entertainment technology sector. With a commitment to employee growth, PLASA provides opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive team of approximately 20 staff. The hybrid working model and focus on diversity and inclusion make it an attractive place for individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
