At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic technical team for exciting events at an award-winning arts venue.
- Company: Join Aberystwyth Arts Centre, a vibrant hub for creativity and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in technical arts, strong team management, and communication skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 33001 - 38784 £ per year.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre, an award‑winning regional arts venue on the University campus, is seeking a Chief Technician to lead its technical team and ensure the successful delivery of a busy programme of concerts, theatre, cinema, exhibitions and festivals.
Job Details
- Salary: £33,001.64 – £38,784.49 per annum
- Contract type: Permanent, Full‑time (36.5 hrs/week)
- Location: Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK
- Employment visa: Non‑sponsorable
- Posting date: 01/12/2025 – Closing date: 04/01/2026
- Reference number: 5984
Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise and develop the full‑time and part‑time technical staff, including Technicians, Assistant Technicians, Apprentice Technicians and freelance crew.
- Plan, schedule and allocate technical resources for all events, ensuring professional delivery of lighting, sound, stage management and digital systems.
- Maintain and inspect all technical equipment – lighting rigs, sound desks, video systems, rigging infrastructure and staging – to meet safety and quality standards.
- Collaborate with creative teams, artists and visiting companies to understand and fulfil their technical requirements.
- Contribute to health and safety planning, including Risk Assessments and Event Management Plans.
- Prepare and manage the technical budget, process purchase orders and invoices, and report on financial performance.
- Represent the Arts Centre as a public face to customers, clients and external partners.
- Support the Head of Technical Services in strategic initiatives, including sustainability projects and the Theatre Green Book.
- Adopt and promote the University’s Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Welsh Language Standards policies.
Qualifications
- Relevant industry qualification to A‑Level standard.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a professional technical arts environment.
- Specialised knowledge of at least two of the following: lighting (Eos, Avolites), sound, stage management, rigging, AV, networking and Dante.
- Strong understanding of theatre architecture, engineering and contemporary technology.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations (LOLER, Height, Electricity, COSHH, EU ‘Six Pack’).
- Proven experience supervising a technical team and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Clear written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to manage tasks independently, prioritise under pressure and negotiate competing priorities.
- Full clean driving licence.
- Proficiency in Welsh – spoken and written A1* (or willingness to attain).
Desirable
- Degree in a relevant subject.
- Experience in sustainable practices within a multi‑art‑form organisation.
- Higher level Welsh (B1* or above).
Benefits
- Flexible working policy.
- 36.5‑hour week, 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days.
- Professional development and pension scheme.
- Staff recognition, reward schemes and relocation bursary.
- Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality and retail.
- Generous maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave.
- Free Welsh language learning resources.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through jobs.aber.ac.uk. If you are interested, please submit your application in either Welsh or English. All applications will be treated equally. For enquiries, contact Pete Lochery at pdl@aber.ac.uk.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic candidates, people with disabilities, and female candidates. Aberystwyth University is a bilingual institution and complies with the Welsh Language Standards.
Contact Human Resources, Aberystwyth University – Visualisation Centre, Penglais Campus, Ceredigion, SY23 3BF Tel: (01970) 628555 | Email: hr@aber.ac.uk
Chief Technician in Aberystwyth employer: Prifysgol Aberystwyth University
Contact Detail:
Prifysgol Aberystwyth University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Technician in Aberystwyth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the arts and technical fields. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups to connect with people who might know about job openings or can give you a heads-up on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in technical roles. This is your chance to visually demonstrate what you can bring to the table, especially in lighting, sound, and stage management.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the venue and its past events. Understand their technical needs and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their requirements. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the team at Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Technician in Aberystwyth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in a professional technical arts environment. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Chief Technician, so don’t hold back on showcasing your past achievements!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application specifically for this role. Use the job description as a guide and incorporate keywords that reflect the responsibilities and qualifications mentioned. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your written application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and keep your sentences concise. This will help us understand your qualifications without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website at jobs.aber.ac.uk. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prifysgol Aberystwyth University
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially in lighting, sound, and stage management. Be ready to discuss specific equipment you've worked with, like Eos or Avolites, and how you've used them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Technician, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supervised and developed technical staff in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you’ve managed to keep everyone motivated and on track.
✨Understand the Venue's Needs
Research Aberystwyth Arts Centre and its programming. Familiarise yourself with their past events and think about how you can contribute to their future projects. This shows your genuine interest and helps you align your experience with their needs.
✨Health and Safety Know-How
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to the arts sector. Bring examples of how you've contributed to risk assessments or event management plans in previous roles to demonstrate your commitment to safety.