At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the lighting team in delivering exceptional performances at the Royal Opera House.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Ballet and Opera, a leader in the arts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a world-class team shaping the future of theatre lighting.
- Qualifications: Proven management experience in theatre lighting and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65497 - 65497 £ per year.
Salary: £65,497.54 per annum
Full time; 42.5 hours per week (with some evening/weekend flexibility around the RBO tech and production schedule)
Based in: Covent Garden, London
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
Our Technical, Production and Costume Department plays a leading part in ensuring our performances are of the highest quality by delivering technical excellence for every performance, rehearsal, and event. We are now seeking to appoint a Deputy Head of Lighting, with a bias towards the operational management of resources, staff and finances. While all senior managers are expected to have both artistic and operational oversight, the person in this role will be primarily responsible for ongoing development of existing resources, research and budget analysis of new technologies, staff recruitment and development, and robust safety and financial leadership.
Working with the newly appointed Head of Lighting and alongside a 2nd Deputy, this role will offer robust leadership across all departments within Lighting. With a large permanent and casual workforce and an extremely busy repertoire, the postholder will join the department at an exciting time, as we enter Phase 2 of our Production Lighting Rig Upgrade. We are looking for a senior leader with the vision and motivation to help drive the department forward in both artistic and operational excellence and who will act as an ambassador for the Lighting Department, across the RBO as well as externally.
What you’ll bring:
- Our ideal candidate will have a proven track record at management level with a major producing venue or organisation and be able to demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
- You will also be able to evidence:
- An excellent track record in theatre lighting management for major professional productions or companies.
- Experience of relighting shows (an advantage).
- Excellent technical skills with a thorough understanding of current lighting equipment and systems.
- Strong team leadership skills, able to foster a culture of continuous improvement and a strong team ethic.
- The ability to project manage, provide budget oversight and scrutiny and develop resourcing plans.
- Well-developed relationship building skills, with an ability to engage with both technical and creative stakeholders.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, Sunday 12th April 2026
Interviews will be held week commencing 27th April 2026.
To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Deputy Head of Lighting - WC2E 9DD in Ashford employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in creativity and artistic excellence at our iconic Covent Garden location. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and leadership within a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to world-class performances that inspire audiences globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Lighting - WC2E 9DD in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and don’t forget to prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that dream role! We love seeing candidates who take the time to understand our mission and values. Make sure your application reflects your passion for the arts and your commitment to excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Lighting - WC2E 9DD in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the Royal Ballet and Opera is looking for in a Deputy Head of Lighting. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Show Off Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in theatre lighting management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your technical skills and leadership qualities. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous positions!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. The Royal Ballet and Opera values diversity and inclusion, so don’t be afraid to share your unique background and experiences. Show us who you are beyond just your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is received directly by our recruitment team. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Lighting Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of current lighting equipment and systems. Be prepared to discuss specific technologies you've worked with and how they can enhance productions. This will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project in a high-pressure environment. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork, as this is crucial for the Deputy Head of Lighting position.
✨Prepare for Budget Discussions
Since budget oversight is a key part of the role, come ready to discuss your experience with budget management. Bring examples of how you've effectively allocated resources and managed finances in previous roles to demonstrate your capability.
✨Engage with Creative Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about how you've built relationships with both technical and creative teams in the past. This role requires collaboration across departments, so showcasing your interpersonal skills will be essential to impressing the interviewers.
