At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the lighting team in delivering exceptional performances and managing resources effectively.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a cultural icon in Covent Garden, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to work in a vibrant artistic environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and creative setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a world-class team and influence the future of lighting in performing arts.
- Qualifications: Proven management experience in theatre lighting and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
The Royal Opera House describes the place we work, not who we are. The whole is always more than the sum of its parts – we may be a House, but three quarters of our audiences experience what we do outside this building. While our Covent Garden theatre is the nerve centre, the impact and influence of the organisation can be felt in every corner of the country, and around the world.
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.
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 in London employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in creativity and artistry right in the heart of Covent Garden, London. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within a prestigious institution, alongside a supportive environment that values innovation and collaboration in theatrical productions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Lighting in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. The more you mingle, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they hit the job boards.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just tell them what you can do; show them! Create a portfolio or a demo reel showcasing your best lighting work. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your technical skills and creativity.
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for those interviews by researching the Royal Opera House and its productions. Think about how your experience aligns with their vision and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Deputy Head of Lighting role. It’s the most direct route to get your application seen by the right people!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Lighting in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in theatre lighting management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Head of Lighting, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the arts shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who not only has the technical skills but also a genuine love for theatre and performance. Share what excites you about working at the Royal Opera House!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key experiences and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
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 that you're not just a manager, but someone who truly understands the craft.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or project. Be ready to share how you foster a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. This is crucial for the Deputy Head of Lighting role, so highlight your ability to motivate and develop staff.
✨Prepare for Budget Talk
Since budget oversight is a key part of the role, come prepared with examples of how you've managed budgets in previous positions. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your financial leadership skills and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built relationships with both technical and creative stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and communication, as this role requires strong relationship-building skills across various departments.
