At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Stage Department and manage stage operations for world-class opera productions.
- Company: Scottish Opera, Scotland’s national opera company with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Dynamic work environment, opportunity to tour Scotland, and contribute to artistic excellence.
- Other info: Promote equality and enjoy a collaborative, safe working atmosphere.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the world of opera.
- Qualifications: Extensive touring experience and exceptional leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hours: As required to complete the duties, averaging 48hrs per week
Location: Edington Street, Glasgow, and touring across Scotland
Closing date for applications: Monday 3 August 2026 at 11.59pm
Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company. We take world-class opera to all corners of Scotland, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy this wonderful art form.
We're seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Stage to lead our Stage Department and play a pivotal role in delivering world-class opera productions across Scotland and on tour. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished stage professional with extensive touring experience, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for technical excellence.
Working closely with the Head of Production, you'll oversee the planning, management and delivery of stage operations, ensuring our productions are realised safely, efficiently, and to the highest artistic standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and develop the Stage Department, promoting a positive, collaborative and safe working environment.
- Plan and schedule stage staff and freelance crew to meet production requirements.
- Oversee stage operations for rehearsals, performances, fit-ups, get-outs and touring.
- Allocate show supervisors and production-specific stage teams.
- Work alongside designers and production teams to develop practical staging, rigging and construction solutions.
- Produce and maintain technical documentation including stage plans, CAD drawings and production records.
- Ensure departmental compliance with Health & Safety legislation, including risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Monitor departmental budgets and staffing costs.
- Specify and manage stage equipment required for productions.
- Coordinate transport, storage and logistics in partnership with colleagues across the Production Department.
- Maintain clear communication with creative teams throughout the production process.
- Support the development, wellbeing and training of Stage Department staff.
How to apply
Applicants should email recruitment@scottishopera.org.uk providing an up-to-date CV, a covering letter detailing their suitability for the role and where they saw the vacancy advertised, and should also complete our Equality Monitoring Form.
All candidates must be able to demonstrate a pre-existing right to work in the UK and documentary proof of this will be requested at interview. Closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 3 August 2026. The first round of interviews will take place on Wednesday 12 August, with the second round of interviews on Tuesday 25 August.
We are committed to promoting equality and ensuring that no one is denied opportunities or discriminated against through prejudice or exclusion due to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally.
Scottish Opera strives to be an equal opportunities employer and is subsidised by the Scottish Government. Registered Number SC 0 37531. Scottish Charity Number SC 0 19787.
Head of Stage in Glasgow employer: Scottish Opera
Scottish Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Located in Glasgow, this role as Head of Stage provides unique opportunities for professional growth within a prestigious national company dedicated to delivering world-class opera across Scotland. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing, training, and the chance to work alongside talented professionals in the arts sector.
