Job Description

Job Title: Technical Director

Department: Technical

Reports to: Executive Director and Artistic Director

Responsible for: Stage Manager, Chief Electrician, Chief Mechanist, Technical Operations Manager, Wardrobe team, Stores/Workshop Supervisor

Liaises with: Internal and external contacts at all levels

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

English National Ballet (ENB) exists to take world-class ballet to as many people as possible - delighting them with the traditional and inspiring them with the new. Under the leadership of Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo, the Company’s artistic output, reputation and ambition is growing rapidly. In 2018 the Company, along with ENB School will move to a new purpose- built home on London City Island and will finally have the physical space it needs to achieve its vision to be the country’s most creative and exciting ballet company.

MAIN DUTIES

Operations

 To work closely with the Artistic Director to plan and realise the practical delivery of ENB’s artistic ambition

 To oversee new productions; working closely with the Artistic Director, Executive Producer and members of the creative team to ensure productions are delivered to specification, on time and within budget.

 Ensure (through advance visits if necessary) that venues are adequate and sufficiently prepared to receive productions.

 Call and chair Technical Schedule meetings resulting in the final Technical Schedule being circulated five weeks in advance of a tour venue visit whenever possible.

 Ensure staffing levels are adequate depending on schedule/repertory and that venue liaison is completed by the stage management one month prior to tour/ venue visit.

 Through annual comparison of quotes and overseeing of booking, ensure transportation of sets/costumes/electrics/props etc. is efficient and cost-effective.  Work closely with the Executive Producer to liaise with designers, choreographers and lighting designers to ensure that new productions and revivals are viable and physically practical for touring to ENB’s venues.

 Ensure accurate records, plots, design details and photographs are maintained by all technical departments of all productions and venues.

 Through regular inspection, ensure that sets, costumes, props and lighting equipment are properly stored, maintained and presented.

 Through attendance at stage rehearsals prior to and at first performances of new productions and revivals, ensure that standards of presentation are satisfactory to the Artistic Director.

 By personal monitoring of some performances and through Stage Management show reports, take responsibility for maintaining standards of presentation to the satisfaction of the Artistic Director.

 Ensure a culture of safe working and risk management, adhering to and regularly reviewing the company’s Health and Safety policies, preparing comprehensive risk assessments and ensuring compliance with CDM regulations.

Financial controls

 In consultation with Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Producer, prepare annual departmental and production budgets.

 Work with the Technical Operations Manager to ensure good processes are in place for the authorisation of departmental expenditure, the timely monitoring of spend against budget and the maximisation of Theatre Tax Relief claims.

 Work closely with the COO and Executive Producer to proactively reforecast and control financial risk.

 Be responsible for budget costs for new and revival productions. Work with the COO and Executive Producer to identify opportunities for efficiencies.

 Proactively identify opportunities for income generation by promoting technical and production assets – primarily, but not limited to: renting production sets and costume; the commercial hire of production studio facilities.

 To negotiate competitive rates for ENB’s hiring of sets or costumes.

People

 Ensure effective team working within and between departments and locations – leading by example at all times.

 Attend Executive and organisational planning meetings, providing technical information and advice on ENB’s activities, giving input into general company policies and playing an active role in the strategic development of the organisation.  Attend the Technical Committee meetings and work with the Director of HR & Organisational Development on the implementation of any actions/outcomes of discussions with the Committee or BECTU.

 Work with the Director of HR and Organisational Development to attract and retain the best talent by supporting proactive skills development.

 Motivate, inspire and develop direct reports; setting clear objectives and providing objective and constructive feedback via appraisal and performance management processes.

Projects

 Advise on the technical aspects of the move to London City Island, in particular the expanded Wardrobe and the Production Studio.

 Work with the Executive Director and Project Manager to plan appropriate and efficient processes tin preparation for the move to London City Island.

 Advise on practicality and cost implications related to one-off events proposed by company departments e.g. photo calls, education projects, studio events etc.

 Carry out such other duties as may reasonably be required by the Artistic or Executive Directors.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Required

 Significant experience of delivering technical and production management services within the performing arts and the touring sector within the UK and internationally.

 An extensive working knowledge of performing arts stagecraft, equipment and techniques

 The ability to support artistic concepts through practical assessment and problem- solving

 A proactive and positive approach to people management and collaboration with peers

 The ability to take a strategic overview of inter-connected technical activities, to multi-task and to problem-solve and organise resources calmly and efficiently under pressure

 Experience of leading a large team of technical staff, with an understanding of the relevant employment legislation

 A thorough knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures; ensuring that the Technical Department fulfils its statutory Health and Safety obligations.

 Good financial management skills with experience in managing budgets Desirable

 A working knowledge of ballet

 A good working knowledge of CDM regulations

 Experience of project management

This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the employee and does not form part of the contract of employment. It is neither wholly comprehensive nor restrictive and therefore does not preclude change or development that will inevitably be required in the future.