Head of Production Recruitment Pack October 2017
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Head of Production Recruitment Pack October 2017 9 October 2017 Head of Production Thank you for your interest in the Octagon Theatre Bolton and the role of Head of Production. The Octagon is a highly regarded producing theatre with a strong local connection and a national reputation. Our work on stage includes classic and new plays, musicals and productions with and for young people. We also make and present work in our studio theatre, outside in our town and communities, and online. The Head of Production is responsible for realising our work to high standards, on time, and on budget. The role combines leadership of our busy production department, management of the production process, and the planning and financial control of all productions. The post holder is expected to directly production manage most Octagon productions, but may also be supported by additional production managers from time to time. The successful candidate will bring an understanding of theatre production, the ability to work collaboratively with creative teams, and the management skills to achieve the best out of people and resources. This is an extraordinary time for the Octagon: it’s our 50th anniversary and in 2018 we will vacate our building and work site-specifically whilst we undertake a £9.8m capital redevelopment that will modernise the theatre including the auditorium and backstage spaces. The Head of Production will make a major contribution to the success of this exciting period. In this pack you will find the job description and person specification, as well as guidance on the process, terms and conditions, and background information. You can also get further information about the Octagon on our website www.octagonbolton.co.uk and a copy of our most recent annual report www.octagonbolton.co.uk/annual-report I hope that you enjoy finding out more about this opportunity. The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 30 October. Good luck with your application. Kind regards, Roddy Gauld Chief Executive Head of Production, October 2017 2 Head of Production Job Description and Person Specification Responsible to: Chief Executive (to July 2019) Artistic Director (from July 2019) Responsible for: Company Stage Manager, Chief Electrician, Wardrobe Supervisor, Construction Supervisor, Production Technician, Production and Artistic Administrator Purpose of position: • To plan and manage the delivery of the Octagon’s productions to the highest standards. • To control the production budget for Octagon productions. • To lead and manage the Production Department, its staff and resources. • To contribute to the efficient management of the organisation and its buildings. Organisational structure: The role works closely with the Chief Executive and Artistic Director to plan and deliver the organisation’s programme of work. The Head of Production leads the production department, including line management of team managers, a production technician and an administrator. Collaboration with creative teams is essential, as well as co-producers and for the Octagon’s off-site programme, the Projects Manager who is responsible for coordinating locations. The role is part of the management group and is expected to contribute to the wider leadership and management of the organisation. Main duties and responsibilities: • Plan all Octagon productions and co-productions, working closely with the Artistic Director and Chief Executive. • Act as the budget holder for Octagon productions and designated projects, including: - Responsibility for cast, creative, physical production and all other direct costs. - Drafting of budgets with the Artistic Director, co-producers and Head of Finance. - Ensuring accurate budgets are approved by the Chief Executive and board. - Issuing budget instructions and limits for all sub-budget holders. - Monitoring and authorisation of expenditure. - Working with the finance department to provide accurate accounts of each production. Head of Production, October 2017 3 • Work with the Artistic Director to set and maintain the production and craft standards for the artistic work. • Act as Production Manager for Octagon productions and artistic events, which may include work on-site, off-site, creative engagement, and co-productions: - Facilitating and overseeing the requirements of each production with the creative team. - Working with any incoming teams to implement production requirements to the highest possible standards. - Working with teams in other theatres to successfully transfer or tour productions. - Leading production meetings, attending rehearsals as appropriate, overseeing technical rehearsals, get-ins, get-outs and performances as required. - Communicating relevant production information between internal colleagues and external partners. - Ensuring that productions are realised as required, on budget and on schedule. • As necessary, appoint and support freelance Production Managers to deputise in delivering productions and events on the Head of Production’s behalf. • Ensure the production department effectively facilitates touring-in productions and hires. • Work with the Chief Executive, Head of Business Operations and others in preparing agreements, budgets and schedules with co-producers and other partners as necessary. • Manage production department budgets, including equipment maintenance and petty cash, in addition to production budget control. • Work with the Head of Creative Engagement to ensure their production and project needs are fully planned for and incorporated into the Production Department’s work. • Contribute to strategic and business planning along with other senior managers, to identify opportunities and manage resources to realise the Octagon’s vision. • Act as the Health and Safety Officer for the organisation, including chairing the Health and Safety Committee, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, completion of risk assessments, and maintaining an appropriate Health and Safety Policy. • Contribute to the Operations Group and take delegated responsibility for operational management of our buildings such as: operational procedures, business continuity, evacuation procedures, security and maintenance. Head of Production, October 2017 4 • Contribute to capital developments through identifying organisational needs and requirements; managing equipment procurement and renewal; and managing agreed projects of work. • Ensure that productions are staged in compliance with the relevant licence conditions, liaise internally with the theatre’s licensee, and liaise as appropriate with external bodies including the local authority and fire service. • Line manage the Company Stage Manager, Chief Technician, Wardrobe Supervisor, Construction Supervisor, Production and Artistic Administrator and Production Technician, and other staff as appropriate, taking responsibility for their performance, professional development and other HR tasks. • Ensure that appropriate staffing arrangements are in place for the scheduled programme, including recruitment of casual staff such as technicians and chaperones. • Keep informed of best practice and developments in theatre production and take a proactive approach to own professional development, as well as that of the department. • Work in the best interests of the Octagon and in accordance with company policies including health and safety, safeguarding and IT. • Be an effective representative of the Octagon in all situations and demonstrate the highest level of customer care and service. The main duties and responsibilities are indicative and not exhaustive. Other duties may be necessary to fulfil the purpose of the post. This job description may be periodically reviewed and revised in consultation with the post holder. Head of Production, October 2017 5 Person Specification Essential experience Desirable experience • At least five years’ experience in theatre • Experience of working with students, production comparable to the Octagon’s community and young companies in work. productions. • At least two years’ experience of managing • Experience of transferring and touring staff and managing budgets. productions. • A professional expertise in one of the fields • Experience of site-specific theatre of: stage management, technical theatre or production. theatre construction. • Experience of the Production Manager role. • Experience of risk assessments and Health • Experience of estimating production costs and Safety compliance. and setting budgets. • Experience of working in an office • Experience of a theatre capital project. environment and completing administrative tasks. Essential skills and abilities • Ability to work with creative teams and to pragmatically realise artistic aspirations. • Ability to lead, manage and motivate teams of people. • Ability to problem solve, apply creative solutions and be resourceful. • Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and organise workload, and meet deadlines. • Attention to detail. • Team working, listening and collaborative skills. • Numeracy skills including the ability to set and monitor budgets. • IT literacy including the ability to use Microsoft Office. • Personal communication skills. Essential knowledge and understanding Desirable knowledge and understanding • Understanding of theatre production and • A relevant qualification in Health and Safety technical processes. and training in any of: First Aid, Manual • Understanding of Health and Safety best Handling, and Working at Height. practice and legislation. • Understanding