Head of Lighting

Century Personnel; Willoughby; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & benefits package

Collaborative production team

Job summary

The Concourse, operated by Century Venues, seeks a Head of Department – Lighting to lead lighting operations across three spaces. You will provide technical leadership, supervise staff and ensure high standards of safety, maintenance and previsualisation development.

We look for a hands-on leader with strong ETC Eos skills, deep lighting system knowledge and experience in programming, patching and maintenance for complex live productions.

Qualifications

• Five years' experience in theatre or live production environments.
• Two years' experience in a senior technical or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of ETC Eos consoles and lighting systems.
• Experience with lighting networks and protocols (DMX512, sACN, Art-Net, RDM).

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, train and mentor junior and casual lighting staff.
• Oversee lighting across three performance spaces.
• Maintain lighting console configurations, patching and show files.
• Review lighting plans and support visiting designers and touring productions.
• Develop and maintain the venue's lighting previsualisation capabilities.
• Manage preventative maintenance for lighting equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure safety and WHS compliance and produce procedures and checklists.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

ETC Eos consoles

DMX512/sACN/Art-Net/RDM

Job description

Venue: The Concourse Performing Arts Centre, Chatswood

Employment: Full-time

Reports to: Production Manager

Direct Reports: Junior Lighting Technicians and casual lighting staff

About The Concourse

The Concourse is a major performing arts and cultural venue in Chatswood, operated by Century Venues. Across our Concert Hall, Theatre and Lounge, we present theatre, musical, dance, ballet, orchestral performances, concerts, comedy, corporate events and community productions.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Department – Lighting to lead the operation, maintenance and development of lighting systems across our three performance spaces.

About the Role

Reporting to the Production Manager, you will provide technical leadership for the Lighting Department, supervise and develop lighting staff, maintain venue infrastructure and establish consistent technical and safety standards.

This is a hands‑on leadership role suited to an experienced theatrical lighting professional with strong ETC Eos skills and a solid understanding of lighting systems, networking, control protocols, programming and equipment maintenance.

Key priorities will include developing the venue's lighting previsualisation capability, strengthening preventative maintenance and developing the skills of our lighting team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, train and mentor junior and casual lighting technicians.
• Oversee the operation and readiness of lighting systems across the Concert Hall, Theatre and Lounge.
• Maintain console configurations, show files, patching, control systems and technical documentation.
• Review lighting plans, riders and production requirements and support visiting designers and touring productions.
• Establish and maintain the venue's lighting previsualisation suite, ensuring virtual systems accurately reflect venue infrastructure.
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance programmes for lighting equipment and infrastructure.
• Diagnose faults, coordinate repairs and specialist servicing, and maintain accurate maintenance and equipment records.
• Maintain safe operating procedures and ensure compliance with WHS requirements and venue standards.
• Develop operating procedures, training materials, checklists and competency assessments.
• Work collaboratively with Production Management and the Audio, Staging and Stage Management teams to improve technical operations.
• Support lighting infrastructure upgrades, equipment planning and continuous improvement.
• Work a flexible roster including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

About You

You will bring:

• At least five years' relevant experience in theatre, performing arts or a comparable live production environment.
• At least two years' experience in a senior technical, supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of ETC Eos consoles and associated software.
• Extensive theatrical lighting experience including programming, patching, focusing and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of lighting networks and protocols including DMX512, sACN, Art-Net and RDM.
• Experience maintaining lighting equipment and implementing preventative maintenance.
• Experience supporting theatre, musical, dance and other complex live productions.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train and mentor technical staff.
• Ability to interpret lighting plans, patch sheets and technical documentation.
• Strong communication, organisation and problem‑solving skills.
• A sound understanding of venue safety and working-at-heights requirements.

Experience with lighting previsualisation, QLab, MIDI/OSC, AutoCAD or Vectorworks, network management and show control systems will be highly regarded.

Desirable Qualifications

• Electrical Testing and Tagging competency
• White Card
• Working Safely at Heights and EWP training
• First Aid Certificate
• Basic or Intermediate Rigging Licence

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to take ownership of the Lighting Department across three distinct performance spaces and help shape how the department operates into the future.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop the venue's lighting and previsualisation capability.
• Mentor and develop emerging technicians.
• Work across a diverse programme of theatre, concerts, musical, dance and live performance.
• Contribute to equipment planning, infrastructure improvements and technical standards.
• Work as part of an experienced and collaborative production team.

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Century is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.