Head of Department, Audio – ALIZÉ

Head of Department, Audio – ALIZÉ – Resident Shows Division

Full-Time Position

We are looking for a Head of Department (“HOD”), Audio to lead our Audio team. The main objective of this role is to manage and supervise the activities of the sound crew in all audio operations, overseeing installation, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of all Audio department systems. This position collaborates with the Show Technical Director and Resident Shows Division (“RSD”) Department Manager for leadership. The ideal candidate for this position will have a team player mindset, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure.

The Audio HOD will have the opportunity to:

1. Collaborate with the Technical Director and Department Manager to coordinate and supervise special projects including the research, purchase, installation, testing, troubleshooting, integration and ongoing maintenance and inspections of all equipment and systems required for rehearsal, training and show applications as well as inter- or intra-departmental needs;
2. Oversee weekly departmental task lists and crew scheduling, including day maintenance, rehearsal, training and show calls with the guidance of the Technical Director and Production Department Manager;
3. Manage HR/administrative tasks for the department, such as, but not limited to, payroll, scheduling, onboarding, and disciplinary actions with the show Technical Director;
4. Work with Technical Director and Production Department Manager on all budgets and forecasting of departmental needs, including inventory;
5. Operate the front of house mix console and troubleshoot audio, RF, video and communication equipment as directed for performances, artist training, and maintenance;
6. Ensure all departmental-related documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner. Set the strategy and standards for proper documentation and train team on best practices;
7. Ensure Audio team has a thorough knowledge of all Audio department equipment specific to the production to operate equipment safely. Work with the Production Department Manager and Technical Director to establish and maintain training and backup plans to ensure continuity of performance operations of the department, as necessary;
8. Coordinate, determine and oversee support for special projects, including the research, purchasing, construction and installation of new show elements, and other projects that include Audio elements or other needs that may fall within the department’s specialty, as directed; Maintain flexible schedule for such projects;
9. Establish emergency procedures for show systems and situations with the Production Department Manager, Technical Director, Stage Management, and the rest of the technical team and ensure that all artists, technicians and staff are familiar with and trained on all pertinent procedures and equipment;
10. Adhere to and actively promote all applicable German occupational safety and health regulations, including DGUV standards, the Arbeitsschutzgesetz (ArbSchG), and industry-specific guidelines, to ensure the safe operation of all technical and performance-related elements of the production; participate in all required health and safety classes and emergency rescue procedure training;
11. Contribute to a safe and positive working environment at all times by adhering to and following all Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group standards, values, policies and regulations pertaining to safety using equipment and established working methods;
12. Assist other departments when necessary for cross-departmental support;
13. Complete all other job-related duties as assigned.

What does it take for this role? The following hard skills are the basics of what’s needed to be successful in this position:

1. At least 5 years of previous experience in Audio working in a live entertainment environment;
2. Working knowledge of Microsoft applications and AutoCAD preferred;
3. Knowledge of wireless microphone systems and automated systems;
4. Proficiency in operating and repairing audio gear, including LCS, audio console mixing, RF, video, and communications systems;
5. Previous experience in LCS Cue Station programming;
6. Electronics training and audio equipment repair skills is an asset;
7. Qualified Event Technology Specialist (Fachkraft für Veranstaltungstechnik)
8. Certification or experience in handling stage machinery, rigging, and safety equipment (e.g., Sachkundeprüfung, IPAF certification).
9. High school diploma or GED completion;
10. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job including, but not limited to crouching, kneeling, standing, lifting, sometimes for extended amounts of time; lifting at least 50lbs unassisted, etc.; Full list of essential functions will be sent in the offer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions;
11. Fluent in English, both written and spoken; with an international cast the operational language will be English;
12. Verification of the right to work in Germany for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

As you can imagine, working with a circus can be quite different from other organizations, and at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, we embrace these differences loudly with enthusiasm. We realize that one size fits none and invite you to come create your own specialized experience with us to see exactly what we’re talking about, firsthand.

Our emotion-provoking shows are just the tip of the iceberg: laced throughout our organization, you will find creative minds who are empowered to use their voices and be themselves, their truest selves. Diversity to us means various perspectives, fresh ideas and continuous improvement of the way we do things. We won’t pretend like we have every answer, that’s why we need you! The employees here are the center of what we do, the voices behind the final product and amazing performances on stage.

When you think of your ideal workplace, what comes to mind? For us, it looks (and really is) like this:

1. Teamwork – we thrive with collaborative teams, regardless of titles or departments;
2. Respect – when we ask someone to join our team, it’s because we trust and respect you;
3. Integrity – whether you work behind-the-scenes or in the office, you’re being counted on. We are a team and integrity goes a long way here, and like we mentioned previously, trust is important;
4. Authenticity – we want you to bring your full self to work, this is a place where you don’t need to fit into a box to belong; diverse perspectives foster even more creativity in the workplace. We embrace the human behind the employee number;
5. Being heard – you have access to everyone in the organization, use your voice on development questions or suggestions on how to improve the experience. We value open and transparent communication, and we want you to be heard!

Come create with us and let us show you what a “circus family” feels like!

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin or ancestry.