Head of Department, Carpentry – ALIZÉ

Head of Department, Carpentry – ALIZÉ – Resident Shows Division

Full-Time Position

We are looking for our next Head of Department (HOD), Carpentry to join our Carpentry team. The main objective of this role is to assist the Show Technical Director and the Resident Shows Division (RSD) Carpentry Manager in leading and supervising the stage Carpentry team to install, maintain and position scenic elements and acrobatic equipment in a safe and consistent manner. The ideal candidate will have flexibility and a team spirit with the ability to motivate others.

The Carpentry HOD has the opportunity to:

1. Oversee weekly departmental task lists and crew scheduling including day maintenance, rehearsal, training and show calls with the guidance of the Technical Director and Department Manager;
2. Complete various HR/administrative tasks for the department, such as, but not limited to, payroll, scheduling, onboarding, disciplinary actions, etc.;
3. Assist establishing yearly budgets with the Technical Director and Department Manager;
4. Run cue tracks to position scenic elements and related equipment as directed for performances, artist training, and maintenance;
5. Ensure all departmental designs, equipment, systems, functions, procedures, show tracks, maintenance and inspection logs, special projects, etc. are properly and adequately documented;
6. With the Technical Director and Department Manager, coordinate and supervise special projects including the research, purchase, installation, testing, troubleshooting, integration and ongoing maintenance and inspection of all equipment and systems required for rehearsal, training and show applications as well as inter- or intra-departmental needs;
7. Work with the Technical Director, Artistic, Stage Management and Department Manager to support their needs during rehearsals, training and performances;
8. Inspect and maintain equipment, stage, and backstage areas; update maintenance and inspection records as directed; work with the Carpentry Manager to develop systems and procedures;
9. 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;
10. Develop a thorough knowledge of all backstage equipment specific to the production in order to operate equipment safely;
11. Work with the Technical Director and Department Manager establish and maintain training and backup plans to ensure continuity of performance operations of the department in the event of unexpected failure of a system, component or piece of equipment;
12. 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 five years of previous experience in a similar position;
2. Previous experience in a supervisory role;
3. Previous experience managing a work force of at least 5 people;
4. In-depth experience as a stage carpenter for large-scale productions;
5. Formal fall protection and overall safety training an asset;
6. Woodworking, floor repair, fiberglass, metalworking, rigging, welding, mechanical, pneumatic and electrical skills an asset;
7. Working knowledge of Microsoft applications; knowledge of AutoCAD preferred;
8. Availability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays;
9. A Bühnenmeister certification is a considerable asset;
10. Certification or experience in handling stage machinery, rigging, and safety equipment (e.g., Sachkundeprüfung, IPAF certification).
11. High school diploma or GED completion; Completed Ausbildung as Veranstaltungstechniker/in (Event Technician) or equivalent qualification in stage technology.
12. 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;
13. Fluent in English, both written and spoken; Ability to clearly and effectively communicate via headset; with an international cast the operational language will be English;
14. 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.