Head of First Shift Operations – ALIZÉ

Head of First Shift Operations – ALIZÉ – Resident Shows Division

Full-Time Position

In collaboration with the Show Technical Director, The Head of First Shift Operations is responsible for leading the First Shift Operations team to complete special projects, maintenance and inspections of the show room. In this position, you will be key in collaborating with other departments to reach set initiatives as set forth by the management team at the show. You will be key in evaluating safety of equipment and planning out the steps needed to complete your tasks.

The Head of First Shift Operations will have the opportunity to:

1. Manage and supervise all department personnel, including completing staff performance reviews, assisting with hiring of new employees, and staff disciplinary measures;
2. Plan staff requirements and schedules for all maintenance and training calls while respecting budgetary parameters;
3. In conjunction with Company Management, the Technical department and the Artistic department, plan the safe and efficient installation or maintenance of all equipment for the production with safety, longevity and consistency in mind; Work with the Artistic department regarding show changes or developments;
4. Work in close collaboration with the Coaches and Act Captains, as required;
5. Lead and train the department on establishing and maintaining the safe, consistent and respectful operations of all production equipment;
6. Manage budgets and capital expense projections with senior leadership; Maintain and update the inventory of all equipment and all pertinent inspection and maintenance records using appropriate systems;
7. Develop daily, weekly and long-term inspection and maintenance schedules and procedures and participate in such inspections ensuring accurate record keeping of all inspection and maintenance routines;
8. Supervise the organization, maintenance and cleaning of all areas applicable to the department;
9. Establish and maintain training and backup plans to assure continuity in performance operations of the department;
10. Establish emergency and/or contingency procedures for show systems with Stage Management and all of the Technical team and ensure all of the department team members are trained and familiar with these procedures;
11. Advise all departments, in a timely manner, on matters of equipment, or personnel, modifications required for trainings or performance;
12. Coordinate, determine and oversee support for media events or special projects, including the research, purchasing, construction and installation of new show elements, and other projects that include your department’s expertise, including other needs that may fall within the department’s specialty, as directed; Maintain flexible schedule for such projects;
13. Champion all computer networks affecting show operations;
14. Act as Technical Manager on Duty, as directed;
15. 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;
16. 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;
17. Assist other departments when necessary for cross-departmental support;
18. 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 eight years of previous experience in a similar position on large-scale productions;
2. Working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint and AutoCAD;
3. Demonstrated ability to manage personnel, work in a team environment while under pressure;
4. Ability to lead and mentor a team;
5. Professional appearance and demeanor;
6. Availability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays;
7. A Bühnenmeister certification is a considerable asset;
8. A Beleuchtungsmeister certification is an asset;
9. Certification or experience in handling stage machinery, rigging, and safety equipment (e.g., Sachkundeprüfung, IPAF certification).
10. High school diploma or GED completion; Completed Ausbildung as Veranstaltungstechniker/in (Event Technician) or equivalent qualification in stage technology.
11. 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;
12. Fluent in English & German, both written and spoken; with an international cast the operational language will be English;
13. 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, first hand.

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 go 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.