Assistant Orchestra Operations Manager

Opera North; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Job summary

Opera North is seeking a dedicated Orchestra Operations staff member to support transport, setup and safety for rehearsals and performances in Leeds and on tour. You will assist with instrument moves, packing, and ensuring equipment readiness, while coordinating with the Orchestra Operations Manager to meet conductor and repertoire requirements.

Role requires flexibility for evenings and weekends, driving up to 7.5 tonnes, and strong teamwork to maintain high safety and professional standards

Qualifications

• Requires Class 2 (category 3) driving license or willingness to train within six months.
• Proven track record in orchestral management, technical or events project management.
• Knowledge of orchestra working practices and demands helpful for efficient operations.
• Experience with planning software (DIESE) and CAD tools desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist Orchestra Operations Manager with transport of instruments and equipment to venues and tours.
• Oversee safe packing and loading of instruments to prevent damage.
• Ensure compliance with Stagefreight Operator’s License procedures and Opera North practices.
• Manage casual staff on rehearsal or performance days.
• Attend rehearsals, performances, get-ins and get-outs in Leeds and on tour as required.
• Maintain and set safe technical facilities in rehearsal spaces (lighting, seating, platforms).
• Set up pit/stage/rehearsal areas in advance per conductor and orchestra management requirements.
• Coordinate equipment delivery/collection for rehearsals and performances, including on tour.
• Contribute to H&S compliance, risk assessments, and incident reporting with Opera North policy.

Skills

Class 2 driver’s license

Orchestral management experience

Understanding of orchestra demands

Planning software knowledge

Tools

AutoCAD

DIESE

Job description

Working with the Orchestra Operations Manager to implement all necessary technical and stage management requirements for the Orchestra of Opera North at all venues and to assist with ensuring that instrument and seating requirements are in place for all work of the Orchestra of Opera North, ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism at all times.

Key Accountabilities

• Working with Orchestra Operations Manager to ensure the safe transportation of all instruments and equipment for all outside venues and tours, driving vehicles up to 7.5 tonne as necessary.
• Working with the Orchestra Operations Manager to ensure the packing of the orchestra vehicle is done in a safe and secure manner within the vehicle to prevent any damage to instruments and equipment.
• Ensure that when driving any vehicle covered under Stagefreight’s Operator’s License, all necessary procedures are followed in accordance with both Stagefreight and Opera North working practices.
• Day to day management of casual staff when on rehearsal or performance duty
• In accordance with pre-arranged schedules, attend rehearsals, performances, get ins and get outs required both in Leeds and nationally / internationally as required.
• Assist with ensuring that all technical facilities in rehearsal spaces, such as lighting, platforms and seating are maintained and safe for use at all times.
• Ensure that the pit, stage or rehearsal space is set and ready for use in advance of the scheduled time and is in accordance with the requirements of the repertoire and the pre-agreed wishes of the conductor, leader and orchestra management team.
• Make every effort to ensure that all musicians have sufficient space as required to perform and be prepared to initiate any physical reorganisation of seating to facilitate the above
• Ensure that all practical requirements (pianos, chairs, music stands, lighting, etc.) are in place for upcoming sitzproben, stage and piano rehearsals, stage and orchestra rehearsals, etc., for the cast and covers and Music Staff.
• Ensure the timely preparation, setting and clearing of stage bands and related facilities as appropriate.
• Work with in-house or external broadcasting and recording engineers, where a rehearsal or performance is being recorded, to ensure the safe and efficient setting up of all necessary equipment in a way that will not be detrimental to the performance of the orchestra.
• To contribute to departmental responsibility for H&S and ensure that all staff work with due regard for Opera North H&S policy, Noise Policy, collective agreements and legislation at all times:
• Prepare and update risk assessments for all orchestra working areas, taking or recommending action as necessary.
• Follow safe working processes and assist review as necessary.
• Carry out checks as necessary to ensure that the orchestra’s working area is safe and clean in advance of each scheduled rehearsal/performance.
• Ensure all H&S incidents are reported, investigated and appropriate records maintained.
• Liaise closely with the Opera North Technical Department in order to keep abreast of new H&S standards and procedures.
• In consultation with the Orchestra Manager & Head of Orchestra & Concerts to implement the schedule for noise testing and document the location of readings and any protection / noise reducing measures in place and upload data.
• Where necessary assist and enable the delivery and collection of instruments and pianos/keyboards to the company for rehearsal or performance (including whilst on tour)
• Facilitate the availability of pianos for music calls, stage and piano calls for the music staff, both in Leeds and on tour.
• Ensure safe storage of all the Orchestra of Opera North property and maintain/update its inventory.
• Advise the Orchestra Operations Manager of any maintenance or repair due to Opera North property and be prepared to facilitate any necessary arrangements in relation to such maintenance and repair to include the hire of replacement equipment if necessary.
• Advise the Orchestra Operations Manager of any damages caused to a third party’s instrument whilst in Opera North care or on Opera North property.

The following Performance / Rehearsal duties are applicable to all Orchestra Operations staff while on duty and are in addition to the responsibilities as outlined above:

• For performance, be well presented smart blacks from the time when the stage Manager calls the half until the end of the call.
• Ensure that all necessary scores are on the correct music stand and at the conclusion of a call, return the conductors score and collect music, storing it appropriately.
• To share on call duties with the Orchestra Operations Manager being available and contactable at all times. At the beginning of a call (from the half) during orchestral breaks and at the conclusion, standby at the pit / stage being clearly visible to musicians, taking note of any problems they may have encountered and make every effort to resolve issues.
• In an emergency be prepared to deputise for the Orchestral Management team in carrying out additional duties as requested.

Person Specification:

Knowledge, Technical Skills and Experience:

• Possess a Class 2 (category 3) driver’s license or be prepared to train for this within the six month of appointment.
• Proven track record in an orchestral management, technical or events project management role.
• An understanding and knowledge of the working practises and demands of an orchestra.
• Experience with planning software such as DIESE and computer aided design such as AutoCAD is desirable.

Personal Skills:

• Strong communication and people skills to ensure effective interactions at all levels.
• The ability to work well within a team.
• Willingness to learn new skills.
• Able to respond positively to changing circumstances.
• Flexible and adaptable in thinking and approach, able to plan and manage change.
• Able to use initiative, and lead on decisions when deputising for the Orchestra Operations Manager.

Management Skills:

• Able to motivate and support casual staff to achieve consistently high standards of performance.
• Strong Communication Skills.

Job Requirements:

• Awareness of Health and Safety legislation.
• Flexibility to work varied hours including regular evenings and weekends for scheduled performances and to work on tour as required.
• Able to travel within the UK or abroad as required.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite.
• AutoCAD or another computer aided design.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Any other duties as may reasonably be required within the level and scope of the post.
• Ensuring the highest standards of professional performance are maintained.
• Supporting and wherever possible contributing to equality, diversity and inclusion within the organisation.
• Taking reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of any person who may be affected by your acts or omissions, including following Opera North health and safety procedures and co-operating with the organisation on health and safety issues.
• Participating in arrangements for performance review and appraisal.
• Ensuring that professional skills are regularly updated through participation in learning and development activities.

Terms & Conditions:

Contract type: Permanent, Full Time.

Salary: £28,000 per annum

Hours of work: 35 hours per week (some evening and weekend work may be required)

Holiday entitlement: 33 days inclusive of 8 statutory holidays, per annum

Pension: Opera North will automatically enrol you into the company pension scheme upon appointment and after 3 months’ service will contribute equivalent to 5.5% of your basic pay, should you meet the current legislative criteria. You will be required to make a personal contribution of 2.5% of your basic pay. We reserve the right to make future changes to our pension arrangements.

Equity, diversity and inclusion: We promote equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching our needs with the skills and experience of the candidate. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants from the global majority or those with other protected characteristics.

The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK or be ready to obtain it.

General responsibilities of everyone who works for us:

• Represent the company values and purpose to create extraordinary experiences everyday
• Work collaboratively and co-operatively with all team members and take an active part in team meetings and discussions
• Be an ambassador for Opera North and follow our policies and procedures
• Play your part in ensuring that everyone who comes through our door is welcomed and treated with respect

If you need any help completing your application including any adjustments to the application process, and if you are applying under the Disability Confident Committed scheme please contact [e-mail] to make us aware.

Closing Date: Friday 27th November 2026 - 10am

Good luck with your application and we look forward to hearing from you.

Company Overview

Working at Opera North you will be part of a company and group of people committed to fulfilling this purpose. Whatever role you take we will provide you with an induction plan that introduces you to your job and the team you’ll be working in, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet colleagues across the company. Our success in delivering against our purpose will be built on the commitment, skills, diversity and well-being of the people who work at Opera North, and we will invest in training to develop our people both professionally and personally, because we believe this strengthens not only our company, but also the wider creative sector.