Director, Technical Direction - Fixed

TAIT; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

TAIT is seeking a Director of Technical Direction, Fixed to lead and develop the Fixed Technical Direction team across markets. You will shape strategy, ensure delivery quality, safety, and commercial effectiveness from concept to handover, and collaborate with cross-functional leaders to drive capability and process improvements.

This senior role requires extensive experience in technical direction for fixed installations, with broad knowledge across automation, rigging, AV, lighting,

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in engineering, technical theatre, design, construction or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrable senior-level experience in technical direction or technical delivery, including significant experience leading, developing and managing technical teams.
• Proven track record of delivering complex permanent installations, attractions, venues or other fixed entertainment environments from design through installation and handover.
• Broad technical knowledge across automation, rigging, scenic construction, AV and lighting, show control, electrical systems, software, fabrication, installation and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, team development, workload planning, and resourcing of Fixed Technical Direction, balancing market demand with long-term capability and succession needs.
• Represent Innovate within Fixed Market Leadership, advising and informing on technical solutions, capacity, and priorities to market strategy and planning.
• Shape and adapt the Fixed Technical Direction operating model, including role expectations, decision rights, engagement points, and cross-functional handoffs.
• Define and evolve the Technical Direction strategy for fixed work, with focus on how Technical Directors interface with other teams, both internal and external.
• Refine and enforce Technical Direction’s role in TAIT Project Process, including interactions with Market leaders and other capabilities.
• Sponsor standards, process, and training that drive efficient, high quality, and consistent technical delivery.
• Build and maintain a workforce and succession plan for Technical Directors aligned to the Fixed pipeline, project complexity, and future market strategy.
• Set clear expectations for direct reports, coach and hold leaders accountable, and ensure effective performance management and development pathways throughout the organization.
• Partner with the Director, Technical Direction, Portable to align core Technical Direction processes, standards, metrics, talent practices, and shared learning across markets and Innovate competencies while preserving market-specific needs.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Direction

Staffing & resourcing

Project delivery

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety & compliance

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting‑edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Position Purpose

The Director, Technical Direction, Fixed is the market-based leader for Technical Direction across TAIT's Fixed Market. The role leads Technical Directors assigned to fixed project work and is accountable through those teams for the quality, consistency, safety, and commercial effectiveness of technical delivery across the project lifecycle. Beyond leading the Technical Director team, this role serves as Innovate's representative within the Fixed Market, partnering with market leadership and cross‑functional leaders to shape the strategy for technical work and translate it into clear priorities for capability, staffing, and process. This leader is key to shaping the evolution and expansion of Technical Direction at TAIT, expected to influence a wide breadth of technical teams through concept, design, and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, team development, workload planning, and resourcing of Fixed Technical Direction, balancing market demand with long‑term capability and succession needs.
• Represent Innovate within Fixed Market Leadership, advising and informing on technical solutions, capacity, and priorities to market strategy and planning.
• Shape and adapt the Fixed Technical Direction operating model, including role expectations, decision rights, engagement points, and cross‑functional handoffs.
• Define and evolve the Technical Direction strategy for fixed work, with focus on how Technical Directors interface with other teams, both internal and external.
• Refine and enforce Techncial Direction’s role in TAIT Project Process, including interactions with Market leaders and other capabilities.
• Sponsor standards, process, and training that drive efficient, high quality, and consistent technical delivery.
• Build and maintain a workforce and succession plan for Technical Directors aligned to the Fixed pipeline, project complexity, and future market strategy.
• Set clear expectations for direct reports, coach and hold leaders accountable, and ensure effective performance management and development pathways throughout the organization.
• Partner with the Director, Technical Direction, Portable to align core Technical Direction processes, standards, metrics, talent practices, and shared learning across markets and Innovate competencies while preserving market‑specific needs.

Management Responsibility

The Director, Technical Direction, Fixed Leads The Technical Direction Organization Serving The Fixed Market And Is Accountable For Performance, Development, Resourcing, And Succession Across The Team. Direct Reports Include

• Executive and Lead Technical Directors
• Managers of Technical Directors

Position Requirements

• Degree‑level qualification in engineering, technical theatre, design, construction or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrable senior‑level experience in technical direction or technical delivery, including significant experience leading, developing and managing technical teams.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex permanent installations, attractions, venues or other fixed entertainment environments, ideally from design and technical development through installation, commissioning and handover.
• Broad technical knowledge across automation, rigging, scenic construction, AV and lighting, show control, electrical systems, software, fabrication, installation and commissioning.
• Strong working knowledge of UK health and safety, construction and work‑equipment requirements relevant to technical entertainment installations, including CDM, LOLER, PUWER, working at height and electrical safety requirements, as applicable to the role and project.
• Experience establishing and improving technical, operational and team processes, including appropriate approaches to technical governance, design review, risk management, quality and safe delivery.
• Strong commercial acumen, with demonstrated experience shaping scope, resourcing, programmes, risk and budgets while balancing technical, commercial and client requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to translate market strategy, client requirements and stakeholder needs into clear, actionable technical and delivery plans.
• Clear and credible communicator with the ability to represent Innovate effectively with clients, market leaders, delivery partners and multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience leading teams across multiple locations and supporting projects requiring regular travel and time on project sites.
• Ability to work effectively in accordance with applicable company policies, client requirements and UK regulatory and health and safety frameworks.

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.