Head of Lighting

English National Ballet; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious ballet company is seeking a Head of Lighting to oversee lighting design and implementation for a variety of productions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in lighting for large-scale performances and a strong knowledge of CAD software. This role involves managing a team of technicians and ensuring high-quality lighting output for touring and new productions. Apply now to be part of an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large-scale theatre or dance productions.
• Experience reinstating and relighting existing productions.
• Ability to prepare technical equipment for transport.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of lighting design and delivery for productions.
• Manage and maintain equipment ensuring safety and sustainability.
• Plan and manage workload for effective resource management.

Skills

Extensive professional experience in lighting roles

Strong working knowledge of CAD software

Ability to operate effectively in a touring company

Demonstrated ability to deliver work to a high standard

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

WYSIWYG

Job description

Head of Lighting

Join to apply for the Head of Lighting role at English National Ballet, a leading ballet company dedicated to bringing world‑class ballet to audiences worldwide.

About the role

Your main responsibilities include:

• Lead all aspects of lighting design, implementation and delivery across the company’s productions, tours and events, ensuring the highest standards of creativity, precision and innovation.
• Lead the lighting team, including deputy, technicians, freelance technicians and venue crews.
• Work collaboratively with visiting creatives and the wider Technical team to manage all lighting output for new productions, revivals and programmed events.
• Deliver all work to a high standard in line with technical requirements, budgets, collective agreements and deadlines.
• Manage and maintain use of all equipment, ensuring a safe system of work and sustainable practice across all activities.
• Lead troubleshooting of lighting data and network systems, ensuring reliable signal distribution across all venues.
• Plan and manage own and department workload, capacity and workflows to support productivity and effective resource management.

Key Selection Criteria

• Extensive professional experience as Head of Lighting, Deputy Head of Lighting or Senior Lighting Technician leading large‑scale theatre, dance or touring productions.
• Demonstrated experience in reinstating and relighting existing repertory productions with sensitivity to artistic integrity and original vision.
• Strong working knowledge of CAD software (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, WYSIWYG).
• Ability to operate effectively within a touring company and prepare technical equipment for transport, get‑ins and get‑outs within the UK and internationally.
• Track record of delivering work to a high standard within demanding schedules, demonstrating good judgement and prioritisation.

Diversity and Inclusion

English National Ballet is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where staff of all backgrounds can thrive. We would particularly like to hear from applicants from Black and global majority groups, and from those living with a disability or a long‑term health condition.

Contact

Please contact us if you need reasonable adjustments to attend the recruitment process or an alternative application format: [e-mail].

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a satisfactory number of suitable applications.