Orchestra Operations Manager

UK Theatre Association; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent arts organization in the UK is seeking an Orchestra Operations Manager to ensure all technical, practical, and seating requirements for performances are met. The role involves setting up facilities, managing orchestral logistics, and supporting a collaborative team to uphold safety standards. Candidates should have a background in orchestral management, strong project management skills, and experience with event software. Work authorization for the UK is required.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in orchestral stage management or events project management.
• Knowledge of logistical demands of an orchestra.
• Ability to read music at a basic level.
• Experience in the safe handling and transportation of instruments.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations, including noise regulations.
• Strong project management skills and initiative.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management software.
• Exceptional communication skills tailored to stakeholders.
• Work authorization for the UK required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all technical, practical, and seating requirements for the orchestra.
• Set up pit/stage facilities for performances.
• Manage orchestral logistics and forward planning.
• Maintain facilities and manage operations office.

Skills

Orchestral stage management

Logistical demands of an orchestra

Basic music reading

Safe handling of musical instruments

Health and safety regulations

Project management skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Event management software experience

Written and oral communication skills

Tools

OPAS

DIESE

AutoCAD

Presto

Job description

Overview

We are seeking to recruit an Orchestra Operations Manager to work closely with the Orchestra Production Manager to ensure that all necessary technical, practical and seating requirements are in place for all work of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House (OROH) at all venues and for all work of guest orchestras and ensembles, appearing at the Royal Opera House, ensuring the highest standards of safety at all times. This will include physically setting up pit / stage facilities, including instruments, chairs, music stands, technical equipment and scores. They will work with the Orchestra Operations Team on all orchestral logistics, the forward planning of orchestral layouts, facilities maintenance, and management of the day‑to‑day working of the Orchestra Operations office. The Orchestra Operations team comprises an Orchestra Production Manager, Orchestra Operations Manager and two Assistant Orchestra Operations Managers.

This role will suit a candidate who can adapt to changing situations, have a level of flexibility, and can work under pressure and in fast evolving situations. You must be resilient, reliable and enjoy working as part of a team.

Required Qualifications

• A proven track record in an orchestral stage management, technical or events project management role.
• Considerable knowledge of the working practices and logistical demands of an orchestra.
• The ability to read music (basic level) and engage with orchestra players.
• Experience in the safe handling, storage and transportation of musical instruments.
• A working knowledge of relevant H&S regulations including the current Noise at work regulations.
• Strong project management skills with a demonstrated level of initiative.
• Proficient Microsoft Office user as well as experience with software such as OPAS, DIESE, AutoCAD, Presto (or other equivalent event management system software).
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and the ability to tailor communications to relevant stakeholders.
• Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.

About the Royal Opera House

The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world‑class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. The Royal Opera House describes the place we work, not who we are. The whole is always more than the sum of its parts – we may be a House, but three‑quarters of our audiences experience what we do outside this building. While our Covent Garden theatre is the nerve centre, the impact and influence of the organisation can be felt in every corner of the country, and around the world.

The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK's leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.