Senior Lighting Technician (FTC)

English National Opera; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

English National Opera is seeking an experienced Senior Lighting Technician to support the London Coliseum and ENO productions. You will lead lighting teams, coordinate changes, and ensure safe, high-quality lighting across shows.

Working with Head of Lighting and Lighting Supervisors, you will maintain equipment, troubleshoot faults, mentor junior staff, and promote a collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of lighting teams in live productions.
• Strong knowledge of current lighting gear, fixtures and control systems.
• Experience with rigging of lighting equipment and basic rigging practices.
• Experience fault-finding, maintenance and repair of lighting gear.
• Ability to read and interpret lighting plans.
• Excellent stage craft and ability to work at height with access equipment.
• Commitment to safe working practices within a theatrical environment.
• Solid knowledge of Health & Safety rules including LOLER and PUWER.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive, flexible and collaborative; strong communication under pressure.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft 365.

Responsibilities

• Lead lighting teams and motivate lighting personnel.
• Coordinate lighting operations across ENO productions and visiting companies.
• Prepare and maintain lighting equipment and support production changeovers.
• Work with Head of Lighting and Supervisors to deliver high-quality lighting safely.
• Share knowledge with colleagues and mentor less experienced staff.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive and safety-focused working environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Lighting equipment

Rigging

Fault-finding

Reading lighting plans

Stage craft

Health & Safety

LOLER/PUWER

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

IT skills

Job description

Salary: £1,015.08 per week

Location: London Coliseum & other locations as required

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Lighting Technician to help deliver exceptional productions at the London Coliseum. Working closely with the Head of Lighting and Lighting Supervisors, you'll play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the Lighting Department, ensuring productions are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest professional standards.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines technical expertise with people management. You'll help coordinate lighting teams, prepare and maintain equipment, support production changeovers, and ensure smooth delivery across ENO productions and visiting companies. You'll also share your knowledge with colleagues, support the development of less experienced team members and promote a collaborative, inclusive and safety-focused working environment.

If you're passionate about live performance, enjoy leading by example, and thrive in a fast-paced theatre environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements:

• An ability to be an effective team leader able to guide and motivate lighting personnel

• Working knowledge of current lighting equipment, including automated lighting fixtures, ETC Apex control, and Luminex data network

• Experience rigging lighting equipment and an understanding of basic rigging practices

• Experience and practical knowledge in fault-finding, maintenance and repair of lighting equipment

• Ability to read and interpret lighting plans

• Excellent stage craft skills and the ability to work at height, using access equipment

• Practical experience of safe working practices within a theatrical environment

• Working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, including LOLER and PUWER

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach

• Strong organisational skills and ability to perform under pressure

• Highly professional and adaptable, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle high-pressure situations diplomatically

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organisational levels

• Strong IT skills, including the use of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word)

Application deadline: 5pm, Sunday 20 September 2026

Interviews: 24 & 25 September 2026

Feedback: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who reach the interview stage

English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we particularly encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.