Senior Stage Operations Manager

Barbican; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned arts centre in London is seeking a Senior Stage Operations Manager to lead the stage team in delivering world-class events. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of the music industry, excellent leadership skills, and be adept in risk management and event organization. This role requires strong interpersonal abilities and a proven record in stage management, ensuring all events are staffed appropriately and meet health and safety requirements. Weekend and evening work may be necessary. Join us in promoting equity and inclusion in the arts.

Benefits

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and manage a team, inspiring and engaging staff.
• Extensive knowledge of orchestral practices and creative processes of music-making.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary arts venue in a senior stage role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the stage team for world-class events in the Concert Hall.
• Manage administrative tasks and liaise with various teams.
• Ensure staffing requirements meet the needs of events and performances.

Skills

Team leadership

Knowledge of the music industry

Interpersonal skills

Health & Safety knowledge

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant stage management qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Stage and sound equipment

Job description

About us

The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London.

Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities, and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.

Our boundary-pushing music programme is renowned for its range, ambition, and inclusivity. Alongside our partners, we provide some of the most exciting musical experiences in the capital, from dazzling classical concerts and opera to unique shows with leading contemporary artists, cutting‑edge electronic creations, durational experiences, and cross‑arts collaborations.

The role

The Barbican Music department is looking for a highly motivated, dynamic and experienced Senior Stage Operations Manager to lead the stage team and provide administrative support to allow the team to deliver world‑class events in the Concert Hall and associated areas, onsite and offsite, including a large orchestral programme.

Responsible for a multi‑skilled stage team, the Senior Stage Operations Manager will ensure that all events are appropriately staffed; all staging requirements from the Music and Business Events departments are met throughout all rehearsals, recordings, performances and commercial events in the Concert Hall and offsite. The post holder will line‑manage an experienced team of Stage & Deputy Stage Managers and Stage Assistants. Additional responsibilities encompass the long‑term provision and safety of stage equipment and furniture, and the spatial maintenance and upkeep of the Concert Hall auditorium, stage and all associated backstage areas in conjunction with Senior Technical Manager, Technical Manager (Systems) and with support from the Stage Manager.

This role requires the post holder to manage a large administrative workload, liaison with all teams Centre‑wide and to represent the stage team by attending internal management and external production meetings.

The post holder will be expected to multi‑task, lead and develop a team, work under pressure; excellent interpersonal skills are essential. Weekend and evening work is required on occasions for this role.

Essential requirements

• Proven ability to lead and manage a team, with the ability to inspire, engage and develop staff.
• An extensive knowledge of the music industry and orchestral practices, both classical and contemporary, and a thorough understanding of all the creative processes of music‑making and knowledge of business events requirements.
• Ability to identify and secure staffing and resources needed for each performance.
• Proven experience working in a multi‑disciplinary arts venue, major music venue or an events company in a senior stage role.
• Excellent knowledge of the Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments and safe working practices and ability to identify and resolve Health & Safety issues.
• A working knowledge and understanding of sound, lighting, recording, video screening etc.

Desirable Skills

• Relevant stage management qualification or equivalent experience e.g. three‑year BA (Hons) Stage Management or BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Performing Arts (Production).
• Excellent knowledge of stage equipment and ability to select and hire suitable equipment.
• Extensive stage, event and / or production management and line management experience in a live venue or Concert Hall environment (permanent staff and casuals, working across disciplines)
• Experience of liaising on regular basis with artists, commercial business clients, creative practitioners, producers and “Associate Partners”, to include the LSO, the BBCSO, Academy of Ancient Music Associates, Serious and Darbar Arts & Cultural Heritage Trust, and promoters such as Raymond Gubbay Ltd.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and maintaining budgets
• Proven track record of project management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisation skills.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively across boundaries to achieve positive outcomes.

To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please see the ‘Job Information Pack’.

As a team and an organisation, we are committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and would welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those currently underrepresented in the arts.