Senior Technician (Stage)

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Oxford is looking for a Senior Technician (Stage) to oversee stage engineering systems and mentor junior staff. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in live events, strong technical knowledge, and excellent communication skills. The role involves ensuring safety standards, managing operations, and collaborating with production teams. The institution offers a comprehensive benefits package including a contributory pension scheme and generous leave options.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

38 days' annual leave

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Significant experience in live arts, music, or events technical roles.
• Excellent operational knowledge of stage safety regulations.
• Solid knowledge of Health & Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical lead for stage engineering systems.
• Manage and maintain all stage engineering and flying systems.
• Mentor junior staff and freelance crews.

Skills

Stage management systems

Stage engineering systems

Rigging and working at height practices

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Job description

Join the University of Oxford at a pivotal moment as we open the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities-a landmark building designed to bring together world‑class research, teaching, and cultural engagement. This state‑of‑the‑art facility includes a Concert Hall, Theatre, Cinema, Black Box space, Exhibition Hall, Music Studios, and a Rehearsal Hall. As Senior Technician (Stage), you will act as the technical lead for stage engineering systems, rigging/flying, and temporary audience seating. You'll work closely with artists, production teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure exceptional standards in staging and technical operations. In this role, you will take responsibility for managing and maintaining all stage engineering and flying systems, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently. You will oversee the installation and upkeep of temporary staging, seating, and dance floors, while providing specialist advice and support to incoming productions on staging and set requirements. A key part of the position involves mentoring junior staff and freelance crews, promoting best practices in stage and rigging safety. You will also ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations, including LOLER and working at height standards, and contribute actively to planning, upgrades, and the ongoing technical development of the Centre.

You will bring significant experience in live arts, music, or events technical roles, with excellent operational knowledge of stage management systems, stage safety regulations, and stage engineering systems. You have a proven ability to troubleshoot under pressure and a strong understanding of rigging and working at height practices. A solid knowledge of Health & Safety regulations is essential to ensure safe and compliant operations. Your communication and teamwork skills enable you to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including artists, production teams, and technical colleagues to deliver outstanding live experiences. You will be committed to delivering high standards of service in a dynamic environment. You will have the ability to resolve technical issues quickly and effectively under pressure and be prepared to work evenings and weekends as required. The duties and skills required are described in further detail in the job description.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days' annual leave
• Family leave schemes and a comprehensive range of childcare services
• Cycle loan scheme and discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports club