Senior Technician (Staging)

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days’ annual leave

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Job summary

Join the University of Oxford as a Senior Technician (Staging) at the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities in Oxford. This role requires you to lead technical operations for staging, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. You will oversee the installation and maintenance of staging equipment while collaborating with artists and production teams.

We offer an inviting work environment with benefits including 38 days’ annual leave and various family leave schemes. Your expertise in stage engineering and safety regulations will be crucial in delivering exceptional live experiences.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in live arts or events technical roles.
• Excellent operational knowledge of stage management and safety regulations.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical lead for stage engineering systems.
• Manage and maintain all stage spaces and equipment.
• Mentor junior staff and promote best practices in safety.

Skills

Stage management systems

Health & Safety regulations

Stage engineering systems

Rigging and flying

Troubleshooting under pressure

Collaboration and teamwork

Job description

Location: Humanities Divisional Office, Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG

About the role

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 (Staging), 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 spaces, 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.

About you

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 an 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.

What we offer

• 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

Committed to equality and valuing diversity