Technical & Buildings Manager

Sunderland Empire; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading theatre in the North East seeks a Technical & Buildings Manager to oversee technical teams and ensure a safe and smooth operation for live productions. This role involves leading projects, collaborating with various stakeholders, and playing a key part in the theatre's management team. Ideal candidates will have experience managing technical teams, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of health and safety practices. Join an inclusive and ambitious team in a vibrant city.

Benefits

Friendly and ambitious team

Opportunities for growth and learning

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Experience managing technical teams in live performance venues.
• Strong leadership and people skills.
• Solid knowledge of health & safety and building management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the technical and buildings teams.
• Be the main contact for producers and contractors.
• Champion health, safety, and wellbeing for everyone.

Skills

Leadership skills

Health & Safety knowledge

Team management

Organizational skills

Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Tools

IOSHH/NEBOSH certification

Job description

Technical & Buildings Manager

The Sunderland Empire

Thinking about a fresh start in the North East, region of culture, castles and coasts? Sunderland is a lively city by the sea, and the Empire Theatre is right at its heart of its transformation – the biggest theatre between Edinburgh and Manchester. Officially one of the best workplaces in the world (GPTW survey 2025) and hosting big West End shows and increasingly buzzing with energy.

Job Overview

We're looking for someone experienced in operating within the theatre/live events sector to lead our technical and facilities team, ensuring every show and event runs smoothly and safely. You'll be the go‑to person for visiting productions, manage building projects, and help keep our venue in top shape. You’ll also play a key part in our senior management team, helping shape the future of the theatre. This year you’ll work on the RSC’s Matilda, Moulin Rouge, Woman in Mind starring Sheridan Smith, pantomime, and many other productions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the technical and buildings teams
• Be the main contact for producers, tour managers, and contractors
• Champion health, safety, and wellbeing for everyone in the building
• Oversee budgets and technical projects
• Ensure the building is always safe, welcoming, and ready for action
• Work with our creative, learning, and community teams on events and outreach
• Collaborate with Technical Operations colleagues across ATG where required

Qualifications

• Experience managing technical teams in live performance venues
• Strong leadership and people skills
• Solid knowledge of health & safety and building management – bonus points for IOSHH/NEBOSH certification or experience with building systems
• Great at planning, organising, and working under pressure
• Comfortable with Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Bonus points for IOSHH/NEBOSH certification or experience with building systems

Benefits

• Be part of a friendly, ambitious team in a city with loads to offer
• Help bring world‑class shows to the North East
• Opportunities to grow, learn, and make a real impact
• We value diversity, inclusion, and sustainability – everyone's welcome

Accessibility & EEO Statements

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strive to provide a stage for everyone. Onstage and off, we hold ourselves accountable for nurturing an inclusive culture.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer, which means that we are taking action to ensure that people with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will offer an interview or recruitment event to disabled candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they best meet the essential criteria for the role. Where we receive more applications than we are reasonably able to interview for any given role, we will retain applications for the next available interview opportunity wherever possible.

If you'd like to discuss accessibility prior to applying, please email [e-mail] where you can find our contact details to request a confidential discussion.

Interested? Please click on the link to view our full Job Description.