Technical Manager

Barbican; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned cultural institution in Greater London is seeking an experienced Technical Manager (Music) to lead the technical team delivering world-class music events. The role involves managing a dynamic technical team, ensuring high-quality support for performances, and collaborating with various departments. Candidates should possess extensive knowledge of technical disciplines, the music industry, and strong leadership skills. Weekend and evening work is required. A relevant technical qualification and experience in managing teams are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and manage a team in a multi-disciplinary venue.
• High level of technical knowledge in lighting, sound, AV, and video.
• Extensive knowledge of the classical and contemporary music industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical team for world-class events.
• Manage and schedule the technical team for performances.
• Ensure high-standard technical support for all music events.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Technical knowledge in lighting, sound, AV, and video

Knowledge of the music industry

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Relevant recognised qualification in a technical discipline

Tools

Current technical equipment for performances

Job description

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 Technical Manager (Music) to lead and inspire the technical team to deliver world‑class events in the Concert Hall and associated areas, onsite and off‑site.

Working within the Technical Management Team, the Technical Manager (Music) will ensure that all music events and associated performances in the Concert Hall, foyers and ancillary areas at the Barbican receive consistent, high‑standard technical advancement and support. The post holder will manage and schedule an experienced technical team of Technicians and Supervisors to deliver the technical aspirations of a diverse and dynamic music programme.

This role requires the post holder to manage a large administrative and organisational workload, work closely and collaboratively with the Centre’s Business Events team, Creative Collaborations team, and all other Barbican departments and to represent the Music department 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.

Role requirements

• Proven ability to lead, inspire and manage a team in a multi-disciplinary venue at a managerial level on artistic and commercial events.
• A very high level of technical knowledge of and competence in one or more of the following disciplines: lighting, sound, AV, and video with a relevant recognised qualification or equivalent experience.
• An extensive knowledge of the music industry, both classical and contemporary, and a thorough understanding of all the creative processes of music‑making.
• Excellent knowledge of current technical equipment and an ability to select and hire suitable equipment as requested in performance riders and production meetings.
• Ability to identify and secure staffing and resources needed for each performance.
• Proven experience of negotiating and driving change to make events happen.
• Experience in managing and motivating technical teams including permanent staff and casuals.
• Experience of liaising on regular basis with artists, associates, commercial business clients, creative practitioners and producers.
• Negotiation skills with proven ability to broker and manage effective partnerships internally and externally.
• Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments and safe working practices and ability to identify and resolve Health and Safety issues.
• Experience of working with multiple budgets for performances and equipment purchases and hires.
• Excellent oral and written communication 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’.