Technical Manager Special Projects, Sea (UK)

RWS Global; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Company Pension

25 days paid holiday

Parental leave & childcare support

Flexible working (office/remote)

Job summary

RWS Global seeks a Technical Manager Special Projects, Sea (UK) to lead the end-to-end planning and technical delivery of bespoke entertainment and guest experiences across the cruise portfolio. You will drive projects from initial concept through to execution, including cruises, immersive experiences and ship refits, coordinating with multiple internal teams and external vendors.

You will manage budgets, schedules and stakeholders while ensuring safety, quality and guest experience.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Technical Management, Technical Theatre, Live Event Production, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in live entertainment or related industries.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, procurement and vendor contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and technical delivery of assigned projects from concept through launch and close-out.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects across the Sea division within scope, schedule and budget.
• Develop detailed technical calendars, project plans and critical paths.
• Oversee installation, testing, commissioning and handover of new experiences.
• Coordinate with Creative, Production, Operations and Client teams to deliver guest experiences.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Planning & organisation

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Leadership

Adaptability

Multi-project management

Education

Degree/qualification in Technical Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Project management software

Job description

JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Technical Manager Special Projects, Sea (UK)

Reports To: Director, Sea Operations

Working Hours: Normal office hours are 09:30 to 17:30, Monday – Thursday, 09:30 to 17:00 Friday

Place of Work: UK HQ, Mill Court, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK12 5EU

Other: Full Time, Mobile (3 x days per week in MK HQ)

Fixed Term: 12 months

About Rws Global

RWS Global is the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, creating customized guest experiences spanning theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia and consumer products.

RWS Global is headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando, Sydney and Riyadh with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base. With a focus on entertainment and sports experiences, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theaters, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals and performers worldwide.

The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, FIFA, The FRIENDS Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Merlin Entertainments, MSC Cruises, NFL, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Technical Director, the Technical Manager, Sea will be responsible for the end-to-end planning and technical delivery of bespoke entertainment and guest experience projects across RWS Global’s cruise portfolio.

The role will lead projects from initial technical concept development through to execution, including themed cruises, immersive live experiences and events, rehearsals, show installations and changeovers, as well as cruise ship refits during wet and dry docks, and any other technical projects as required.

The position serves as the primary technical lead for assigned projects, managing budgets, technical schedules, stakeholders, vendors, logistics, installation and commissioning activities while ensuring delivery against technical vision, operational requirements and client expectations. The role is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, operational excellence and guest experience while driving innovation across the Sea division.

Role & Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end planning, and technical delivery of assigned projects from initial client brief through design, installation, launch and project close-out.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects across the Sea division while maintaining project scope, schedule, quality and budget expectations.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical calendars, project plans, critical paths and implementation timelines.
• Maintain accurate project information within Wrike and other company project management systems.
• Conduct post-project reviews and project evaluations to support continuous improvement.

Projects & Guest Experiences

• Lead the technical delivery of themed cruises, immersive live experiences and events, rehearsals, show installations and changeovers, as well as cruise ship refits during wet and dry docks, and any other technical projects as required.
• Partner with Creative, Production, Entertainment, Operations and Client teams to develop concepts into operationally deliverable guest experiences.
• Ensure all projects maintain the original technical artistic intention, creative integrity and brand standards of both RWS Global and the client.
• Support innovation initiatives by researching emerging technical trends and guest experience concepts.
• Support the wider technical operations team with any other business as required

Budget & Financial Management

• Contribute to and assist with the effective management of project budgets, ensuring projects remain profitable and within budget.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of project budgets, forecasts and financial tracking documents.
• Assist with project quotations, purchase orders, payment schedules and budget reconciliations.
• Monitor project spend and proactively identify opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings without compromising quality.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Source, negotiate and manage external suppliers, contractors and specialist vendors.
• Manage relationships throughout the design, build and delivery process.
• Oversee sourcing & procurement of all technical equipment and bespoke project assets.
• Research and source bespoke and off‑the‑shelf technical assets as required.

Technical Production & Installation

• Oversee technical production requirements including scenic elements, lighting, audio, video, media systems, special effects and interactive technologies.
• Coordinate and manage onboard and shoreside installation activities.
• Conduct vessel surveys, site visits and technical assessments as required.
• Lead installation, testing, commissioning and operational handover of new experiences and entertainment products.

Logistics & Operations

• Liaising with the Logistics Department, manage the project logistics, freight coordination and global shipment of project assets.
• Coordinate installation schedules and operational requirements with vessel leadership and client stakeholders.
• Support project staffing plans and onboard resource allocation as required.
• Travel to vessels and project locations globally to support project delivery, installations and operational launches

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the primary technical contact for assigned projects.
• Provide regular progress updates to clients, senior leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with Creative, Production, Operations and Client Services teams to ensure project success

Risk, Compliance & Safety

• Identify, assess and mitigate project risks and develop contingency plans where required.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, client requirements, maritime regulations and health and safety policies.
• Maintain all project documentation including budgets, schedules, approvals and technical specifications.
• Ensure all installations and project deliverables meet operational and safety requirements prior to launch.

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree, certification or equivalent professional experience in Technical Management, Technical Theatre, Live Event Production, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in live entertainment, experiential events, themed attractions, cruise entertainment, event production or related industries.
• Proven experience managing complex projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience delivering immersive experiences, themed environments, installations, activations or large scale technical entertainment projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, procurement processes, project finances and vendor contracts.
• Experience working with technical suppliers & vendors.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organisational levels.
• Excellent planning, organisation and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and project management software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience within cruise, hospitality, attractions, live events or entertainment industries preferred.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to travel internationally up to approximately 35% of the time.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, adaptable and solutions-oriented approach.

Company Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Company Pension
• 25 days paid holiday excluding Bank Holidays
• Paid parental leave & childcare support policy
• Computer (Mac/Windows)
• Company Phone Program
• Flexible working (office/remote)
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
• Childcare Support Policy
• Employer Sponsored Vision Programme

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT:

Diverse Is Who We Are

Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements.

So, bring all of who you are, no questions asked

Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.