Theatr Clwyd is looking for an experienced and collaborative Venue Technical Manager to lead the day-today running of our busy technical department. Following our major capital redevelopment, the venue now includes two full-time theatre spaces, a flexible studio, a 100-seat cinema plus conference & event spaces.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering a diverse year-round programme of in-house productions, visiting work, and events across our expanded facilities. Working closely with creative teams, visiting companies, and colleagues across the organisation, you will coordinate technical staff, resources, and facilities to ensure everything runs safely, efficiently, and to the highest professional standards.

Contract Type - Permanent

Hours - 37 per week

The Role

Key Responsibilities

Technical Operations

• Oversee the technical delivery of all productions, hires and events across the venue, ensuring activity is delivered safely, efficiently and to a high professional standard.
• Design and implement new procedures and protocols to ensure consistency and quality of service across the department.
• Plan and coordinate the technical requirements of productions and events, ensuring staging, equipment, facilities and staffing meet the needs of each production.
• Act as the primary technical liaison for visiting companies, producers, promoters and hirers, providing technical information, advice and support in advance of and during their time at the venue.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the venue’s technical infrastructure and capabilities, including lighting, sound, staging, seating and backstage facilities.
• Act as Duty Technician for performances and events as required.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, lead and supervise venue technicians and crew, supporting the development of a skilled, confident and well-trained technical team.
• Plan and coordinate staffing to deliver a busy programme of productions and events.
• Foster a positive team culture, supporting staff development and ensuring high standards of professionalism, safety and collaboration.

Equipment and Facilities

• Oversee the maintenance, servicing and inventory of technical equipment, ensuring appropriate inspection, testing and record keeping in line with statutory requirements (including PAT, LOLER and other relevant regulations).
• Ensure the effective management and upkeep of technical facilities across the venue.
• Provide first-line maintenance and troubleshooting of technical systems and equipment where appropriate.

Health & Safety

• Ensure safe working practices are maintained at all times across all technical activity.
• Produce and review risk assessments and method statements where required.
• Oversee safe working practices during get-ins, fit-ups, performances and get-outs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance, including Fire Risk Assessment requirements.
• Ensure appropriate training and procedures are in place for technical staff, including manual handling and emergency procedures.

Collaboration and Representation

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support the successful delivery of Theatr Clwyd’s programme and ensure an excellent experience for visiting artists, companies and audiences.
• Contribute positively to the culture, values and reputation of Theatr Clwyd, acting as an ambassador for the organisation.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Director of Producing & Programming.

The Person

• Significant professional experience within a theatre or live events technical department, producing venue, touring company or similar environment.
• Strong technical theatre knowledge, with practical experience of lighting, sound and stage systems.
• Experience of working with theatrical rigging, flying systems, scenery and stage decking.
• Proven experience managing or supervising technical staff or crews.
• Experience of managing resources and budgets effectively.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritise competing demands.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work confidently with artists, visiting companies and colleagues across departments.
• Working knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance (including PUWER, COSHH, LOLER and ABTT guidance).
• Experience preparing and reviewing risk assessments and method statements.
• Practical technical skills including the safe use of hand tools and portable power tools.
• Ability to work safely at height and undertake the physical aspects of technical theatre work.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a busy producing theatre environment.