Deputy Head of Stage

Deputy Head of Stage  - Job Description

www.shaftesburytheatre.com

Purpose

The Deputy Head of Stage supports the Head of Stage in managing the stage and technical (mechanical) areas of the Shaftesbury Theatre. The department is responsible for the realisation of the mechanical and stage services for all performances and events within agreed schedules and budgets. In addition, department is responsible for supporting maintenance and capital projects across the building, working with external contractors as appropriate, and ensuring statutory compliance.

The Stage Department takes responsibility for the realisation of technical services for all performances and events within agreed schedules and budgets. They have a critical role in representing the Company to both producers and those who hire the Theatre for other functions.  It is often the first practical contact that these individuals and companies have with the Theatre and thus the Stage team has an important role in representing the Theatre.  In addition, it is charged with ensuring that the mechanical installation and safety of all stage machinery is of the highest standard.

Job Description

Production

·         Provide an efficient and welcoming service to the artists, producers and managements visiting and working with the Theatre.

·         Attend as duty stage cover during the day and performance hours.

·         Work with the Head of Stage on the planning and delivery of events and hires,

Building & Maintenance

·         To assist in devising, reviewing and operating the Stage department’s operational procedures to ensure that they are efficient and effective at all times.

·         Ensure that the requirements of health and safety legislation and company policy, fire risk assessments and licensing regulations are adhered to at all times.

·         Maintain appropriate documentation, risk assessments and records of maintenance.

·         Assist in managing and maintaining all stage mechanical equipment within the building to ensure the efficient and safe operation. Ensure adherence to operational procedures, effective routine maintenance, cleaning and implementation of any agreed programme of replacement, including the arrangement of independent inspection and certification.

·         Maintain adequate stocks of all stage hardware and supplies for the building.

·         Ensure regular inspections of the building are carried out, liaising with relevant departments and management, action maintenance works as necessary.

·         Working closely with the Head of Stage, implement restoration and major maintenance projects relevant to the department and assist in those led by other department heads.

·         Liaise with external contractors, supervising when required, and ensure safe working practices are adhered to at all times.

Leadership and team management

·         Promote a positive approach to Health & Safety and safe working practices at all times, practice the highest level of health and safety management, and ensuring the whole team are working to those standards

·         Assist the Head of Stage in the management and support the Stage team, ensuring that all team members are working within the operational process, procedures and policies of the theatre.

·         Assist the Head of Stage to ensure that all Stage staff are able and competent and that staff levels are within agreed budgets, in accordance with the needs of the Theatre and that all employment legislation, Shaftesbury policies and procedures, union agreements and SOLT policies are properly understood and implemented.

·         Support the recruitment, appointment, appraisals and training of the Stage staff, in consultation with the Head of Stage, with the aim of enabling the staff to be of the highest quality through the development of their skills.

·         Ensure that the HR system is used by the department and kept up to date

 Administration and Finance

·         Contribute to the department’s knowledge of technical developments and their suitability to the Theatre through product information, attending trade shows, etc.

·         Support the Head of Head of Stage with rotas, timesheets and department budgets, ensuring accuracy and financial prudence

Other Duties

·         Advocate for the Shaftesbury Theatre, its aims and activities

·         Be familiar with and abide by all Shaftesbury Theatre Policies including, but not limited to, our Equal Opportunities Policy, Sexual Harassment and Health and Safety Policy

·         Undertake any other duties as appropriate to the post, as requested by the Head of Stage 

We are Disability Confident Employer

If you're unsure whether you meet all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential and enthusiasm, and we’re happy to support you as you learn on the job.

If you have access requirements or need adjustments for any part of the application process, please let us know — we’re happy to help.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those currently underrepresented in the arts sector, including Black, Asian and global majority communities, disabled people, and those from working-class backgrounds.