Chief Technician

Overview

Chief Technician (5984) – Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Permanent, full-time / part-time, 36.5 hours per week. Salary £33,001.64 - £38,784.49 per annum. Non-sponsorable Employment Visa. Posted 02/02/2026;
Closing date 01/03/2026.  5984.

The Arts Centre is a major regional arts venue with a professional concert hall, theatre, studio, cinema, exhibition and workshop spaces. It offers a busy programme across all art forms and takes touring work from major touring companies as well as producing its own professional shows and major festivals. The role reports to the Head of Technical Services and involves leading a technical team to deliver events effectively and efficiently from a Technical Services perspective.

• Technical
  • Provide support and liaison with companies and clients resident in the Arts Centre as part of its cross art-form programme, including meeting with creative teams and artists to establish their technical needs. Make independent decisions within broad parameters set by the Head of Technical Services.
  • Participate in the creative development and delivery of the Arts Centre’s in-house/touring productions in both professional and community capacities.
  • Ensure technical requirements for events are professionally met, scheduling and allocating resources accordingly.
  • Continue to develop own technical specialisms (eg AV, lighting, stage management) with support from Line Manager for training and mentoring; support sustainable ways of working and the aims of the Theatre Green Book.
  • Ensure all productions areas and technical equipment are well maintained, clean and safe.
• Teamwork and Team Management
  • Supervise the team of full-time Technicians, Assistant Technicians, Apprentice Technician and freelance technicians on a day-to-day basis.
  • Ensure the technical team’s capacity is effectively deployed across all areas of activity and supervise output quality.
  • Work effectively with key staff across all areas of the Arts Centre to ensure technical operations are fully informed and supported.
  • Identify needs, source and schedule freelance crew and technical staff to meet lighting, audio, AV and stage management requirements for all performances.
• Venue and Equipment Management
  • Manage and maintain all technical systems, including lighting rigs, sound desks, video systems, staging equipment, rigging infrastructure.
  • Ensure regular servicing, testing and certification of equipment in line with health and safety legislation.
  • Ensure daily inspections of all technical areas and equipment with timely cleaning, repairs or maintenance as required.
  • Implement systems and checks to maintain the highest levels of service.
• Health and Safety
  • Under the management of the Head of Technical Services, to ensure safe and effective execution of all technical requirements of performance events and live activity.
  • Contribute to the development of Event Management Plans and Risk Assessments.
  • Receive and verify risk assessments for visiting companies and events and ensure safe delivery.
  • Ensure backstage technical areas are free from hazards for staff, visiting technicians and authorised personnel.
• Financial Management
  • Work within a fixed budget allocated for technical activity; partner with colleagues to ensure events are budgeted for and recharges outlined before sign-off.
  • Support the Head of Technical Services by raising and processing purchase orders and invoices in line with financial protocols.
• Any Other Duties
  • Deputise for the Head of Technical Services as required.
  • Act as a professional public face for the Arts Centre, liaising with customers and clients.
  • Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
  • Commit to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and to personal development and that of staff through formal schemes.
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade of the role.

• Essential – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills
  • A relevant industry qualification to A-Level standard.
  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a professional technical arts environment.
  • Specific expertise in two or more disciplines (lighting,…