Technical Manager

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The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London.

Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities, and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.

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 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 offsite.

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.

• 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’.

To apply…