Technical Manager Derby, DEGB

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

At Derby Theatre, we are a charity and a National Portfolio organisation for Arts Council England, and we’re known for artistic excellence. We’re committed to education. And we believe that theatre can change your life. 

Previously Derby Playhouse, we have a long and important theatrical history. As Derby Theatre, we work in partnership with the University of Derby and are a home for higher education students. We produce new plays and projects, collaborate with artists and local people, and offer training for young people too, with opportunities for learners of all ages. It’s all about empowering people to tap into their potential and achieve.

The Technical Department is part of the wider Production Department, led by the Technical Manager and comprises of the Head of Stage, Head of Lighting & AV, Head of Sound, and three multi-disciplinary Technicians. The department work on all Produced and Received shows, and on external hires and internal projects, including the theatre's large Youth Theatre and outreach events.

The department provides all aspects of technical theatre support, from set builds to show operation, fit-ups to get outs, workshops with school groups to assisting the university Theatre Arts students; if there's a technical part then we're part of it.

The Technical Manager line-manages the Technical Department, overseeing the day-to-day duties of the team, ensuring their Health and Safety and welfare, and assessing any training and development needs.

The Technical Manager is primary contact for all incoming productions and hires, working with them in advance to ensure that all technical and staffing needs are met, and that work is made to the highest standards possible within the time and financial resources agreed and available. At the end of the engagement you will be responsible for recharge and payroll, allocating charges to their relevant budget centres.

During periods of Produced shows you will work with the Head of Production to ensure the same quality and results throughout.

The job is predominantly office-based with office hours, but some hands-on and evenings/weekends will be expected.

Potential interview date - 17/02/2026

You will have significant experience in a senior technical role in a professional theatre or entertainments venue, you will have thorough knowledge and expertise of technical theatre, including producing shows.

You will have proven leadership skills, and have the ability to work with a wide range of people, personalities, and departments, sometimes under a great deal of time pressure.

You will be competent and confident in regards to industry Heath and Safety, accomplished and accurate in IT skills and record-keeping, and have an interest in supporting learners of all ages.

As this role involves working with young people, a full DBS check will be required.

We aim to make the interviews as accessible and engaging as possible, and we want you to talk about yourself and your work experience in a relaxed and friendly setting.

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