Lead Stage Manager

We are most famous for our award-winning event, buried deep in the Crown Estate near Ascot. 17 years ago, Mike & Alison Battle created the event out of their own desire to take their children somewhere that would celebrate the pure, commercially unsullied, magic of Christmas. Now, with the help of Hollywood set-designers, West-End actors and more than a sprinkling of magic, the event is keeping the magic of Christmas alive for thousands of children every year.

LaplandUK celebrates and honours the values, imagination and wonderment of childhood through our magical world, rich storytelling and immersive memory making experiences.

This is an exciting period of growth for us, as we look for new ways to bring the Lapland experience to a global audience through media, publishing, live shows and eCommerce channels.

Location: Lapland Manchester - Capesthorne Hall, Congleton Road, Macclesfield, SK11 9JY

Reports to: Act Manager / Show Ops Manager

Start Date: Beginning/Mid-September – 24th December 2026

Role Overview:

The Lead Stage Manager is a key member of the Show Operations team at LaplandUK, responsible for the safe and consistent delivery of the guest experience across multiple performance spaces, from arrival in the Elven Bazaar through to the end of Act 2, while supporting Act 3 operations.

Leading a team of Stage Supervisors, the Lead Stage Manager oversees daily show operations, supporting Cast, Backstage, and Front of House teams to ensure smooth performance delivery, high creative standards, and exceptional guest experiences.

The role is responsible for maintaining show quality, coordinating technical and scenic elements, resolving operational challenges, and ensuring all areas operate safely and efficiently. Through strong leadership and coaching, the Lead Stage Manager upholds LaplandUK’s values while driving team performance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

OPERATIONS

• Support the delivery of a safe, efficient, and high-quality show operation across Act 1,2& 3, ensuring all activities are delivered in line with approved policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Act as the operational lead for Stage Supervisors and Stage Management teams across Act 1,2&3performance spaces, ensuring consistent show delivery and guest experience standards.
• Work closely with the Act 1,2 & 3
  
  Area Managers to coordinate daily operations, identify challenges, and implement solutions from management team to maintain smooth performance flow.
• Maintain a detailed working knowledge of all show tracks, procedures, and performance spaces to support troubleshooting and operational decision-making.
• Monitor guest and cast flow throughout the experience, escalating operational concerns and supporting the resolution of issues in real time.
• Coordinate daily show schedules, performance timings, backstage movements, and transitions to ensure the seamless delivery of the guest journey.
• Deliver clear and concise daily briefings to Stage Supervisors and operational teams, communicating key show, safety, and operational updates.
• Support the maintenance of show quality and creative standards, escalating any performance concerns to the Area Manager and Resident Show Director.

REHEARSALS AND TRAINING

• Support the Resident Show Director, Area Manager, and Stage Supervisors in the delivery of rehearsals and show readiness activities.
• Ensure rehearsal spaces, props, technical requirements, and operational resources are prepared and available as required.
• Observe rehearsals and live performances, identifying operational challenges and supporting solutions to improve show delivery.
• Deliver approved operational and procedural training to Stage Supervisors and show teams as required.
• Complete all required pre-season and in-season training, including E‑Learning modules, tabletop exercises, and management training.
• Promote consistency in show standards, operational procedures, and guest experience delivery throughout the season.

TEAM SUPPORT

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and support to Stage Supervisors, ensuring clear communication and consistent standards across all performance areas.
• Foster a collaborative and positive working…