Deputy Technical Manager

You’ll report to the Technical Manager and collaborate closely with the Assistant Technical Manager, the Technical Team, and all other Departments within the Venue. This is an exciting opportunity to work within, lead and enhance an experienced and motivated Technical Team at Milton Keynes Theatre, a busy regional receiving venue.

The role will support the Technical Manager in all aspects of technical theatre from advancing productions, creating costings, supervising staff, coordinating fit‑ups, performances and get‑outs, liaising with contractors, maintaining theatre systems and equipment, and ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the department while maintaining high standards of safety and presentation.

You will demonstrate strong technical theatre knowledge with extensive experience in large‑scale receiving theatre operations, particularly in stagecraft and counterweight flying systems at a minimum, although a wider skill base and expertise is desirable (e.g., Sound and LX). A receiving theatre requires ongoing maintenance, and you will be required to identify and resolve issues as they arise, utilising your multi‑skilled experience.

The role is offered on an annualised hour contract, meaning that working hours vary throughout the year and payment for any premium hours, such as get‑outs, are all included in the annual salary. The role will be subject to a 6‑month satisfactory probation period. This role will involve regular evening and weekend work, including fit‑ups, performances and get‑outs. It also varies between office and manual‑labour duties that can be physically demanding.

You will be working in a fast‑paced environment, with no two days the same. Please note, your role may involve working with children or vulnerable people.

• Ensure departmental interaction with Visiting Companies is enabling, efficient and professional at all times, in order that the venue provides the best possible experience and customer care.
• Ensure the safe and efficient get‑in, fit‑up and get‑out of all productions, ensuring Health and Safety guidelines and policies are clearly communicated and followed.
• Assist in ensuring all equipment is maintained and annual testing is completed as part of planned preventive maintenance within budgetary constraints.
• Be a part of the venue Risk Management team as the technical department Risk Champion.
• Represent the technical department at the venue management meetings as requested.
• Assist in delivering regular departmental meetings to communicate company information, procedures and goals to ensure the team is well informed and motivated.
• Initiate and manage the ongoing recruitment of casual staff.
• Work at other ATG venues as required by business needs.
• Undertake any duties and training that are reasonable for the position.
• Deputise for the Technical Manager in their absence.

We welcome transferable skills from other industries. If you can demonstrate many of the essential skills, qualities and experience we encourage you to apply. We are able to provide training where necessary.

• Extensive experience of large‑scale productions in a premier receiving venue.
• General certificate in Maths and English.
• Experience in leading teams.
• Experience in safety legislation in theatre, implementation of safe systems and developing a safety culture.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, along with planning and organisational skills.
• Highly computer literate – proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook at a minimum.
• Ability to work under pressure and with a high degree of autonomy.
• Ability to lead and contribute to the team and develop, manage and apply systems and procedures.
• Flexible working pattern.
• Ability to work at height and also use a Tallescope.

• Certification in IOSH, Management qualification, BS7671, BS7909, Rigging awareness, IPAF, C&G PAT, PPE inspection, working at height in the Entertainment Industry (and rescue), First Aid, safe use of mobile towers (PASMA).
• Understanding of financial management and budget planning.
• Understanding of employment law.
• Experience in production or project management and…