Head of Electrics  - Job Description

www.shaftesburytheatre.com

Purpose

The Head of Electrics manages the electrical, projection, video and sound requirements of the Shaftesbury Theatre. They take responsibility for the realisation of technical services for all performances and events within agreed schedules and budgets. In addition, the role is responsible for ensuring the electrical installation and maintenance across the building, working with external contractors as appropriate.

The Electrics department has a critical role in representing the Company to both producers and those who hire the Theatre for other functions.  It is often the first practical contact that these individuals and companies have with the Theatre and thus the Electrics team has an important role in representing the Theatre.  In addition, it is charged with ensuring that the electrical installation and safety of the Theatre is of the highest standard.

Job Description

Production

Building & Maintenance

·        To devise, review and operate the Electrics department’s operational procedures to ensure that they are efficient and effective at all times.

·        Ensure that the requirements of health and safety legislation and company policy, fire risk assessments and licensing regulations are adhered to at all times.

·        Maintain appropriate documentation, risk assessments and records of maintenance.

·      Manage and maintain all electrical and electronic equipment within the building to ensure the efficient and safe operation. Ensure adherence to operational procedures, effective routine maintenance, cleaning and implementation of any agreed programme of replacement, including the arrangement of independent inspection and certification.

·        Maintain adequate stocks of all electrical and electronic hardware and supplies for the building.

·        Ensure regular inspections of the building are carried out, liaising with relevant departments and management, action maintenance works as necessary.

·        Working closely with the Operations Director, implement restoration and major maintenance projects relevant to the department and assist in those led by other department heads.

·        Liaise with external contractors, supervising when required, and ensure safe working practices are adhered to at all times.

Leadership and team management

·        Promote a positive approach to Health & Safety and safe working practices at all times, practice the highest level of health and safety management, and ensuring the whole team are working to those standards

·        Manage and support the Electrics team, delegating as appropriate with the approval of the Company’s senior management team, and ensuring that all team members are working within the operational process, procedures and policies of the theatre.

·        Act as the line manager for all Electrics staff ensuring that they are able and competent and that staff levels are within agreed budgets, in accordance with the needs of the Theatre and that all employment legislation, union agreements and SOLT policies are properly implemented.

·        Recruit, appoint, appraise and train the Electrics staff, in consultation with the Operations Director, with the aim of enabling the staff to be of the highest quality through the development of their skills.

·        Ensure that the HR system is used by the department and kept up to date

·        Work with the Head of Stage to manage and develop technical apprenticeships at the Theatre

Administration and Finance

·        Ensure that the department and the theatre management are aware of technical developments and their suitability to the Theatre through product information, attending trade shows etc.

·        Responsible for determining the staffing rota for the department, taking into account budget, and signing off weekly timesheets

·        To manage budgets within approved levels.

·        To maintain accurate financial records and controls to the satisfaction of the Finance Director.  This shall include, but not be limited to, purchase order systems and timesheets.

Other Duties

·        To be a keyholder and, as appropriate, to be on call on the Emergency Contacts List.

·        Advocate for the Shaftesbury Theatre, its aims and activities

·        Be familiar with and abide by all Shaftesbury Theatre Policies including, but not limited to, our Equal Opportunities Policy, Sexual Harassment and Health and Safety Policy

·        Undertake any other duties as appropriate to the post, as requested by the Senior Management team 

Personal Specification

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

-        Substantial professional theatre experience in lighting and building electrics

-        Knowledge of health and safety procedures and experience in carrying out method statements and risk assessments

-        Detailed understanding of electrical regulations, the Electricity at Work Act and premises licensing regulations.

-        Experience of working at height and access equipment training

-        Experience of electrical maintenance and installation

-        Line Manager Experience

Skills

-        Computer literate, including Microsoft Office applications

-        Excellent problem-solving skills

-        Strong time management skills and ability to work to tight deadlines

-        Strong communication skills, with an ability to communicate at all levels

-        Strong attention to detail

Personal Attributes

-        Demonstrable ability to work as part of a team and under own initiative

-        Proactive and flexible, with a hands-on approach, and a flexible attitude to working patterns

-        Passion & enthusiasm for theatre

Desirable

Experience & Knowledge

-        A relevant electrical installation qualification

-        Experience with design software (CAD, Vectorworks) and computer networking

-        Knowledge or qualifications in rigging and/or manual handling

-        Professional theatre experience of sound and/or video

-        Health and Safety Qualification

Personal Attributes

-        An interest in new technologies and developing practices in theatre

-        An interest in sustainability, particularly in a theatre context

We are Disability Confident Employer

If you're unsure whether you meet all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential and enthusiasm, and we’re happy to support you as you learn on the job.

If you have access requirements or need adjustments for any part of the application process, please let us know — we’re happy to help.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those currently underrepresented in the arts sector, including Black, Asian and global majority communities, disabled people, and those from working-class backgrounds.