Description
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and experienced Stage Operations Manager, responsible for the safe and effective planning and transportation of all instruments and orchestral equipment to venues around the UK and abroad.
The RPO presents an exciting programme of high-quality performance activity around the UK and abroad, including regular orchestral concerts at Royal Albert Hall, Southbank Centre and Cadogan Hall as well as in Reading, Nottingham and Gateshead, alongside a vibrant international touring programme across Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East, and recording projects in the studio. Alongside this, the RPO operates the Concert Orchestra, a flexible ensemble servicing the commercial needs of the organisation for regular engagements at pop Festivals, film music, outdoor events and corporate hospitality functions.
The RPO currently manages its stage operation in-house with a staff team of 3. The Stage Operations Manager will be pivotal in ensuring seamless planning and transportation of all instruments and orchestral equipment to venues around the UK and abroad, in accordance with project requirements. An integral part of the Orchestra's on-site team, the role also ensures the highest professional standard of stage management for all RPO and RPCO activity.
Leading the Stage Management team and a roster of casual workers, the role is at the heart of project delivery and logistics management, working alongside an experienced team of Orchestra Managers, Librarian and Concerts department colleagues to deliver world-class music around the UK and abroad.
- Prior experience of stage management at a professional level
- Good organisational skills with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
- A good knowledge of the range of a modern orchestra's repertoire and the working environment for UK orchestras
- Knowledge of the methods and practices employed in handling, packing, loading, unloading and stowing musical instruments and an awareness of their value
- Capacity to lift and carry such equipment carefully. Manual handling training will be provided
- Good multi-tasking skills, able to prioritise whilst also working across a range of demands on a daily basis
- Good communication skills and able to converse with a wide range of stakeholders. Maturity, diplomacy and tact towards musicians, other performers and venue staff
- Ability to look ahead to anticipate issues, to problem-solve under pressure and to quickly identify solutions
- Ability to work well both independently and as a team player
- Plan and organise transport requirements for the provision of instruments for all RPO and RPCO projects to UK venues and abroad, including producing a detailed schedule of logistics.
- Work with Concerts Department colleagues to ensure that instrument transport arrangements are communicated clearly to musicians.
- Obtain and provide information about instruments, access and parking for UK venues and international tours, including arranging documentation for ATA carnets and customs clearance, vehicle permits and dispensations.
- Ensure a safe and sustainable operation for the Stage team by preparing the staff rota according to operational needs, engaging temporary resources (such as additional stage crew) to cover staff annual leave or to meet additional requirements, and ensure casual staff are inducted and managed as required.
- Work with the Concerts Department colleagues on long-term stage planning and advance logistical planning, attending technical production meetings as required.
Please submit your CV and a letter of application, addressed to Frances Axford Evans, Concerts Director, via the BreatheHR link.