Technical Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for the theatre industry in Australia to join our theatre team. In this role, your energy and attention to detail is a critical part of making our theatres great venues for our patrons to visit and our presenters, performers, crew and visiting companies to experience.  Your ideas, work ethic, workplace pride, team spirit and commitment to safety are respected hallmarks of your role.

Foundation Theatres continues to grow our operations with the addition of a new theatre to our portfolio in Sydney in 2024 and more into the future. We are looking for someone with strong technical skills, exceptional attention to detail and knowledge of the technical elements of theatre that can help take the business through this exciting growth period.

About The Position

• Work Type: Full Time.
• Location: Pyrmont & Haymarket, NSW
• Hours of work: Varied, alternating days & evenings weekly and weekends

Your Day to Day

This role will be the primary support to the Head of Technical Operations in managing the day-to-day technical operations of all Foundation Theatres venues. In this role, your day would include elements such as:

• Production | Ensure the hirers are well supported prior to, during and after their visit to the venue by assisting with their technical requirements, answering questions and ensuring that their experience is smooth and positive.
• Stakeholder engagement | Liaise with external stakeholders including local crew companies, traffic management, road occupancy authorities, technical suppliers and service contractors.
• HR | Assist with the recruiting and inducting of venue technical staff, fire officers, casual crew and Stage Door Concierges, managing of rosters for all within the department and supervising all reports when present at the venues.
• Theatre Maintenance | Be a champion for maintaining the physical buildings and all equipment in all venues. This includes ensuring that the theatres are repaired, maintained, and presented to the highest standard, that daily checks are completed, and that all equipment is maintained.
• Safety | Manage risk and safety, including to act as Chief Warden in the event of an emergency, ensure that the Emergency Management Plan and warden briefings are up to date and that regular emergency drills take place at all venues.

 What it takes to be great in this role.

• The ideal candidate would have 3-5 years technical management experience in a fast-paced performing arts environment with competency across theatrical staging equipment, lighting, audio visual and communications. An audio or AV background is preferred.
• You will have the ability to interpret technical information and drawings as required and CAD experience would be advantageous. Strong skills in Excel and Word are essential.
• You will have strong communication and leadership skills and the ability to effectively manage your time and those around you.

Why Foundation Theatres?

• We are offering a stable, full-time position with a generous salary aligned to experience.
• We bring the best commercial theatrical content from around the world to Sydney and provide an exciting environment for presenting exceptional 5-star theatre service.
• We are an Australian family owned and operated organisation. We have a small team with a flat structure, allowing direct and regular access to the executive team. This position is for someone looking for long term stability with the ability to have a voice and make a valuable contribution to our operations.
• We provide excellent growth opportunities both personally and professionally.
• Opportunities to see all our
• A work environment that is inclusive and celebrates the diversity of people needed to bring our theatres to life each day.
• A wellness program that promotes personal wellness with additional leave days and an EAP program available.

 About Foundation Theatres
Foundation Theatres is an Australian family-owned theatre owner and operator. Our venues are two of Sydney’s premier theatres: The Capitol Theatre and Sydney Lyric. Our Vision is to provide exceptional, inspiring experiences for theatre makers and theatre goers. Our Mission is to operate thriving, internationally renowned, first-class theatres and to build a robust Australian theatre industry for generations to come.

Foundation Theatres is renowned for its innovative approach, determination, focus on excellence and passion for the theatre industry. With an absolute focus on customer experience, we recognise that the customer interaction does not start merely when patrons take a seat in the auditorium. Customers expect that they receive a complete end to end entertainment experience, and the Foundation Theatres team, across multiple functional areas, work diligently to ensure these expectations are exceeded.

Our team and our audiences come from all over the world, all genders, sexualities, religions, abilities and beliefs. We welcome people from all backgrounds to work with us, perform on our stages and visit our theatres. We are united by a safe and open environment, where we encourage all to be their true self. Harnessing diversity with respect allows us to make great theatre and thrive. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, ages, religions, genders, LGBTIQ+ people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and people with disabilities.

How to Apply
Does this sound like you?  If you have strong technical and management skills for this role, please send your cover letter and CV to hrtechnical@foundationtheatres.com.au.