Deputy Head of Rigging & Automation

Closing date – 10 December 2023
Salary – £32,200 per annum
Department: Technical
Locations: Aviva Studios
Employment type: Full-time

Factory International has large flexible conjoined performance spaces that can be configured in a number of ways including a 64m long, 33m wide warehouse space or a 1600 seat auditorium with a 22m wide, 11m high proscenium arch leading to a 33m deep stage, and everything in between. Our artists stretch the ambition further reaching into every part of the building and the surrounding grounds. Our expert technical teams deliver the physical elements of all shows, artworks and events, working closely with the Programming and Producing teams to realise innovative ideas and making sure they are created in a safe, sustainable and exciting way.

We are looking for expertise from all artforms; visual and performing arts, live music, theatre, exhibitions, corporate events and beyond. The Deputy Heads of Department will collectively lead a diverse range of core staff drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and experience – from exhibition technicians and carpenters to lighting and VR technicians to riggers and sound engineers. Dealing with complex logistics, the team will make sure that all of our spaces, events and shows are delivered to an exceptional standard and accessible to everyone. We’re looking for people who are good communicators, enthusiastic, and who want to be part of something new and unique. Factory International is a place to be proud of your background, your experience and your expertise, while also providing the opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

The key responsibilities for the Deputy Head of Rigging & Automation role include;

• Support the Head of Department in the deployment and operation of all aspects of Factory International’s technical equipment within the Rigging & Automation department
• To support the Head of Department with staffing levels and rota management, ensuring adequate and safe staffing levels for all projects
• To participate in the organisation and supervision of the get ins and fit up, show runs, and get outs. Planning appropriate equipment for the department, and ensuring that this is carried out in accordance with current Health & Safety legislation and Environmental Good Practice
• Oversee production rigging and automation within the creation and delivery of artworks, concerts, shows and events; including truss and temporary structures. This extends to performer flying, and working at height including rescue
• Liaise with visiting & in house technical departments, ensuring their rigging requirements are met, they are compliant with Factory policies and there is maximum exploitation of the commercial contract
• Cover the position of Technical Duty Manager on a rota basis and manage other technical departments in the absence of the relevant manager. On occasion, schedule team members to cover the position of technical stage manager. Provide advice to all other users of the venue with regard to the safe and proper use of technical and stage equipment with specific emphasis on Rigging & Automation
• In conjunction with other technical team members, plan and deliver an effective programme of maintenance (inc Planned • Preventative Maintenance), housekeeping, stock control and testing for all appliances and relevant rigging & automation equipment
• In conjunction with the Technical Manager, Director of Production & Building Operations and HR Department, plan and carry out the recruitment, development and training of technical staff, ensuring the needs of the department are met
• Operate automation for shows when required
• To promote good working practice within the department and provide adequate supervision of permanent and casual staff

The person specification for the Deputy Head of Rigging & Automation role are;

ESSENTIAL

• Knowledge and experience of entertainment rigging in one or more art form (live music, theatre, performance art, etc), preferably in a producing or touring environment
• Strong working knowledge of rigging and or automation control systems
• Ability to read and provide constructive feedback on rigging plots
• Working knowledge of Working at Height regulations
• Experience of managing a department with demonstrable leadership and supervisory skills
• Ability to manage and communicate with staff effectively at all levels
• Ability to work well under pressure and to prioritise competing workload demands
• Experience of receiving large scale national and international touring productions
• Knowledge of technical drawing programs including Auto CAD or Vector Works
• Knowledge of the principles relating to the safe use of electricity in entertainment industry
• Comfortable working at height in a physically demanding environment.
• Experience of Health & Safety practice and procedures including Risk Assessments
• Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation with a proven ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds

DESIRABLE

• A practical knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and other relevant Health and Safety regulations working within a large receiving venue
• NRC Level 2 rigging certification with a goal of achieving NRC Level 3
• Experience operating show automation systems
• Experience with kinesis, Vector, Tait epiQ or Tait Navigator systems.
• IPAF, MEWP, PASMA training
• Electrical qualification or training; BS 7671 18th Edition, BS 7909, C&G 2365 Lvl. 3, PAT testing & inspection, etc.
• Understanding of working within the terms of the collective national union agreements.
• Technical drawing skills
• Knowledge of CAD, MS Office, Artifax Event or similar resource management system.
• Awareness of current trends in venue technology
• Electrical and mechanical engineering skills
• Experience of touring
• Appropriate qualification in technical theatre from an accredited college, university, ABTT or industry relevant training courses
• Vocational qualification such as IRATA, PASMA, or CITB
• Understanding of ABTT Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment

For further information and to apply please visit:
https://recruitment.factoryinternational.org/jobs/3378246-deputy-head-of-rigging-automation