Head of Rigging & Automation

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

4/6/2025

Closing date - 06 May, 12pm

Salary - £42,024 per annum

Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you require any support in completing your application.

Head of Rigging & Automation Job Pack - download here

The Head of Rigging & Automation helps artists and creatives from all artforms stretch the realms of possibility, creating works of ambition and scale at Aviva Studios.

The Head of Rigging & Automation will work with and support other technical teams and wider Factory International teams to ensure that all our spaces, events and shows are delivered to an exceptional standard and are accessible to everyone across all artforms; visual and performing arts, live music, theatre, exhibitions, corporate events and beyond.

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

• Responsible for the deployment and operation of all aspects of Factory International’s Rigging and Automation equipment. To line manage the core venue rigging team
• Organise the smooth running of the get ins and fit up, show runs, and get outs, planning appropriate staffing levels and 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 technical departments, ensuring their requirements are met, they are compliant with Factory policies and there is maximum exploitation of the commercial contract. Develop and promote production related income streams
• Cover the position of Technical Duty Manager on a rota basis and manage other technical departments in the absence of the relevant 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
• In conjunction with other Department Heads plan and deliver an effective programme of maintenance (inc Planned Preventative Maintenance), housekeeping, stock control and testing for all appliances and performance related equipment in the building
• In conjunction with other Department Heads development, and maintenance of up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures
• Oversee and operate the departmental overhead and show budgets in line with company regulations and procedures
  
  

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

Essential

• Proven experience of entertainment rigging or automation in one or more art form (live music, theatre, performance art, etc), preferably in a producing environment
• Expert knowledge of rigging practices and techniques, create, read and provide constructive feedback on rigging plots
• Strong working knowledge of Kinesys rigging equipment and automation systems
• Experience of managing a department with demonstrable leadership and supervisory skills
• Demonstrable experience of producing and managing budgets
• Ability to work well under pressure and to prioritise competing workload demands
• Knowledge of technical drawing programs such as AutoCAD or Vector Works
• Comfortable working at height
• 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

• NRC Level 3 rigging certification or NRC Level 2 with a goal of achieving NRC Level 3
• Experience of developing a working at height rescue plan
• A practical knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and other relevant Health and Safety regulations working within a large receiving venue
• IPAF, MEWP, PASMA
• Good understanding of statutory regulations governing venues such as the Working Time Directive
• Experience of co-production/collaboration on projects with a variety of partners and stakeholders
• Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent
  
  

When applying please do not rely solely on ChatGPT/AI software for your answers as it may not fully reflect your skills and experience and how they align with this role and we may decide to discount your answer if we believe it is solely generated by AI.