Technical Production Manager

Technical Production Manager

Application Deadline: 25 November 2024

Department: Exhibitions

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Senior Technical Production Manager

Compensation: From: £36000 / year

Description

We are looking for people to join our fantastic team at Somerset House Trust. As the home of cultural innovators, the Trust connects creativity and the arts with the broader society.

Somerset House pursues a ‘Step Inside, Think Outside’ spirit and is born from the creative community we nurture - the experience and perspectives we host across background, age, race, and stage, and the intersections and crossovers we encourage.

We are seeking a Technical Production Manager specialising in the development and delivery of exhibitions, commissions and installations. The role requires an experienced visual arts production manager with extensive exhibitions, technical and contractor management experience. The ability to manage schedules, budgets and multi-disciplinary installations is essential, as well as working collaboratively and creatively to advise on, support and deliver technical and production services. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy creative problem-solving, and be a team player.

Main activities and responsibilitiesGeneral

• To be the technical lead on allocated exhibitions and commissions, overseeing the full production development and delivery process and to keep the STPM (Senior Technical Production Manager) informed of progress on a timely basis.
• Support the STPM in managing an efficient and safe workplace, compliant to Health & Safety standards and guidelines.
• Carry out risk assessments and produce method statements for allocated projects.
• To be responsible for the upkeep of the technical and storage areas and manage stock levels for all handling, preservation and workshop materials and equipment.
• To support the STPM in monitoring and overseeing the maintenance, storage and purchase of stock and equipment including ensuring all equipment is compliant with relevant regulations.
• Hold an in-depth knowledge of Somerset House’s venue and spaces and feed into and update technical specification documents, deputising on occasions for the STPM.
• Support Somerset House’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2040.
• Manage freelance technicians and suppliers.
• Undertake other duties which may reasonably be requested by the STPM.

Planning

• Advise on the technical feasibility of proposed projects.
• Attend and arrange regular production team meetings to review project progress, leading where appropriate.
• Support the STPM to identify scope of works for external parties, consultants and contractors related to the production of exhibitions and commissions.
• Support the Exhibitions team to manage input of the external design team, ensuring they can meet the project schedule and requirements for the exhibition.
• Develop and oversee the tendering and appointment process for build contractors for allocated projects. Ensuring costs and variations are tracked and feasible.
• Draw up production schedules and costings for the build and technical delivery of projects in consultation with the Exhibitions team.

Delivery

• Support Exhibitions team to ensure that designers develop the design, and contractors construct all projects in accordance with legal legislation and Somerset House policies relating to accessibility, evacuation procedures, health & safety requirements, and best practice requirements relating to object care and conservation.
• Produce or facilitate as required, the production of design drawings suitable for construction.
• Advise on use of materials and construction techniques to achieve desired results, including a general knowledge of object mounting and hanging mechanisms.
• In consultation with the STPM, identify practical and financial risks around the design and build of projects and work with Exhibitions Team, contractors and the external design team to identify mitigation.
• Install/deinstall and maintain small audio-visual installations as required, using hired or in-house equipment.
• Support the Exhibitions team and relevant external consultants and designers to value engineer projects, identify possible cost savings and achieve outstanding results within budget and resources available which are environmentally sustainable where possible.
• Work with Exhibitions team and Estates department to ensure projects can be delivered in a way that is compatible with restrictions associated with the Grade 1 listed building.
• Oversee and manage build, installation and strikes of allocated exhibitions and commissions, taking the lead on quality control and reporting on progress to relevant members of the project team, STPM and Head of Exhibition Management.
• Work closely with the Exhibitions team to undertake the object installation in accordance with best practice and observing requirements of lenders and conservation and handling needs of objects.

Health and Safety

• Ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with Health and Safety and CDM regulations and Somerset House policies so that safe working practices are adhered to at all times.
• Produce RAMS for allocated projects and review documentation provided by internal and external contractors.

Other

• Undertake other duties which may reasonably be requested by Somerset House Trust.

Skills, knowledge & expertise required for the role:Essential

• Substantial experience working on the development and technical delivery of multi-disciplinary exhibitions and commissions: including overseeing the construction of exhibition environments, working with museum collections and loans, and working with living artists and creative practitioners to produce and deliver projects.
• Highly motivated individual with strong leadership skills and a collaborative, supportive approach.
• Ability to liaise professionally with and influence a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including artists, private and institutional lenders, subcontractors, freelance crew, designers and internal staff at all levels.
• Substantial experience working with complex museum and archival objects in the context of installing exhibitions and a good understanding of their conservation and environmental needs.
• Experience of installing and focussing simple exhibition lighting arrangements.
• The ability to work flexibly on evenings or weekends as required and willingness to work outdoors on installations.
• Demonstrable commitment to delivering projects to a high standard in a limited time frame.
• Excellent IT and administrative skills, including word, excel and CAD drawing/Sketchup or other appropriate exhibitions design software.
• Good organisational skills and experience of maintaining spaces and equipment in good working order.
• Ability to work across multiple projects at once, including concurrent installations, and identify and deliver on priorities.
• A general understanding of CDM regulations.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Knowledge and practical experience of all relevant Health and Safety regulations.
• Experience of managing tenders and production budgets.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and to a high standard.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Experience of managing freelance teams and suppliers.
• An understanding of and commitment to Somerset House’s work, vision, and values, including diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.

Desirable

• Good understanding of Audio-visual systems and equipment with the ability to set up and maintain small audio-visual installations.
• Experience of producing temporary exhibitions sustainably.
• IOSH qualification.
• Good understanding of lighting equipment.
• Forklift/PASMA/IPAF certifications.
• Wood workshop experience.

Benefits to working at Somerset HouseMental Health & Wellbeing

• Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed.
• Mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time).
• Contribution towards eye tests and glasses.
• Trust life insurance scheme.

Holiday

• Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata).
• Birthday leave - additional day leave.
• Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice.

Other Leave

• Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service).
• Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months service).
• Enhanced maternity pay.

Pension

• 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required.
• Option for salary sacrifice.
• Interest-free loans.
• Season ticket loan.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Discounts, offers and free stuff

• The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites.
• Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants.
• Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants.
• Discount to local leisure centres.

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