Technical Manager- Light and Sound

The Cheltenham Trust is entering an exciting new phase of transformation, reimagining how its venues, events, and experiences connect with audiences, communities, and visitors across the town. With five exceptional sites: Cheltenham Town Hall, Pittville Pump Room, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Leisure at Cheltenham, and the Garden Bar, the Trust delivers an extraordinary breadth of cultural, heritage, and leisure programming. From major concerts and community celebrations to heritage festivals and contemporary exhibitions, we are proud to be at the heart of Cheltenham's creative life.

We are now seeking a Technical Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping the next stage of our development. This is a hands-on leadership role with scope to influence real change, developing new systems and standards that drive consistency, quality, and innovation across all our venues and events. The successful candidate will bring both technical expertise and creative problem-solving, leading the delivery of exceptional productions while helping to modernise how we plan, resource, and deliver our programme. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-looking organisation that values collaboration, creativity, and excellence, and is committed to realising the full potential of Cheltenham's cultural and leisure assets.

The role

The Technical Manager plays a critical leadership role within the Cheltenham Trust's Events team. They are responsible for managing and delivering all technical aspects of live events, performances, and private hires across the Trust's venues, primarily Cheltenham Town Hall and Pittville Pump Room.

They will ensure exceptional production values, maintain technical facilities and equipment, and lead the technical team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality technical support for a wide variety of activities.

The Technical Manager works collaboratively within the Events Management Team and alongside the Operations, Facilities, and Front of House teams, as well as visiting companies, artists, and promoters.

Key duties and responsibilities:

Technical and Production Management

• Lead all technical aspects of productions, live performances, corporate hires, and events across the Trust's venues.
• Manage the effective delivery of lighting, sound, staging, AV, and rigging, ensuring all technical elements meet industry standards and client expectations.
• Produce and manage production schedules, technical riders, and event documentation.
• Work closely with visiting companies, promoters, artists, and internal Event Managers to assess and meet technical requirements.
• Provide hands-on technical support where required, including operating lighting, sound, and AV equipment as well as assisting with load-ins, fit-up and load-outs.

Team Leadership and Staff Management

• Line manage and coordinate the Technical Team, ensuring effective rota planning and workload management.
• Recruit, supervise, and develop a pool of casual and freelance technical staff and contractors.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing team culture.
• Management of and reporting on the technical department budget, including equipment maintenance costs, and stock control of consumables.

Health and Safety Compliance

• Take the lead on technical health and safety across venues, ensuring compliance with legislation, risk assessments, and safe systems of work.
• Ensure compliance with venue licenses, statutory obligations, and industry best practice.
• Act as a Duty Manager and keyholder for venues as required.

Equipment and Facilities Management

• Maintain and develop technical infrastructure, ensuring all equipment is serviced, safe, and fit for purpose.
• Inform all incoming companies and events of the Health and Safety and fire evacuation procedures and provide relevant information regarding company rules and information.
• Compile and maintain Technical Information Packs for the website, ensuring up-to-date guidance is available to incoming touring productions.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with programming, operations, events, and commercial teams to support a seamless visitor and client experience.
• Support the Trust's strategic objectives by contributing to new initiatives, capital projects, and service improvements.

Role requirements:

• Proven experience managing technical production in live events, performing arts, or entertainment sectors.
• Strong practical knowledge of lighting, sound, AV, stage management, and rigging.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing technical teams or crews.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Clear and confident communicator, able to collaborate effectively at all levels.
• Up-to-date knowledge of health and safety legislation and industry best practice in technical operations.
• A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to problem-solve under pressure.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and stakeholder engagement.
• Computer literate and confident in using Microsoft Office and event management systems.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Relevant technical qualifications or certifications (e.g., IPAF, PASMA, First Aid, Fire Safety, Working at Height), or willingness to undergo relevant training and development.
• Genie/Cherry Picker licence holder.
• Experience working in heritage or multi-purpose venues.
• Sound knowledge of budget control and management of income streams.

To see the full job description, please check out the Cheltenahm Trust Job page on our wesbite.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £38,000.00-£41,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person