Entertainment jobs in Sandwich

WE'RE HIRING: TECHNICAL MANAGER

Westwood One Theatre Ltd

Locations: The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate & Margate Winter Gardens

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Hours: Full Time, 40 hours per week (flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends)

Benefits: Performance related bonus scheme and employee discounts across our group of companies.

About the Role

Westwood One Theatre Ltd is looking for an experienced, motivated and hands-on Technical Manager to oversee the technical operations across two of Kent's leading entertainment venues, The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate and the iconic Margate Winter Gardens.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced technical professional to take ownership of the technical departments across both venues, leading a team and ensuring the smooth, safe and professional delivery of a diverse programme of live entertainment.

From touring concerts and comedy to large scale theatrical productions, corporate events and community performances, no two days will be the same.

We're looking for someone who is confident, organised, proactive and capable of managing both people and technical operations. The successful candidate must be equally comfortable behind a sound or lighting desk as they are managing a team, liaising with touring productions or overseeing the safety and maintenance of our buildings.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Operations & Event Delivery

• Oversee the day-to-day technical operations across both venues.
• Manage and supervise all technical aspects of performances, productions, events and venue hires.
• Liaise closely with the in-house programming, operations and management teams to plan upcoming events and technical requirements.
• Act as the main technical point of contact for visiting productions, tour managers, production managers and external contractors.
• Review technical riders, stage plans and production specifications, ensuring all requirements are achievable and delivered efficiently.
• Be present and available for performances, rehearsals, get-ins, get-outs and other events as required.
• Provide hands-on technical support in sound, lighting, stage management and other production areas when required.
• Oversee the safe and efficient installation, operation and removal of technical equipment.

Team Management & Leadership

• Lead, manage and develop the technical teams across both venues.
• Prepare and manage staff rotas, ensuring adequate technical cover for all performances, events and operational requirements.
• Recruit, interview, onboard and train technical staff, casual crew and freelancers as required.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure all team members understand their duties and expectations.
• Ensure all staff consistently follow company policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), health and safety requirements and established working practices.
• Monitor staff performance, conduct regular team briefings and address any performance or conduct concerns appropriately.
• Encourage a positive, professional and accountable working environment.

Equipment & Technical Maintenance

• Take responsibility for the management, maintenance and safe operation of all technical equipment across both venues.
• Maintain accurate equipment inventories, maintenance schedules and inspection records.
• Ensure sound, lighting, rigging, staging, electrical and other technical systems are regularly checked and maintained.
• Identify faults, arrange repairs and coordinate servicing with approved contractors.
• Oversee the safe storage, handling and use of technical equipment.
• Recommend equipment upgrades, replacements and improvements while working within agreed budgets.
• Ensure all relevant equipment inspections, certifications and compliance requirements are kept up to date.

Building Management, Health & Safety

• Support the operational management, security and general upkeep of both buildings, particularly backstage, technical and production areas.
• Take an active role in maintaining a safe working environment for staff, performers, contractors and members of the public.
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, company procedures and venue safety policies.
• Implement, maintain and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the technical departments.
• Prepare, review and implement risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Ensure appropriate procedures are followed for working at height, manual handling, rigging, electrical safety, fire safety and other technical activities.
• Monitor contractor access, backstage security, safe working practices and site procedures.
• Ensure incidents, hazards, near misses and equipment defects are reported, documented and addressed promptly.
• Work alongside senior management to ensure both venues remain safe, compliant and operationally efficient.

Planning, Administration & Communication

• Attend production meetings and contribute to the forward planning of upcoming shows and events.
• Manage technical staffing requirements, scheduling and resource allocation.
• Work with senior management on technical budgets, purchasing and expenditure.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, records, procedures and reports.
• Communicate effectively with internal departments, external production teams, suppliers and contractors.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, technical standards and team performance.

Essential Experience & Requirements

The successful candidate must have:

• Previous experience working in a theatre, live entertainment venue or similar professional performance environment.
• Proven experience in a technical management, supervisory or senior technical role.
• Strong practical knowledge and experience of professional sound and lighting systems.
• Experience in stage management and the technical delivery of live productions.
• Excellent understanding of technical equipment, including operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Proven experience managing, supervising and coordinating staff and technical crews.
• Experience preparing staff rotas and managing staffing requirements for live events.
• A strong understanding of building management, venue operations and site safety.
• Demonstrable knowledge of health and safety regulations, risk assessments and safe working practices within a live entertainment environment.
• Experience implementing and enforcing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• The confidence to deal directly with visiting production teams, tour managers, contractors and suppliers.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays and peak trading periods as required.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working across multiple venues or managing multiple technical teams.
• Knowledge of professional rigging, flying systems and stage automation.
• Experience with digital mixing consoles, lighting control systems, LED screens and video systems.
• Relevant qualifications or training in technical theatre, electrical safety, working at height, first aid or fire safety.
• Experience managing technical budgets, procurement and equipment maintenance contracts.
• Experience supporting large-scale touring productions, concerts and theatrical performances.

Working Hours & Expectations

This is a full-time position based on 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours to accommodate the operational needs of both venues.

Due to the nature of the entertainment industry, evening and weekend availability is essential, particularly during busy periods, show weeks and peak seasons.

The successful candidate must understand that this is not a traditional Monday to Friday role. Flexibility, reliability and a willingness to be present during key events are fundamental requirements of the position.

Working hours and rotas will be managed in accordance with operational requirements and applicable working time regulations.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Performance related bonus scheme.
• Employee discounts across our umbrella group of companies.
• The opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth and development of two established entertainment venues.
• A varied and exciting programme of live music, comedy, theatre and entertainment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A supportive and ambitious team with the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the business.

About Westwood One Theatre

Westwood One Theatre Ltd operates The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate and Margate Winter Gardens, bringing a diverse range of live entertainment, music, theatre, comedy and events to East Kent.

With an expanding programme of events and continued investment in our venues, we're looking for someone who shares our ambition to deliver exceptional live entertainment while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, technical delivery and safety.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced technical professional who enjoys leading a team, thrives in a busy live entertainment environment and is ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role.

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: Dependent on experience

Expected Hours: 40 per week

Work Location: The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate & Margate Winter Gardens

Weekend and evening availability essential.

Pay: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking

Work Location: In person