About the Role

The Head of Workshop is responsible for leading our scenic workshop team in realising and building set designs for all Wiltshire Creative productions, setting and managing budgets and ensuring the required high quality for our set builds.

The role will take responsibility for project managing builds, working with designers and the production team, and overseeing freelance construction and artists. The Head of Workshop will develop a longer-term strategy for developing the function and team to deliver external commissions and additional income streams.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-production work

• To work on CAD plans for shows prior to construction
• To realise designs from plans and models
• To advise on choice of materials and construction methods
• To order all necessary materials
• To employ and co-ordinate any freelance staff associated with the build

Set Construction

• To produce scenery, using a variety of techniques, to deadlines set by the Production and Technical Director for all Wiltshire Creative productions including: inhouse productions across the company’s venue, for our productions as part of Salisbury Arts Festival (with some external venues being part of this), Youth Theatre productions and Take Part programme projects
• To occasionally proactively seek external work and produce scenery for external partners
• To assist with the fit-up and get-out on stage in Salisbury and at partner venues on occasion
• To proactively work towards Wiltshire Creative’s sustainability goals, including working to Theatre Green Book rules where necessary

Finance and management

• To cost set designs and other projects in terms of materials and timescales
• To set and manage overheads budgets for the workshop function, ensuring work is completed within budget
• To develop a long-term strategy to ensure the financial viability of the workshop
• To line manage the permanent Workshop team, including:
• Setting and monitoring individual and team objectives
• Ensuring effective recruitment, training and development of Workshop staff
• Engaging and motivating the team to perform at their best and deliver excellent standards of construction
• Conduct regular performance reviews and appraisals as per our People policies
• To ensure that working hours are well managed

Maintenance

• To schedule and document annual maintenance of workshop machinery
• To carry out repairs to scenery where necessary
• To take care of tools and equipment adhering to good housekeeping practices both in the workshop and on stage.
• To assist with repairs/improvements to the theatre buildings as skills and time allow

Health and Safety

• To be responsible for Health and Safety procedures both in the workshop and on stage
• To undertake and/or provide training in the use of equipment where necessary
• To keep up to date with Health and Safety legislation regarding set construction and installation

General

• To always act in the best interests of Wiltshire Creative
• To take positive action to promote Equal Opportunities in all aspects of the work of Wiltshire Creative
• To agree to abide by Wiltshire Creative’s policies, as set out in the Staff Handbook
• To maintain confidentiality in all areas relating to Wiltshire Creative
• To maximise income and minimise expenditure wherever possible
• To be flexible and to undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by Management

About You

Experience

• A strong and extensive working knowledge of scenery construction

• Practical experience and knowledge of safely working with workshop tools and machinery and able to work with a variety of materials

• Experience of leading or developing a theatre workshop

• Experience of managing budgets

Skills

• Ability to interpret technical drawings and experience of using AutoCAD or equivalent software

• IT literacy, including Excel for planning and budgeting
• Strong people management skills, with previous line management experience

• Strong innovation and problem-solving skills

• Able to plan and prioritise within tight deadlines and under pressure

• Up to date knowledge, experience and training in Health and Safety issues

Attributes

• A strong team-player with evidence of excellent working relationships with a range of creative teams and freelancers

• Confident in maintaining high standards and exercising quality control

• Reasonable standard of physical fitness (this job involves physically strenuous work and manual handling)

• Working knowledge of Theatre Green Book and a commitment to environmentally sustainable practice

• Ability to work anti-social hours on occasion (evenings and weekends)

Download the Recruitment Pack

View/Download Head of Workshop Recruitment Pack