The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London.
Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.
Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities, and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.
Our boundary-pushing music programme is renowned for its range, ambition, and inclusivity. Alongside our partners, we provide some of the most exciting musical experiences in the capital, from dazzling classical concerts and opera to unique shows with leading contemporary artists, cutting-edge electronic creations, durational experiences, and cross-arts collaborations.
The role
The Barbican Music department is looking for a highly motivated, dynamic and experienced Technical Supervisor to motivate and inspire the technical team to deliver world-class events in the Concert Hall and associated areas, onsite and offsite.
Working within the Technical Team, the Technical Supervisor will be responsible for the supervision of the Technicians and the set up and operation of sound, lighting and audio-visual equipment, ensuring a consistently high standard of technical support. You’ll work alongside the Technical and Production Managers in assisting the planning of events, ensuring the best quality of service for our clients, whilst implementing health and safety and safe working practices. You’ll be expected to line-manage, supervise and delegate whilst creating a positive and constructive atmosphere within the Music team, fulfilling the aspirations of our diverse and dynamic music programme.
This role requires the post holder to work closely and collaboratively with the Barbican Centre’s Business Events team, the Creative Collaboration team, and all other Barbican departments and to represent the Music department from time to time by attending internal management and external production meetings.
The post holder will be expected to multi-task, manage and develop team members, and work under pressure; excellent interpersonal skills are essential.
Weekend and evening work is required on occasions for this role.
Role requirements:
1. Proven ability to lead, inspire and motivate a team in a multi-disciplinary venue at a supervisory level on artistic and commercial events.
2. A high level of technical knowledge and competence in sound, with a relevant recognised qualification or equivalent experience.
3. An understanding of lighting and video principles.
4. A knowledge of the music industry, both classical and contemporary, and a thorough understanding of all the creative processes of music-making.
5. Excellent knowledge of current technical equipment and an ability to select and set up sound, LX and AV equipment as requested by the Technical and
6. Production Managers.
7. Experience of line management and the ability to supervise and motivate technical team members, including permanent staff, freelancers and casuals.
8. Experience of liaising on a regular basis with artists, associates, commercial business clients, creative practitioners, and producers.
9. A good knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments and safe working practices and ability to identify and resolve Health and Safety issues.
10. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
11. Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively across boundaries to achieve positive outcomes.
To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please see the ‘Job Information Pack’.
If you have any questions about the role, our team, the wider organisation or the application process you can get in touch with one of our team by emailing. You might want to find out more about the kind of work we do or just ask a quick practical question about the application process. We can also share with you in advance the type of interview questions that will be asked on the day if you wish.
What We Offer:
• Barbican Membership
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Access to Barbican Centre discounts including offers at the Barbican Shop and hospitality outlets
• City Corporation staff benefits and discounts throughout the City of London, including at Tower Bridge, Guildhall Art Gallery and others
• Reciprocal entry to a number of galleries and museums across London
• Employee volunteering scheme (up to 2 days per year)
• A vibrant, creative, inclusive workplace at one of the world’s leading arts centres