Are you experienced in lighting shows to the highest standards? Can you lead a team and manage a busy department? Can you work collaboratively and creatively with freelance teams to deliver outstanding results?

The RSC is looking for an experienced lighting professional to join us as our Head of Lighting, which involves leading the Lighting Department in maintaining the highest technical and artistic standards in our three theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon, at our regular residencies at the Barbican and on UK and international tours. You will be responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day activities within the department and will work closely with the Technical Director and Head of Technical Resources to plan for the future, whilst controlling production and departmental budgets.

Reporting directly to the Technical Director, you will positively and effectively lead a busy and experienced team of 12 colleagues, whilst working closely with creative teams, project staff and freelancers to deliver lighting solutions within budget and to planned timescales.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lighting some RSC productions agreed with the Artistic Director, Technical Director and creative teams
• Leading the lighting department, ensuring that staff are kept motivated and inspired and that training opportunities are encouraged with skill levels monitored and improved through development opportunities
• Planning and implementing the RSC's lighting policy whilst overseeing the acquisition, management, deployment and maintenance of the Company's lighting equipment
• Keeping up to date with industrial and professional bodies, to ensure the Company retains industry standards of work and equipment, making recommendations for relevant changes and updates
• Establishing the RSC as a leader in Theatre Lighting practice
• Working collaboratively with Production Managers, Creative Teams and others to determine lighting requirements for specific projects
• Leading on the preparation of designs and installations for other work undertaken by the RSC, for example, working with Learning & National Partnerships or Creative Placemaking and Public Programmes Departments, these can be inside or outside of the RSC buildings
• Managing and allocating budgets

The ideal candidate will have significant experience of lighting shows in theatre together with proven experience of working effectively and creatively with freelance teams. You must have proven leadership and management skills and be a confident communicator at all levels. A proactive and flexible approach to carrying out work are key criteria for this post. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated leader who can bring fresh ideas, new energy and excitement into the Department. You must have a good understanding of appropriate regulations and Health and Safety legislation to ensure we are keeping everyone safe at work.
This is a full time, permanent position, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, although some travel to other sites and venues in the UK and elsewhere will be required. However, please note that as part of the RSC's commitment to recovery from the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the working hours and salary for this role, alongside many others, have been temporarily reduced to 80% of the full-time rate, which equates to £44,765 per annum. This means that the hours on joining will be 38 hours per week. This will be reviewed in December 2021, with the intention of returning to full-time hours and salary when the circumstances allow.

The RSC strives for excellence, and values integrity, inclusion, ambition and innovation. We act with respect, show leadership and build resilient ways of working in all our activities.

We aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.