Do you have a demonstrable track record of delivering the technical and production aspects of large-scale theatre? Are you experienced in, and committed to leading, inspiring, and developing people? Is your understanding of equipment and systems in technical theatre up to date? Do you understand the developments in making theatre sustainable, including in a large and complex organisation? Are you dedicated to fostering a safe, equitable and inclusive working environment?

The RSC is looking for a Technical Director to be responsible for the management and delivery of all technical and production aspects of the RSC's creative output, on and offstage, in person and online, in Stratford-upon-Avon, London, around the UK and in national and international partnerships. This pivotal role is responsible for shaping the technical and production teams and working practices, so that ambitious and flexible programmes of work can be delivered safely, effectively and within agreed resources, whilst fostering a culture of respect, accountability and creative problem solving, to maximise income generation opportunities. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Artistic Programming Team, you will play an important part in the strategic development and integration of the organisation and the shaping of an outstanding creative programme that is relevant, collaborative, and inclusive.

As the RSC's Technical Director, you will report directly to the Artistic Director and be responsible for our Technical and Production operation, comprising around 20 departments, including our scenic workshops on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon, and around 175 staff.
Key areas of responsibility include:

Strategic Leadership
• Providing overall leadership and direction to the technical and production teams
• Contributing to the creation and implementation of the RSC's 2022-2027 strategic plan
• Overseeing the planning and management of the technical aspects of touring productions
• Developing and defining the strategy, objectives and accountability framework for the technical and production teams in alignment with the Company's overall strategy

Technical and Production
• Ensuring productions are effectively planned, scheduled, budgeted, implemented, and reviewed
• Continuously reviewing working practices, planning processes and opportunities for cross-department working to ensure effectiveness and efficiency
• Ensuring a positive experience for creative teams
• Operating to the highest standards of health and safety in accordance with policy and statutory obligations
• Planning managing and reviewing resources and budgets effectively, driving gains in efficiency and maximising commercial opportunities.

Team Leadership and Management
• Managing, inspiring, developing and motivating direct reports by providing sufficient direction, support, performance management and development
• Developing strong management structures and systems, identifying and affecting change where necessary whilst carrying out continuous reviews
• Investing in positive collaborative relationships across the RSC
• Ensuring Heads of Departments plan activity and lead their teams to ensure that current and future projects can be achieved to the appropriate standards.

We are looking for a highly experienced and established leader with significant technical, production and management knowledge gained, most likely, from a large-scale producing venue and/or repertory theatre, but potentially in a freelance capacity. You must have a strong track record of setting up and managing large scale tours, in the UK and internationally. It is essential that you have operated at a strategic level in a previous role and that you have a demonstrable passion for theatre-making. This role requires excellent technical skills, with comprehensive knowledge of current equipment and systems used across all main areas of technical theatre, together with an appreciation and understanding of the pressures and opportunities that making world-class theatre presents.

We are committed to the RSC becoming effectively anti-racist and anti-discriminatory, and inclusion, relevance, social justice and diversity are fundamental to how we work. We are looking for a leader who proactively demonstrates these values in everything they do.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, at a vital time of recovery for the Arts sector and the RSC, you will work collaboratively with peer Directors to contribute and develop the RSC's 2022-2027 strategic plan. You will represent the perspective of technical and production teams, and communicate decisions, approaches and strategy to those teams. You must have experience of leading and motivating managers in multi-skilled departments, to deliver projects successfully and a track record of doing this in a large scale, complex, unionised environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about developing and leading people, be committed to changing lives through the power of theatre, have a commercial outlook and the capacity to learn, change and grow.

You will be expected to work the hours necessary, reflecting the programme of activity, to perform your role, which will include some evenings and weekends at various locations in the UK. You will be expected to exercise a degree of autonomy over the hours as necessary to fulfil your duties. All hours should be worked in accordance with the RSC Working Time Policy.

We are committed to a culture of flexible working. The role will be based in Stratford- Upon-Avon, however there will be the opportunity for some flexibility in hours and location of work, ensuring that the specific remit of the role is delivered.

All applications should be made online using the RSC website. If you need any assistance when applying, please email jobs@rsc.org.uk

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.