Director of Stage Engineering

We’re hiring: Director of Stage Engineering – Growth & Client Leadership at Theatreplan (London / Hybrid, international applicants welcome) Theatreplan - the specialist theatre consultancy behind the technical upgrades at venues such as the Royal Opera House, Sydney Opera House, Esplanade - Theatres-on the-Bay in Singapore, Royal Albert Hall and Barbican in London – is looking for a  Director of Stage Engineering  to drive the  growth of our stage engineering practice  and deepen relationships with clients worldwide.
📍  Location:  Central London (hybrid – office Tue–Thu, remote Mon & Fri) 💷 Salary: £80,000–£110,000 per annum, depending on experience 🌍 international candidates welcome to apply – we’ll discuss any visa/sponsorship requirements with shortlisted candidates as part of the process.
About Theatreplan For over 40 years, Theatreplan has been creating and re-imagining performance spaces across the UK and around the world – from theatres and opera houses to concert halls, cinemas and motion capture studios. We partner with leading architects and design teams to deliver  bespoke technical solutions  for some of the most demanding and high-profile performance environments. We partner with leading architects and design teams to deliver high-profile performance environments.
Stage engineering is at the heart of our work. Our team is known for innovative, custom-designed systems and for nurturing long-term relationships with clients who come back to us for successive projects as their buildings and ambitions evolve.
The role: Director of Stage Engineering (Business Development & Growth) This is a senior leadership role for someone who wants to help  grow the business as well as shape the technical solutions. You’ll be a key figure in  developing our client base, opening new markets and winning work  – while also overseeing the quality of our stage engineering designs and delivery. In this role, you will:

• Lead business development for stage engineering, identifying opportunities, nurturing relationships and helping to secure projects across the UK and internationally.
• Lead major stage engineering projects for new and existing theatres and opera houses, from concept through to delivery.
• Act as a trusted adviser to venue operators, producers, architects and project managers – understanding their strategic objectives and shaping Theatreplan’s response.
• Represent Theatreplan at industry events, conferences and networks, raising our profile and building a strong pipeline of future work.
• Supervise and mentor Stage Engineers, helping them grow their technical and client facing skills.
• Develop concepts for bespoke mechanical systems and collaborate with the team to model them in 3D.
• Attend site meetings and inspections worldwide, working closely with specialist stage engineering contractors.
• Contribute to Theatreplan’s broader strategy as part of the management team.

If you enjoy, building relationships and spotting opportunities, as much as you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, this role is for you.
About you We’re looking for an experienced stage engineering professional who is also a  confident, commercial, client facing leader . You’ll probably have at least 10+ years’ experience  in operating, designing or specifying stage engineering systems, and may currently be:

• Head of Automation (fixed venue or touring)
• A Design Engineer specialising in stage engineering
• A Theatre Consultant with deep stage engineering experience
• A Technical or Production Manager with significant stage engineering responsibilities

You’ll bring:

• A strong engineering background and significant experience operating, managing or specifying stage engineering systems.
• A track record of building relationships with clients and collaborators and contributing to winning work or developing new services.
• Confidence in representing an organisation externally – presenting at meetings and events and engaging credibly with senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in 2D CAD and some exposure to 3D modelling (or a willingness to develop this – we use Revit).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including clear technical writing.
• Experience of leading, coaching or managing others.
• A genuine interest in the arts and live performance, and how venues function artistically, operationally and financially.

Experience in functional safety, control theory, software (e.g. Python/VBA) or the application of AI in consultancy would be an advantage but is not essential.
What we offer

• Competitive salary £80,000–£110,000, depending on experience.
• Hybrid working – central London office (Russell Square) Tue–Thu, home‑working Mon & Fri.
• Projects across the UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Middle East.
• Contributory pension and company bonus scheme.
• Season ticket loan and cycle scheme after one year’s service.
• Structured induction, targeted training and ongoing professional development.
• Potential for company sponsorship to work in the UK

Diversity & inclusion We want to attract the  widest and most diverse pool of qualified candidates . We particularly welcome applications from  women, Black and Asian people, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities . We’re happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the role.We welcome applications from candidates based in the UK and internationally. Appointment will be subject to the right to work in the UK, and we will discuss any visa or sponsorship requirements with shortlisted candidates as part of the process.
How to apply 📧 Please download the job pack from: www.theatreplan.com/projects/work-with-us We use a short  application form instead of CVs . You’ll be asked to:

• Complete the Theatreplan Job Application Form.
• Provide a supporting statement (up to one side of A4) explaining how you meet the selection criteria.
• Provide a brief statement of three significant achievements relevant to the role (up to one side of A4).
• (Optional) Share a portfolio of relevant work as a PDF

🕔  Closing date:  Friday 13 March at midnight GMT We look forward to receiving your application.