Deputy Head of Stage - Garrick Theatre

Deputy Head of Stage 

Job description

Department:                           

Stage

Responsible to:                         

Theatre Manager

Responsible for:                    

Senior Stage Technician

Stage Technician

Show Crew Stage

Key internal contacts:           

Theatre Management

Electrics Department

Stage Door

Box Office

Operations Department

Buildings Department

Health and Safety Consultant

Nimax Senior Management Team

Key external contacts:            

Visiting Companies

Production Teams

Contractors and Suppliers

Licencing Authority / Westminster City Council

London Fire Brigade

Training Providers

About Nimax Theatre

Owned by Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer, Nimax Theatres is an entrepreneurial and innovative organisation that owns and operates six theatres in the heart of London’s West End – the Apollo, Duchess, Garrick, Lyric, Palace, and Vaudeville. Additionally, Nica Burns has built an exciting new flexible theatre located at the top of Charing Cross Road, @sohoplace, which has recently opened and has a close operational relationship with Nimax Theatres.

Our theatres currently have a combined capacity of 5,600 seats and, in addition to hosting some of the UK’s most critically acclaimed and successful plays and musicals, present a busy and varied programme of comedy, concerts and children’s theatre.

We are a unique, diverse, loyal team founded on respect.  We are here to put on great shows that people want to come and see and deliver a fantastic experience in beautiful buildings.

About this role

The Deputy Head of Stage will assist the Head of Stage with the upkeep, maintenance and repair of the stage infrastructure and flying system(s), and the overall management of the Stage Department. They will support visiting productions, maintain the building and takes a leading role in health and safety and compliance.

Key duties and responsibilities

HR

• To assist with ensuring that accurate weekly rotas are processed, managed and updated for all departmental staff.


• To ensure all personnel starters are processed in line with Government and Company Policy.


• To assist the Head of Stage in keeping accurate records of the departmental holiday and sickness.


• To assist the effective daily staffing of the department.


• To assist the Head of Stage in the training of departmental staff.

Operation

• In the absence of the Head of Stage, ensure the efficient scheduling of departmental staff as required for the smooth operation of the performance/event.


• To ensure that maintenance tasks are carried out within the agreed timescales.


• To attend regular departmental meetings as required.


• To attend Pre-production Meetings to aid smooth running of performances/events.


• To work closely with Productions/Events ensuring their stage technical needs are met as economically as possible.


• To order materials and services required by the Stage Department in accordance with the company’s approved procedures.


• To ensure the safe and efficient stage get-in, fit-up and get-out of any events at the theatre.


• To ensure the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of all stage equipment within the theatre.


• To carry out or ensure that any daily maintenance issues are dealt with in a timely manner.


• To act as Duty Stage for the building.


• To work as part of the Stage Crew during shows and, if required, to operate the flys.

Health and Safety

• To carry out any Risk Assessments as required, reviewing and updating on a regular basis.


• To ensure that the required daily/weekly/monthly checks are carried out in line with Company Procedure and recorded in the relevant log book.


• To ensure that storage areas are kept in good order and that all stage equipment and tools are maintained to retain a safe and smooth running operation.


• In conjunction with the Master Carpenter, ensure that all planned preventative maintenance for the stage equipment and theatre building is carried out.


• To carry out regular maintenance for the stage equipment and Theatre building when required.


• When required, to act as the theatre representative for contractors on site with regard to the stage equipment and theatre building.


• When required, to ensure that all maintenance work complies with current Health & Safety legislation, Westminster City Council and London Fire Brigade guidelines.


• To liaise with the resident company on stage maintenance matters.


• To ensure that the stage equipment is maintained and cleaned to ensure the correct operation.

General

• To attend training courses as required.


• To adhere to all Health & Safety procedures to minimise the risk of injury and accidents.


• To complete any other delegated supervisory task that assists the company to achieve its business objectives.

This job description is not an exhaustive document but reflects the current position and details may be changed from time to time. The post-holder will be required to carry out any other duties as may be reasonably requested consistent with their job title and status. The duties contained within this Job Description must be performed at all times within the Company’s stated guidelines and operational policies

Person specification

Essential

• Significant experience at as a full-time member of the Stage department in a theatre or other live performance venue.


• IOSH Managing Safely (Events or Theatres) qualification or equivalent, relevant health and safety qualification, along with significant experience of practical safety management in live performance or events environment.


• Knowledge and experience of counterweight flying systems


• Knowledge and experience of hemp flying systems (Garrick and Vaudeville Theatres only).


• Experience and understanding of current best practice relating to rigging, working at height and the application of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (‘CDM’) to the entertainment industry.

• IT competence; experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.


• Time management skills and experience of working under pressure and to deadlines.


• A natural problem-solver, with a passion for devising creative solutions.

Desirable

• Rigging qualification (National Rigging Certificate or equivalent).


• CAD software competency


• PASMA qualification.


• IPAF licence.


• First Aid At Work qualification.


• Experience of working for a producing organisation in a directly relevant role.


• Experience of managing and leading teams, with strong personnel management and communication skills and good emotional intelligence.

Nimax Theatres Limited is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for employees, job applicants and customers alike. We actively encourage job applications from all backgrounds.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. The closing date for applications is 9am, Monday 14th July 2025.

We reserve the right to close the application process early if we receive a very high number of applicants so interested candidates should please apply asap. If you have not heard from us within 14 days of the deadline please assume you have not been successful on this occasion.