Manager, Technical Production

Company Overview

Harbourfront Centre is a leader in providing internationally renowned artistic, educational and recreational programming across a beautiful 10-acre campus at the heart of Toronto’s waterfront. For more than 45 years, Harbourfront Centre has celebrated the best in Canadian culture and the rich mosaic of cultures from around the world, presenting thousands of events annually from music festivals to contemporary dance, to craft and design, to visual arts and more. Welcoming visitors year-round, there is something for everyone at Harbourfront Centre!

Job Description

We are looking to bring on board an experienced, organized and resourceful Manager, Technical Production to oversee the technical operations of Harbourfront Centre’s indoor and outdoor venues, as well as all production equipment and properties.

 

Position Title: Manager, Technical Production

Department: Production

Reporting To: Director, Production

Direct Reports: Senior Technical Coordinator & Technicians

Type of Employment: Full time, 35 hours per week

Compensation: $68,000 to $75,000 annual salary, plus a comprehensive benefits package

Work Location: Toronto

 

Summary of Function:

As a member of the Production Team, the Manager, Technical Production is responsible for the managing the technical operations of Harbourfront Centre including venues within the Artport Building, Stage in the Park, Concert Stage and other outdoor venues. This role has oversight and ownership of all production equipment at Harbourfront Centre including all lighting, sound, video, staging and properties.

The Manager, Technical Production will support the Production Managers and Coordinators in analyzing and evaluating the need for technical support for various events and performances; plan, develop, schedule and provide the technical supports required for events or performances as required; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; design lighting and sound systems appropriate to each venue, oversee technical coordinator and union stage crews; advise production managers/coordinators on technical riders and production estimates, coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment; maintain inventory of necessary supplies; assist in budget preparation both operating and capital; establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of various groups, vendors, and co-workers.

 

Duties:

• Maintain and safeguard the technical assets of the theatre, including supervision of the use of lighting, sound, communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of stage facilities.
• Full-cycle staff management of Technicians & Technical Coordinator including recruitment, scheduling, task assignment, training and performance management.
• Collaborate with production leads in determining the necessary technical supports, such as lighting, sound, staging, and special needs, necessary for events and performances presented at the facility in advance of production dates.
• Assist with the interpretation of technical riders and oversee technical packages prepared by Production staff.
• Design and maintain lighting and sound systems for theatre, dance, music, and other productions and projects; assist guest designers and artists with technical matters.
• Supervise and assist with set and stage construction and management.
• Orient clients and visiting productions to safety, technical characteristics and other areas of facility operations; facilitate the use of the technical facilities by the resident company and others engaged by or renting the facility.
• Monitor the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arrange for the repair and replacement; perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Attend technical rehearsals, as required, in order to supervise and assist in the technical aspects of the mounting the show.
• Liaise with Harbourfront Centre Site and Operations to identify site requirements for events and scheduling. Make recommendations regarding facilities, site development, maintenance and equipment inventory/purchases as they relate to production activities.
• Advise Harbourfront Centre Artistic Directors/Associates and Production staff, and visiting production managers, lighting and sound designers, on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for festivals, events and individual shows, and supervise the implementation of approved technical designs.
• Attend planning, programming, partner and client meetings, as required, to exchange information and ideas.
• Participate in the evaluation of festivals, events and shows, making recommendations and implementing procedural changes.
• Participate in regular department meetings and follow through on production management action items.
• Assist with the preparation and control of production budgets; maintain inventory and order specialized supplies.
• Assist with the oversight of the Technical Services operating budget, monitor expenses, submit annual operating budget proposal, review budgets and follow up on any budget issues and challenges.
• Reconcile cash advances and expense reports as required.
• Obtain competitive quotes from external vendors when required and evaluate quotes for accuracy.
• Make recommendations to the senior management team regarding capital purchases of technical equipment.
• Ensure all events, staffing, production schedules and other related functions are captured in Harbourfront Centre’s event management systems Artifax.
• Assist the Director, Production, and senior management in the development, implementation and monitoring of operational procedures and guidelines for the Production department.

 

 Requirements:

• Post-secondary education with 5 to 10 years demonstrated experience in technical/production in theatre, dance and music.
• 5+ years supervisory experience.
• Previous experience in a unionized environment and ability to interpret collective agreements.
• Working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures of theatre, dance, and music productions and presentations including stage, set, sound and lighting design and implementation; stage management; computerized lighting systems; stage carpentry; appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Working knowledge of various video presentation systems including projectors, LED screens, cameras, switchers, streaming equipment and protocols as well as video capture devices.
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience and knowledge of AutoCad and/or Vectorworks is desirable.
• Safe overhead rigging materials and methods. ·
• Strong understanding of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Guidelines for the Performance Industry.
• Strong passion for the arts and client engagement.
• Previous experience with event management and CRM databases is considered an asset.
• Highly effective communication, presentation, interpersonal and relationship building skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Collaborative aptitude, seeking and celebrating the contribution of others.
• Results oriented and proactive, with the ability to multitask, prioritize and work independently.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards and a pursuit of excellence and innovation.
• Current Province of Ontario driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Current Working at Heights Certificate.
• This role is based in Toronto. As such, candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. All international applicants must have a valid employment Visa authorizing their ability to work in Canada on a full-time, ongoing basis.
• Harbourfront Centre recognizes its heightened duty to protect employees from the health and safety risks associated with COVID-19. As such, an offer of employment shall be conditional on proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization.

 

Our Values:

Open: We’re friendly, welcoming and inclusive, with an experimental attitude that thrives on collaboration.

Brave: To achieve our bold ambition we empower and support imaginative risk and we always try to learn from our mistakes.

Rigorous: We are committed to excellence in all we do, ensuring every visitor encounter is safe, memorable and enriching.

Kind: We value and respect each other and all our visitors, celebrating difference and striving to realise potential.