Head of Technical

ABOUT CARRIAGEWORKS

Carriageworks is one of Australias most renowned and significant contemporary multi-artsorganisations. We support artists and producers to develop and present major new works in performance visualartsand related art forms. Reflecting the diverse communities of urban Sydney our artist-led program is ambitiousradicaland always inclusive.

CARRIAGEWORKS VALUES

• Respect Each Other: Everyone is welcome. Everyones voice is important. We learn from each other by listening with empathy and care.
• Share The Journey: Support others to be their best. We act with integrity and trust. We are collectively responsible.
• Be Adventurous: Embrace creativity. We search for courageous ideas and new opportunities.
• Take A Long View: Respect country prioritise sustainability and nurture new ways of thinking out of old. We lay foundations for generations to come.

OPPORTUNITY

Carriageworks is looking for an experienced Head of Technical to lead the planning and delivery of technical production across our dynamic program of performances festivals exhibitions and commercial events.

This senior role provides technical leadership across lighting audio rigging staging and venue systems ensuring productions are delivered safely efficiently and to the highest standard. Working across one of Australias most distinctive cultural precincts the Head of Technical plays a key role in enabling ambitious artistic work alongside major events and commercial activity.

Responsible for production budgeting equipment and infrastructure management and the leadership of technical crews the role works closely with the Director Events & Production and the Director Safety Risk & Building Facilities to ensure technical delivery supports artistic vision while maintaining strong safety practices financial discipline and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Design & Production Delivery

• Lead the technical design planning and delivery of productions exhibitions festivals and commercial events across the Carriageworks precinct.
• Serve as the organisations senior technical authority for production delivery ensuring consistent standards across venues and events.
• Provide high-level technical leadership across lighting audio vision staging rigging and power systems translating artistic and programming requirements into safe practical and technically sound production solutions.
• Scale between theatre precision andevent-style delivery.
• Review production plans for feasibility safety cost and technical suitability providing specifications costings and equipment recommendations.
• Oversee the installation operation and maintenance of rigging lighting AV and other technical systems ensuring industry standards and safety requirements are met.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation including venue specifications production drawings load calculations event plans and asset records.
• Coordinate staff equipment and contractors to ensure efficient and safe production delivery.
• Provide hands-on operational support during complex or high-volume delivery periods where required.
• Ensure technical standards documentation practices and safety expectations are consistently applied across productions and technical operations.
• Contribute technical advice on new equipment systems and infrastructure improvements that enhance production capability and efficiency.

WHS Leadership in Production Environments

• Lead safe work practices across all production and technical activities.
• Ensure compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) relevant Codes of Practice andindustry standards within production environments.
• Develop and maintain safe systems of work for technical activities including rigging staging electrical systems working at heights plant operation and other high-risk work.
• Lead risk assessments SWMS development hazard identification and technical safety procedures for productions and events.
• Ensure staff contractors and suppliers meet competency licensing induction and compliance requirements relevant to technical work.
• Support/lead incident reporting investigation and corrective actions in partnership with the safety team.
• Maintain safe backstage and technical work environments across all venues.

Equipment Infrastructure & Asset Management

• Oversee the maintenance servicing and certification of production equipment and technical infrastructure.
• Manage procurement of technical equipment ensuring assets remain safe reliable and fit for purpose.
• Maintain equipment inventories and asset records.
• Provide technical input into capital planning and equipment replacement programs.
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are implemented and maintained.

Production Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop and manage production budgets across artistic programs and commercial events.
• Provide accurate technical costings to inform programming contracting and commercialnegotiations.
• Monitor labour equipment and contractor costs to ensure delivery within approvedbudgets.
• Forecast technical resource requirements to support seasonal programming.
• Support effective pricing and coordination of technical services for commercial hiresand events.

Team Leadership & Workforce Planning

• Lead roster and develop the technical team and casual crew to meet the operational demands of productions and events.
• Plan workforce requirements across varying program scales including theatre seasons festivals and commercial events.
• Build a collaborative accountable and safety-focused culture within the production team.
• Oversee recruitment onboarding training and competency development of technical staff.
• Provide clear leadership coaching and performance management to maintain high standards of delivery.
• Ensure effective communication and knowledge sharing across the production team.

At Carriageworks we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that mirrors the creativity and dynamism of the arts we champion. If you share our passion for the arts and our commitment to excellence in quality communication we encourage you to apply and embark on a rewarding journey with us. Join our team and be a driving force behind the future of contemporary art in Australia.

PREFERRED CRITERIA

• Demonstrated senior experience leading technical or production teams within performing arts venues festivals multi-artform organisations or large-scale event environments.
• Advanced technical competence across lighting audio rigging fundamentals staging andvenue systems.
• Proven leadership of WHS compliance and safe systems of work within live production environments.
• Experience managing production budgets and technical resource planning.
• Strong understanding of technical requirements across performances exhibitions festivals and events.
• Experience overseeing equipment maintenance procurement and asset management.
• Proven ability to lead and resource technical crews across both theatre and event-style production environments.
• Excellent documentation discipline and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectivelywith artists producers and technical teams.
• Ability to undertake physical work where required including lifting and working atheights.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Vectorworks (or equivalent drafting software).
• Flexibility to work outside standard hours including evenings and weekends in line withevent schedules.

BENEFITS

• Access to complimentary tickets for Carriageworks shows.
• Paid parental leave.
• Strong diversity and inclusion priority.
• Employee discounts through our HR Platform.
• Employee Assistance Program.

APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume to outlining your experience against role responsibility areas. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Application closing date: Tuesday 24th March 2026