Buildings and Technical Manager

Buildings and Technical Manager

ALEXANDRA ARTS CENTRE – BOGNOR REGIS

Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full Time | Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week

AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

Arun Arts Ltd, the charitable organisation and venue operator behind the new Alexandra Arts Centre, is seeking an experienced, proactive and community-focused Buildings & Technical Manager to join the organisation at a hugely exciting time in the venue’s redevelopment and future reopening.

Following a major redevelopment, the Alexandra Arts Centre will become a flagship cultural venue for Bognor Regis and the wider region, helping drive regeneration, creativity, community engagement and economic growth within the town.

The venue will include a 396-seat theatre, multiple studio and community spaces, food and beverage operations, and a varied programme of professional performances, community activity, education, events and commercial hires.

This role represents a rare opportunity to help shape a newly redeveloped venue from the ground up, playing a leading role in both the technical delivery and operational readiness of the organisation.

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

“We are looking for someone who understands that technical and building operations are fundamental to creating a safe, professional and welcoming venue experience.

This role requires someone who is hands-on, solutions-focused and passionate about maintaining high operational standards, whilst also understanding the wider role the venue will play within the local community.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Venue Director, Board, operational partners and visiting companies to help establish the Alexandra Arts Centre as a safe, respected and ambitious cultural venue for Bognor Regis.”

Ollie Jeffery
Chair, Arun Arts Ltd

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting directly to the Venue Director, the Buildings & Technical Manager will have responsibility for the safe, efficient and professional operation of the venue’s technical infrastructure, building systems and production delivery.

This is a senior operational role requiring strong technical knowledge, leadership skills and a proactive approach to venue operations, compliance and maintenance.

The successful candidate will lead the technical operation of the venue whilst also playing a key role in the mobilisation and opening phase of the Alexandra Arts Centre, helping establish operational systems, technical standards, maintenance procedures and safe working practices across the organisation.

The role combines technical theatre management, health & safety leadership, building operations, contractor management, production delivery and team leadership.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Venue Director, Marketing & Development Manager, visiting companies, contractors, volunteers, trustees and external partners including The Guildhall Trust.

PRE-OPENING MOBILISATION & VENUE HANDOVER

A significant and important part of this role will take place prior to the public opening of the Alexandra Arts Centre.

The successful candidate is expected to join the organisation approximately 4–5 months prior to opening in order to support the mobilisation, operational readiness and technical handover process for the venue.

This period will be critical in helping establish the operational standards, technical systems and safe working practices required for a successful launch and long-term operation of the venue.

Working closely with the Venue Director, Board of Trustees, contractors, consultants, The Guildhall Trust and wider project stakeholders, the Buildings & Technical Manager will play a leading role in preparing the venue for operational use.

Responsibilities during this phase will include:

• Supporting the technical and operational handover process from contractors and project teams
• Developing maintenance schedules, inspection routines and asset management processes
• Assisting in the setup and commissioning of technical systems and venue infrastructure
• Reviewing, testing and familiarising themselves with all building systems, operational equipment and technical installations
• Supporting the development of operational procedures, technical standards and safe systems of work
• Assisting with the creation of training processes, induction procedures and operational documentation
• Supporting the implementation of health & safety systems, compliance procedures and emergency planning processes
• Assisting with contractor coordination, snagging and defect management where required
• Reviewing and maintaining existing technical equipment which may not have been in operational use for a prolonged period during redevelopment
• Supporting operational readiness exercises, technical testing and pre-opening activities
• Assisting with recruitment, onboarding and familiarisation training for technical staff, casual crew and volunteers
• Supporting communication and reporting processes with the Board and key stakeholders during the mobilisation and opening period

The successful candidate should be excited by the opportunity to help shape the venue from the ground up and understand that the mobilisation and opening phase will require a flexible, proactive and highly collaborative approach.

TECHNICAL & PRODUCTION LEADERSHIP

The Buildings & Technical Manager will lead the venue’s technical operation and production delivery across performances, events, hires and community activity.

This role requires a strong hands-on technical theatre background combined with the ability to lead teams, maintain high operational standards and support a wide variety of productions and events within a modern multi-purpose venue environment.

Responsibilities may include:

• Leading the safe and efficient delivery of productions, events and technical operations
• Acting as the primary operational contact for visiting companies, technical hires and production teams
• Supporting and delivering get-ins, get-outs, rehearsals, performances and event changeovers
• Acting as Duty Technician or Duty Technical Manager for performances and events where required
• Operating performances and events across technical disciplines where required, including:
• Lighting operation and programming
• Sound operation and mixing
• Stage management and show calling
• Rigging and stage engineering operations
• Projection and AV systems
• Effects and atmospheric systems where appropriately trained
• Leading and supervising casual technicians, freelancers, visiting crews and contractors
• Ensuring visiting productions are delivered safely, professionally and efficiently whilst maintaining excellent customer service standards
• Supporting production management for in-house productions, community events and commercial hires
• Assisting with the specification, maintenance and future development of technical systems and infrastructure across the venue
• Supporting the Venue Director in assessing the operational and commercial impact of technical and production decisions
• Maintaining high standards of stage presentation, technical delivery and operational professionalism throughout the venue

The successful candidate should be comfortable operating within a multi-skilled environment and leading by example through a practical and collaborative approach.

The role will also play an important part in nurturing future talent within the organisation and wider community.

This includes:

• Supporting apprenticeships, trainee opportunities and work placements
• Helping develop technical theatre skills amongst young people and emerging professionals
• Working positively with local colleges, schools and education partners
• Supporting volunteer development and training opportunities
• Encouraging an inclusive and supportive learning culture within the technical department

The Alexandra Arts Centre aims to become not only a professional venue, but also a place where future generations can access opportunities, develop skills and gain experience within the arts and live events industry.

BUILDINGS, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

The Buildings & Technical Manager will play a key role in maintaining the operational readiness, safety and presentation of the Alexandra Arts Centre.

Responsibilities will include:

• Day-to-day management of the Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Leading the ongoing maintenance and operational management of the venue building and infrastructure
• Developing and implementing maintenance schedules, procedures and operational systems
• Managing contractors and specialist suppliers across maintenance and technical disciplines
• Supporting venue mobilisation and operational readiness during the redevelopment and opening period
• Ensuring technical and operational equipment is maintained to a high standard
• Monitoring venue presentation, housekeeping and operational standards throughout the building
• Supporting future operational planning for outreach activity, temporary events and external projects where required
• Assisting the Venue Director and Board on technical and operational planning matters

HEALTH, SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

Health, safety and compliance will form a major part of this role.

The Buildings & Technical Manager will help lead a positive culture of safety, professionalism and operational accountability across the organisation.

Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting safe working practices across all productions, events and operational activity
• Leading and documenting inductions, toolbox talks and contractor briefings
• Supporting compliance with CDM regulations and safe systems of work
• Assisting with risk assessments, method statements and operational procedures
• Supporting compliance across areas including:
• Fire safety
• Working at height
• LOLER
• PUWER
• COSHH
• Accessibility
• Contractor management
• Ensuring PAT testing, inspection schedules and equipment maintenance records are maintained appropriately
• Supporting emergency planning and incident management procedures
• Working closely with the Venue Director regarding wider organisational compliance responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to champion safe working practices whilst maintaining a practical and solutions-focused approach to venue operations.

LEADERSHIP & TEAM MANAGEMENT

The Buildings & Technical Manager will support the development of a positive, collaborative and professional operational culture across the organisation.

Responsibilities will include:

• Line management of technical staff, casual technicians and freelancers
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding and training where required
• Preparing rotas and supporting staffing requirements across events and performances
• Supporting volunteers and community users in the safe use of venue spaces and technical facilities
• Working collaboratively with the Venue Director and wider management team
• Supporting the wider organisational aims of the Alexandra Arts Centre as both a professional venue and community organisation

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS

Community engagement sits at the heart of the Alexandra Arts Centre’s vision.

The successful candidate will be expected to support a welcoming and inclusive environment for community users, local organisations, visiting artists and audiences.

This includes:

• Working positively with local community groups and hirers
• Supporting participation activity and community events
• Building positive relationships with visiting companies, schools, colleges and local organisations
• Supporting outreach activity and external events where required
• Supporting apprenticeships, trainee opportunities and work placements within the technical department
• Encouraging access into the live events and theatre industry for young people and emerging professionals
• Acting as a mentor and positive role model for future technical talent within the organisation
• Acting as a professional and approachable ambassador for the organisation

THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking someone who combines strong technical knowledge with operational leadership, professionalism and a collaborative approach.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working within a theatre, live events, arts venue or similar public-facing environment
• Have strong technical theatre knowledge across multiple disciplines
• Be experienced in operational safety and compliance management
• Have knowledge of BMS systems
• Be confident leading teams and managing technical operations
• Be practical, calm under pressure and solutions-focused
• Have strong organisational and communication skills
• Be comfortable balancing technical standards with customer experience and commercial realities
• Be approachable, collaborative and community-minded
• Be excited by the opportunity to help shape a newly redeveloped venue from the ground up

HOURS & WORKING EXPECTATIONS

This is a full-time role based on 40 hours per week.

Due to the nature of venue operations, the successful candidate will be expected to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays and attendance at performances, events and key organisational activities where required.

As part of the venue’s mobilisation and opening period, there will be an expectation that the successful candidate provides significant additional commitment during the first six months of operation to support operational setup, technical readiness, staffing support and venue opening activity.

Flexibility, visibility within the venue and a proactive hands-on approach during this critical period will be essential.

Probation & Notice

The successful candidate will be subject to a six-month probationary period.

During probation, either party may terminate employment by providing one month's written notice.

Following successful completion of probation, the notice period will increase to three months' written notice from either party                                                       

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Arun Arts Ltd is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible organisation which reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, particularly those currently underrepresented within the arts, cultural and live events sectors.

We believe diversity strengthens organisations, creativity and communities, and we are committed to building a culture based on respect, opportunity and inclusion.

WHY JOIN US?

This is more than a technical management role.

This is an opportunity to help shape a major new cultural destination at the heart of a community, support the safe and successful operation of a newly redeveloped venue, and play a key role in building something lasting for Bognor Regis.

RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including proof of right to work in the UK, references and any other checks considered appropriate for the role. Where relevant, an appropriate DBS check may be required.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.

Closing Date: 30^th September 2026

First Round Interviews (Online): Week commencing 28 September 2026

Expected Start Date: Winter 2026

How to Apply: Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Please submit to our Recruitment team @ jobs@alexandraartscentre.org.uk