Head of Technical

Lead technical production at Carriageworks across performances, festivals and events, overseeing crews, budgets and safe delivery.

CARRIAGEWORKS  

Carriageworks is one of Australia’s most renowned and significant contemporary multi-arts organisations. We support artists and producers to develop and present major new works in performance, visual arts and related art forms. Reflecting the diverse communities of urban Sydney, our artist-led program is ambitious, radical and always inclusive. 

CARRIAGEWORKS VALUES       

• Respect Each Other: Everyone is welcome. Everyone’s 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.   

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Head of Technical leads the technical design, planning and delivery of productions, events, exhibitions and commercial events across Carriageworks.

The role provides senior technical leadership across lighting, audio, rigging, staging and venue systems, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of all production activity.

The role supports the delivery of a diverse program spanning contemporary performance, large-scale events, multi-artform exhibitions and commercial events within one of Australia’s most distinctive cultural precincts.

The position is responsible for production budgeting, equipment maintenance and procurement, and crew leadership, ensuring technical operations are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with the organisation’s artistic and commercial program.

Working closely with the Director, Events & Production and the Director, Safety, Risk & Building Facilities, the role ensures technical delivery supports artistic ambition 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 organisation’s 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 and event-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 and industry 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 commercial negotiations.
• Monitor labour, equipment and contractor costs to ensure delivery within approved budgets.
• Forecast technical resource requirements to support seasonal programming.
• Support effective pricing and coordination of technical services for commercial hires and 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.

Position Requirements

Skills & Experience

• 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 and venue 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 effectively with artists, producers and technical teams.
• Ability to undertake physical work where required, including lifting and working at heights.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Vectorworks (or equivalent drafting software).
• Flexibility to work outside standard hours, including evenings and weekends, in line with event 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 [email protected] outlining your experience against role responsibility areas. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Application closing date: Tuesday 24th March 2026