Production and Technical manager

National Theatre Melbourne is seeking a skilled and hands-on Production & Technical Manager to lead all technical, production and backstage operations

The National Theatre Melbourne is seeking a skilled and hands-on Production & Technical Manager to lead all technical, production and backstage operations across our historic St Kilda venues.

This is a key leadership role within a small, dedicated team, responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient and professional delivery of technical, production and backstage operations across all performances, venue hires from our diverse range of presenters. Along with overseeing the maintenance and development of all technical systems.

About the Role

Working closely with the Executive Manager – Theatre, you will:

• Lead technical operations across lighting, audio, AV, staging, rigging and fly systems
• Maintain and develop technical systems, documentation and long‑term improvement plans
• Lead the technical delivery of all productions, events and venue hires
• Interpret technical riders and provide practical, safe and creative solutions.
• Mentor and supervise casual technical staff
• Uphold best‑practice OH&S, SWMS, risk management and emergency procedures
• Build strong relationships with hirers, presenters, schools, contractors and suppliers
• Manage technical budgets, maintenance and capital upgrades
• Contribute to organisational planning and departmental collaboration

With a small core team, this is a hands‑on role that blends leadership with practical technical work, venue maintenance and facilities support.

About You

You are an experienced production/technical manager with:

• Strong operational technical knowledge across lighting, sound, AV, rigging and staging
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams and rostering casual crew.
• Confidence interpreting riders from a technical perspective and delivering complex productions
• A commitment to safety, collaboration and high‑quality technical standards
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends

Desirable qualifications include Test & Tag, Working at Heights, rigging, and experience with Allen & Heath, Midas or Yamaha consoles.

About The National

The National Theatre is a not‑for‑profit arts and education organisation with a proud legacy and a dynamic future. We support artists, students, community groups and commercial partners, and we are committed to maintaining a high‑quality technical environment that enables creativity and participation.

How to Apply Submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. Please refer the Position Description as listed on: https://nationaltheatre.org.au/about/