London, UK
Technical production manager
at Somerset House Trust
Somerset House Trust is hiring a technical production manager to join its team in London.
We are seeking a technical production manager specialising in the development and delivery of exhibitions, commissions and installations.
The role requires an experienced visual arts production manager with extensive exhibitions, technical and contractor management experience. The ability to manage schedules, budgets and multi-disciplinary installations is essential, as well as working collaboratively and creatively to advise on, support and deliver technical and production services. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy creative problem-solving, and be a team player.
Exhibitions at Somerset House
The exhibitions team at Somerset House programmes a wide range of multi-disciplinary exhibitions, commissions and installations across the whole site.
Our main exhibitions programme consists of one to two major ticketed exhibitions a year in the Embankment Galleries (1000 m²) and occasionally in the West and East Wings and a series of three smaller free exhibitions a year in the Terrace Rooms (177 – 245 m²). Every February – April we present a new Spring Commission in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court and we regularly commission works for other parts of the site, such as the Stamp Stair. The team also supports the development and delivery of the Somerset House Studios exhibition programme in G31 and the Lancaster and River Rooms.
Somerset House pursues a ‘step inside, think outside’ spirit and is born from the creative community we nurture – the experience and perspectives we host across background, age, race and stage, and the intersections and crossovers we encourage.
Responsibilities
General:
- to be the technical lead on allocated exhibitions and commissions, overseeing the full production development and delivery process and to keep the STPM (senior technical production manager) informed of progress on a timely basis
- support the STPM in managing an efficient and safe workplace, compliant to health and safety standards and guidelines
Planning:
- advise on the technical feasibility of proposed projects
- attend and arrange regular production team meetings to review project progress, leading where appropriate
Delivery:
- support exhibitions team to ensure that designers develop the design, and contractors construct all projects in accordance with legal legislation and Somerset House policies relating to accessibility, evacuation procedures, health and safety requirements, and best practice requirements relating to object care and conservation.
Health and safety:
- ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with Health and Safety and CDM regulations and Somerset House policies so that safe working practices are adhered to at all times
Skills, knowledge and expertise for the role:
- substantial experience working on the development and technical delivery of multi-disciplinary exhibitions and commissions: including overseeing the construction of exhibition environments, working with museum collections and loans, and working with living artists and creative practitioners to produce and deliver projects
- highly motivated individual with strong leadership skills and a collaborative, supportive approach
- ability to liaise professionally with and influence a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including artists, private and institutional lenders, subcontractors, freelance crew, designers and internal staff at all levels
- substantial experience working with complex museum and archival objects in the context of installing exhibitions and a good understanding of their conservation and environmental needs
- experience of installing and focussing simple exhibition lighting arrangements
- the ability to work flexibly on evenings or weekends as required and willingness to work outdoors on installations
For a full list of responsibilities and requirements, please see the job pack.
Benefits to working at Somerset House
Mental health and wellbeing:
- access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed
- mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained mental health first aiders
- hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time)
- contribution towards eye tests and glasses
- trust life insurance scheme
Holiday:
- enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- birthday leave – additional day leave
- celebration day – to celebrate anything of your choice
Other leave:
- sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata and following three months service)
- emergency dependent care – option to use 25 per cent of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata and following three months service)
- enhanced maternity pay
Pension:
- eight per cent employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required*
- option for salary sacrifice
- interest-free loans
- season ticket loan
- Cycle to Work scheme
Discounts, offers and free stuff:
- the list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites
- discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
- discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants
- discount to local leisure centres