Permanent
£52,072 per annum
Average of 42.5 hours per week - annualised
Based in: Covent Garden, London

Please note this position is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.

Our Technical, Production and Costume Department plays a leading part in ensuring our performances are of the highest quality by delivering technical excellence for every performance, rehearsal and event. With over 350 permanent staff supported by a pool of casuals the department is the largest within the RBO and covers everything from Lighting to Scenic Construction, Draughting and Design Studio to Costume.

The Armoury is a distinct small team within Production who are responsible for the making, repairing, running and touring requirements of the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet and ensuring artists are comprehensively instructed in the safe use of weaponry for stage use. We are now seeking a Manager to lead this function, fostering a collaborative, cross team culture and positive working environment, with a high level of craftwork and commitment to safety.

This role may suit someone with existing Armoury experience, but equally someone with Stage Management or Props experience (for example) used to working in an active stage environment with suitable practical skills.

We are seeking a candidate with a mature attitude to the responsibilities involved in handling weaponry, who will lead by example and role-model strong communication and planning skills. Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of working in a live theatre or performance environment
• Experience of handling and managing the use of weapons in a theatrical environment
• Practical skills in metalwork, welding, brazing and soldering, woodworking and leather craft skills, with lathe turning an advantage.
• The ability to work from and accurately interpret scale drawings, plans and models.
• Experience of supervision of staff and working to tight timeframes; delivering within given resources and budgets.

Knowledge of and interest in historical arms and armour is an advantage, as is experience in making swords, daggers and scabbards, belts, leather pouches and bags of a military type.

We understand this is a unique role and value the transferable skills that candidates can bring to our organisation. If you would like to understand more about the requirements of this position and your potential suitability, please contact Will Harding, Deputy Technical Director (Production and Planning) on [email protected].

The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for our vacancies.

A full job description and RBO information pack is attached below. If you have any access requirements for your application, please contact the RBO Recruitment Team on [email protected]

Closing date for applications: 8am, Friday 25th October 2024

Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.