Head of Sound

The Head of Sound is a member of the Production & Technical department and will also work closely with the wider organisation. Responsible for the delivery of sound aspects for all Derby Theatre productions and projects at Derby Theatre, these include both produced and received productions, community and learning events.

The role manages the Sound Department, overseeing its staff and ensuring associated equipment is maintained and used safely. Although this role is specialised in Sound, the technical team at Derby Theatre works flexibly and the person filling this post will also be expected to work and develop skills in all backstage areas as required. 

Key responsibilities 

 

Production 

 

• To lead the team of technicians, ensuring the wellbeing, motivation, professional development and satisfactory conduct of all assigned staff. 

• To keep yourself and your team aware of developments and issues developing in Derby Theatre and the wider theatre industry. 

• Work closely with touring companies, amateur and community groups to support their productions and represent Derby Theatre to the highest standard. 

• Support directors and designers to ensure their artistic vision is delivered, within timescales and budget.  

• Use your expertise at design stage to negotiate, influence and inform the creative teams to produce workable schemes of design. 

• Implement and lead in house standards for electrical safety and safe systems of work. 

• Translate technical drawings, specifying and sourcing the correct equipment to fully realise the designer’s vision. 

• Take ownership of production sound systems. 

• To ensure that assigned budgets are managed efficiently, and to assist the Head of Production in financial planning and budgeting objectives when required. 

• Use judgement, technical knowledge and expertise to provide advice, guidance and solutions in your specialist areas of risk. Influence outcomes to achieve long term resilience for your department. 

• Recruit, supervise, and manage the Sound Department team members working at Derby Theatre ensuring their time is scheduled as effectively as possible, adhering to the UK Theatre/BECTU and In-House Agreements. 

• To directly manage and supervise the work of technicians. Allocate work and ensure work is processed accurately and on time.   

• To identify and ensure appropriate training is given to all departmental staff. 

• Plan, oversee, and undertake rigging, installation, and focusing of all sound equipment in a safe manner. 

• Oversee and undertake the planning, design, and installation of production sound systems as required. 

• Operate shows in accordance with staff rotas. 

• To be responsible for the safe and efficient storage and maintenance of all Sound equipment. 

• To be a proactive member of the production team, promoting and maintaining high production values. 

• To identify additional income streams and opportunities from the Sound resources. 

 

 

Learning 

 

• Working cross-departmentally to actively support and promote Derby Theatre’s Learning Theatre model.  

• Engage with the University of Derby’s higher education theatre courses; contribute to learning opportunities such as work experience, workshops, and tours. 

• Facilitate learning productions and projects. 

• To actively participate in and support the work experience programme at Derby. 

 

Health & Safety 

 

• Be familiar and comply with current Health & Safety regulations relevant to the industry and keeping abreast of changes to such regulations. 

• Implement and oversee Health & Safety in technical areas, adhering to the in-house Health & Safety policy and Health & Safety regulations.   

• Responsible for creating and monitoring risk assessments and method statements for department related activities. 

• Produce and maintaining Health & Safety records relevant to the department as required. 

• Liaise with the Head of Production and Technical Manager regarding production or building Health & Safety issues. 

 

Environmental 

• To monitor the use of materials, keeping track of types of materials and levels of re-use and recycling. 

• To champion and develop the use of more environmental policies in the production department. 

• To keep up to date with environmental best practice in the theatre industry, such as the Green Book. 

 

General 

• To deputise in the absence of the Technical Manager. 

• In conjunction with the production team, plan and carry out repairs, alterations and improvements to the production and technical areas. 

• To keep up to date with developments in the industry as they relate to your role. 

• Order equipment and consumables as necessary in accordance with budgets and financial procedures.  

• Ensure that backstage areas are kept in a tidy and safe state. 

• To provide the highest level of customer and audience care at all times. 

• Overseeing and running fit-ups, get-outs and operating shows when required. 

• To act as Duty Technician, taking responsibility for the security of the building, its occupants and associated equipment. 

• To drive company vehicles as required and to be responsible for booking vehicles. 

• To take an active role in the workforce and attend team, departmental and cross-organisation meetings as required. 

• To ensure that Derby Theatre’s policies, procedures and values are observed in every area of the department’s work. 

• To demonstrate the best interests of Derby Theatre, protecting intellectual property and confidential information at all times. 

• To carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required, commensurate with the level of the post. 

• We expect all Derby Theatre staff to work in a flexible manner to effectively deliver their role in line with the objectives of the company, including the Learning Theatre model, Equality and Diversity, and Sustainability. 

To read the full job description, person specification and for how to apply, please visit our website.

Specific location

Salaried

16/06/2025

Permanent, Full Time