Organisation: Durham County Council
Job Category: Arts / Tourism / Culture
Location: Gala Durham
Salary: Grade 8: £32,597 to £36,363
Salary Band: £30001 to £40000
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full time
Date Posted: 04-06-2026
Closing Date: 10-07-2026 11:59
Reference: 297329
About the job
This is an exciting opportunity to lead in the delivery of all productions at our three cultural venues; Gala Durham, Empire Consett and Bishop Auckland Town Hall, as well as on the festivals and events programme across County Durham.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
You will provide leadership for a multiskilled technical team to ensure the delivery of the programme at the three venues as well as for the festivals and events programme.
You will ensure that all events receive appropriate technical support throughout, and that the technical team delivers a first-class service in terms of operation of technical equipment.
You will ensure that effective working relationships are developed and maintained with internal and external partners, organisations, customers and other stakeholders.
We encourage you to contact Darren Lowe via email at darren.lowe2@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
- NVQ Level 5 or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.
- Significant experience of working in a theatre technical department and thorough knowledge of lighting, sound and AV control systems including configuring and operating.
- Proven ability to motivate and supervise a team.
- Experience in the use and operation of counterweight flying systems, rigging and working at height.
- A detailed knowledge of theatre practice and how it relates to backstage operations.
- A good knowledge of troubleshooting and diagnostics within technical systems
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to undertake and pass an in-house driving assessment as part of our pre-employment checks before any offer of appointment can be confirmed.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on W/C 20th July 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits-if-you-work-for-us)
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
Please visit our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2083/How-to-apply-for-a-job-with-us)
to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers
Visit our website: http://durham.gov.uk/jobsandcareerswithus
APPLY :
www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/_/297329