Job Description

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue. We are seeking a Theatre Consultant in Technical Systems Design with an AV focus to join our talented team. To apply please complete the online application form and submit a short CV (1-2 pages max.) and a cover letter addressing the below prompts:



Why do you consider yourself to be a suitable person for the post and what you would like from the job? Which of your previous experience would you highlight as being particularly relevant? Please highlight any stage lighting, audiovisual and infrastructure design for performance buildings and event spaces. Describe any experience of designing, specifying and commissioning stage lighting or audiovisual infrastructure or performance systems Describe your experience and competency using CAD drawing tools for designing stage lighting or audiovisual systems. Please highlight the elements of the role requirement where you feel you have the least experience Please highlight any experience you have leading teams. What are your salary expectations in line with experience?


We look forward to receiving your application and expect to interview in late August 2025. We will only accept applications via our online system.



Interviews will either be held in person at our London Studio, or remotely (via Microsoft Teams) - time, date and location will be confirmed for shortlisted candidates.

Company Overview

Charcoalblue is widely regarded as the most exciting and innovative theatre, acoustics, and experience consultancy in the world. We specialise in the performing arts, live entertainment, media, technology, education, experiential, hospitality, workplace and cultural sectors.

We imagine, design, and deliver captivating spaces that entertain, educate, and transform individuals through collective experiences. Guided by listening, collaboration, and a passion for innovation, excellence, emotion, and theatricality, we strive to create extraordinary moments.

Since our inception in the UK in 2004, Charcoalblue is now the largest organization of its kind, delivering projects to every corner of the globe. We operate as a cohesive and collaborative team with studios in London and Bristol in the UK, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco in the US, and Melbourne in Australia.

Description of Role

We are seeking a

Theatre Consultant Technical Systems Designer with an AV focus

to join our global Theatre Consultancy team in the UK. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documenting, and commissioning Audiovisual and Stage Lighting systems on our projects, working as part of our project teams which can include team leads, theatre designers, stage equipment designers, experience designers and acousticians to deliver holistic, bespoke dedicated design solutions. It would be advantageous for you to have prior experience with theatre and/or presentation technical systems and/or broadcast and media technology, either as a practitioner and/or systems designer and / or experience as a team leader or project manager.



You will report to one of our Associate Directors and your project assignments and workload will be managed by your line manager. You will have the chance to meet regularly with your line manager to ensure you are fully supported in your role and since theatre consultancy is a specialist field, we will provide role-specific inductions, and ongoing training to help you succeed.

Key Responsibilities

Provide general support for projects; primarily assisting with the production of drawings, specifications and reports for specific projects, as well as assisting the more senior team members with research on new products, developing the principles of system design and the production of Charcoalblues design intent system information. Consistently deliver work to the highest standards, following our quality assurance processes and working to ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, guidance and good practice. Ensure all project demands are met while fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere that inspires confidence, motivates teams, and reflects our commitment to excellence in design and construction. Expand your knowledge of the theatre, technical presentation and construction industry through self-led research and supported by our Training & Development programme. Meet with clients to evaluate their needs and work with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution, balancing all aspects of performance functionality and budget. Describe the functionality and purpose of audiovisual or stage lighting systems while adjusting communication styles for different audiences - for other creative designers, for experienced technicians, or engineers. Work with architectural and engineering teams to ensure that each of the design disciplines includes the required infrastructure, support, dependencies and accommodation for all elements of the stage lighting or audiovisual systems. Provide cost projections throughout a project for audiovisual or stage lighting systems integration. Working with manufacturers and distributors to sense check system designs and conduct early market testing. Conduct value engineering; adapt and revise designs to reduce cost while maintaining as much value and performance as possible, meanwhile being able to describe impacts on functionality. Participate in site visits for commissioning, witness testing, construction progress, and other purposes as required. This position will require occasional travel, including international/overseas travel. Work with our Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals, and deliverables. Contribute to the continual development of our internal design and technical resources through collaboration and knowledge sharing.


This list is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to alteration over time.

Qualifications and Key Skills

We are open to receiving applications from candidates with a varied range of experience and education. If you meet most of the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply.

Essential

Minimum four years of experience of working in live performance venues. Minimum two years of experience working as a technical systems designer. Experience in computer drafting of some form; Proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD or REVIT will be required. Professional experience with the standard suite of Microsoft Office and GSuite products. Professional experience with Adobe Acrobat and / or Bluebeam - we operate a paperless office and use the Adobe/Bluebeam PDF format for all documents.

Desirable

Excellent communication skills through verbal explanations, interpretation of data, sketch drawing, written communication, technical drawing, and formal presentations. Ability to self-manage and set work plans for the successful delivery of work against deadlines with minimal input from management. Expert level of detailed knowledge about audiovisual and high level of knowledge about stage lighting equipment infrastructure and networking technology, and systems integration A good level of knowledge for broadcast/streaming/lecture room technology. You may have completed a higher education qualification or have attended a Technical Theatre course at a Drama School, College or University. You may have completed industry relevant training (AVIXA etc) Served as primary stage lighting or audiovisual systems designer for completed projects in the design, documentation, construction, and commissioning phases, either as a consultant or client. Practical knowledge of stage lighting and/or audiovisual theory and design, with a solid understanding of networks and required relevant infrastructure Practical knowledge of Theatre Health & Safety practice and it would be advantageous to have some knowledge of current relevant Health & Safety and electrical regulations. Skill and sensitivity to graphic design and layout, graphical display of information, adhering to design standards, and incorporating corporate branding. Knowledge and experience of the operation and/or construction of theatre and/or live performance buildings. Experience demonstrating the creation of contract documentation for stagelighting or audiovisual systems on new construction or architectural renovation projects in the UK and / or EMEA. Experience working with a distributed global team across different time zones. Experience and interest in live performance, broadcast, and/or events. Experience of temporary or permanent architectural lighting schemes. Experience of temporary or permanent audiovisual immersive environment installations.

Interpersonal Skills

Highly organised, excellent time management skills, and reliable. Attention to detail and high level of accuracy. Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Adept at multi-tasking. Able to work calmly under pressure. Friendly and professional manner. Ability to work successfully on own initiative, as well as part of a local and global team. Flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs. Ability to manage and prioritize a diverse workload, sometimes in a pressured environment. Ability to meet deadlines, as well as maintain both perspective and a sense of humour. Ability to manage simple budgets and basic finance related tasks, as required.

Employment Details

The role is being offered at 40 hours per week (to be arranged flexibly between Monday-Friday), including a comprehensive benefits package, plus an hour per day (unpaid) for lunch, with an understanding that flexible working hours will apply to meet our clients needs and to accommodate the companys global time zones. Charcoalblue does not provide for the payment of overtime. The nature of the job and the Partnerships business could occasionally entail some work outside normal working hours.



There is a three-month probationary period for permanent roles.



We are currently working in a hybrid model, meaning you will work from your home (or other place of your choosing) with a minimum of 2 days attendance at one of our UK studios (London or Bristol) . We will provide you with the necessary IT hardware and software to enable you to carry out your role successfully in line with your duties.



Please note, although the role is hybrid, the successful applicant must be based in the UK and able to travel to one of our two UK studios to effectively meet the current needs of our work and local team, and you should be able and willing to travel to external meetings as required.

Annual Leave Entitlement:

Take-What-You-Need (TWYN) Leave Policy:

With prior arrangement, there is an opportunity for employees to benefit from additional paid leave days over their statutory holiday/annual leave allowance. You will receive 20 days annual leave minimum per annum (pro-rated in the first year where applicable), plus statutory Bank Holidays. We traditionally close our studios between Christmas and New Years Day, resulting in an additional average 4-5 holiday days per annum

Employee Benefits

To support you in successful hybrid/distributed working, you will receive a laptop and any other associated IT peripherals required for the role upon you joining Charcoalblue.


Following successful completion of your three-month probationary period, you will be eligible to participate in our company benefits package, including:

+ Charcoalblues annual bonus scheme, subject to the Partnerships performance year on year. + Charcoalblues pension auto-enrolment scheme.
+ An allocation of live event tickets per month, offered to encourage you to immerse yourself in the live events industry as far as possible.
+ A contribution to your home internet and home utilities to enable you to work from home effectively in line with our distributed working model.
+ Upon successful completion of your second year, you will be eligible to join our Private Health Insurance plan, in line with our company policy.


Other benefits are accumulative as you progress with the company.

Salary

Salary range for this role is between 35,000 and 50,000 dependent on experience.


Please state your salary expectations in your covering letter in line with your experience.
Charcoalblue intends to offer the selected candidate base pay within this range, dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience. Base pay is one part of the total rewards that Charcoalblue provides to compensate and recognize employees for their work. Charcoalblue provides a robust benefits package to help support you physically, financially, and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life. Please visit our careers page for more details.

Start Date

ASAP

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Overview

We are committed to becoming an increasingly inclusive organization. We continuously work to eliminate unfair and discriminatory practices within the company while encouraging full and equal contributions from our diverse community.
Our mission is to foster an inclusive ethos by creating a welcoming work environment across our global practice. We provide recruitment opportunities that are open to all and encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds to ensure our global team reflects the clients we collaborate with and the communities we serve.
If you require this application in a different format or need support during the application process, please contact Ashleigh Staddon at ashleigh.staddon@charcoalblue.com. If you have any questions about accessibility or how the role may accommodate your personal circumstances, please reach out.
Charcoalblue strives to provide an environment free from discrimination and is committed to ensuring that all clients and customers can access the services and products we offer, across our three regions. We believe that all individuals employees and clients alike are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.