We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Show Manager to join our team for our 2025-2026 opera season.

The Show Manager is a senior member of the Stage department responsible for managing technical staff and resources during rehearsals and performances and the role requires strong leadership, stagecraft experience and a collaborative approach.

If you are a proactive leader who is passionate about technical theatre, we would love to hear from you.

Contract dates: ASAP- 21 December 2025 and 19 January 2026- 1 March 2026

Requirements:

  • Availability to start ASAP
  • Experience leading a Stage team, including external contractors, scheduling of team and conducting excellent cross-department communications
  • Experience working on load-ins and load outs, changeovers & performances
  • Ability to maintain staging systems including flying, traps, sliders and orchestra elevators
  • Knowledge of stage machinery including counterweight flying (single, double purchase systems), motor and hoist rigging and control and trussing systems (including ground-support systems)
  • Experience of scenery, decoration, and props building and maintenance, including woodwork, joinery skills and metal work
  • Ability to create department documentation including cue sheets, risk assessments and standard operating procedures
  • Ability to understand and interpret appropriate technical paperwork and plans
  • Drive and expertise to maintain up to date knowledge of developments with the industry
  • Ability to use battery and mains operated hand tools
  • Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office
  • Awareness of UK health & safety regulations
  • Good time keeping skills
  • Experience assembling and building of modular and temporary structures, including staging platforms and truss systems
  • Experience using access equipment including ladders, MEWPs and tallescopes
  • Ability and willingness to work long hours in a mixture of industrial and office environments

 

Benefits:

  • 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus public holidays
  • Free/discounted ENO tickets
  • Eyecare vouchers
  • Employee Assistance Programme

 

Please see our recruitment pack for more details.

To apply, please send along a CV and Cover Letter/short video detailing your interest and suitability for the role to [email protected] by 10am on Monday 2 November 2025.*

 

Interviews: Interviews will be allocated according to candidate availability.

Please also submit our anonymous Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you’d like to apply through the Disability Confident Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please mention this in your cover letter and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.

 

* This position is required to commence as soon as possible. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early, as the vacancy may close once a suitable candidate has been appointed.

English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, English National Opera particularly encourages potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.