Technical Manager

Dance Cork Firkin Crane is seeking a skilled Technical Manager to lead all technical and production operations in our historic home for dance. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in supporting artists, shaping productions, and furthering dance in Cork. We’re looking for a proactive professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is excited by the chance to help us grow as a national centre for dance.

REPORTS TO: Executive Artistic Director (EAD)

CONTRACT: Permanent/ 40-hour week, evenings and weekends required

PURPOSE OF JOB:

To lead and deliver on all aspects of the technical and production disciplines at Dance Cork Firkin Crane (DCFC). The successful candidate must show a significant understanding and appreciation of the artform of contemporary dance in its many manifestations, and have a curiosity and interest in new approaches to presenting dance in our Heritage Building.

The Technical Manager will be a member of DCFC’s Senior Management Team. The Technical Manager will work closely with the EAD to support the delivery of DCFC’s presentation and residency programmes as well as rental performances. This is a unique opportunity for a creative, efficient, and dedicated individual to help fulfill DCFC’s potential to be a significant national venue for dance.

Firkin Crane is an artist-centered organisation dedicated to dance and dance artists. Key requirements include an ability to oversee all the technical and facilities needs of a mid-sized arts institution with an approach that balances our commitment to:

• Dance artists’ professional development;
• Audience development;
• Community engagement;
• Growth and sustainability.

Primary responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to:

General

– To work closely with the EAD on all scheduling, planning, production managing, and budgeting  productions as well as the theatres’ events, rentals, and other activities.
– Any other production and facilities duties that are deemed reasonable and appropriate by the EAD.
– Effective Teamwork and Communication
– To ensure the technical staff responds flexibly and creatively to the artistic demands placed upon it .
– To form effective,  creative, and user friendly working relationships with artists, renters, and other team members.
– To form collegial relationships within the field in Ireland.

Leadership and Management

– Provide dynamic leadership and a strategic overview for all technical aspects of DCFC’s programme.
– Represent the organisation at relevant external and internal meetings and events as required.
– Establish and maintain relationships with industry peers.

Finance

– To ensure that there are appropriate systems in place for the budgeting and financial control of all technical systems and operations.
– Work closely with the Operations Coordinator (OM) and EAD to budget for and estimate costs for all technical production requirements.
– Track costs, agree and manage in conjunction with the OM and EAD.
– Following procurement guidelines /calculating and comparing costs for required goods or services to achieve maximum value for money.
– Manage production / technical day to day operations ensuring at all times cost effective solutions are being implemented.
Health & Safety

– To be directly responsible for the theatre’s Health and Safety remit related to the technical production of the theatre, increasing safety where needed.
– To ensure that effective risk management systems are implemented, and that the policy and its arrangements are fully understood by all employees.
– Work closely with the OM and other team members and consultants to create and maintain a safe working environment; develop records of risk assessment, safe systems of work and training for the department.
– Responsibility for the safety of all plant equipment related to technical production.
– Ensure that all statutory inspections of equipment are carried out.
– Oversee all statutory inspection and certification of Lifting and Safety Equipment is carried out working closely with the technical team.

Facilities

– To be directly responsible for oversight of DCFC’s building, plant, and equipment and the Jack Lynch House (JLH) artist residence.
– Make suggestions for the improvement of building systems including HVAC and energy use.
– Work with the EAD to develop capital funding proposals.
– To serve as the liaison with Cork City Council’s Property Department on necessary repairs and maintenance of JLH.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The post holder will have:

– At least 7+ years in a production/technical management role.
– Proven knowledge and understanding across a range technical disciplines.
– Experience of national and international touring.
– An in-depth knowledge and understanding of design and production.
– Experience with budgeting and scheduling.
– A working in-depth knowledge of Health and Safety to ensure its effective delivery.
– High level of computer literacy including using software packages such as AutoCAD and/or Vector works, Excel and Word.   IT skills desirable.
– The ability to work well under pressure.

STARTING DATE: ASAP

REMUNERATION / BENEFITS

Annual Salary: Salary range €35,000-40,000, commensurate with skills and experience

Holidays: 24 days per annum.

Public Holidays: 10 Public holidays per annum.

Staff Complimentary Tickets:  1 or 2 complimentary tickets for each show at DCFC.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please send the below information to Laurie Uprichard, Executive Artistic Director Dance Cork Firkin Crane at laurie[at]firkincrane.ie.

– Current CV;
– Cover letter outlining your interest in this particular post and highlighting the skills and experience that you could contribute;
– Three referees with contact info.
Closing date: 12noon, Friday, 28 November 2025

For further information on DCFC’s programmes, please see https://dancecorkfirkincrane.ie.

DCFC is an equal opportunity employer

Job Description

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