Chief Electrician - Theatre

Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Technical Manager, the Chief LX is an integral leadership role working within the Technical Department to provide expertise on all activities concerning stage lighting and electrical systems enabling flexibility around how the Cork Opera House is used.

The varied and extensive programme requires the Chief LX to effectively manage and adapt to the many different types of events and performances both in-house and tours. The role also requires the provision of assistance to the Technical manager in the smooth running of the venue from a technical point of view.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Technical Manager as needed within the Technical Department.
• Oversee each production from get-in and fit-up through performances and get-out.
• Manage and organise technical support for Cork Opera House productions and events.
• Coordinate and facilitate incoming productions, liaising with production electricians and lighting designers.
• Attend production meetings, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, get-ins, get-outs, and performances as required.
• Provide costings for individual productions lighting requirements.
• Lighting programming as required.
• Act as Production Electrician on productions as required.
• On occasion to act as Associate Lighting Designer on productions.
• Design, build, and install practical lighting & LED effects as needed.
• Attend management, health and safety, budget, in-house productions, and visiting productions meetings as necessary.
• Liaise with the Technical Manager on staffing and equipment budget.
• Recruit, manage and schedule lighting operators and technicians, in liaison with the Technical Manager.
• Assist the Technical Manager in recharging visiting companies for the hire or purchase of electrical equipment and staffing.
• Coordinate technical information, maintain stock lists, and provide drawings needed for productions.
• Assist the Technical Manager in planning and executing a rolling maintenance program for the stage.
• Ensure maintenance staff are adequately trained on electrical equipment.
• Supervise the safe and effective working of both skilled and unskilled personnel.
• Maintain stock of electrical consumables and order materials and services as required
• Ensure necessary equipment is available and in good working order.
• Ensure compliance with Statutory Fire Safety Regulations.
• Maintain front of house and backstage areas, ensuring they are in good order and repair, including the maintenance of house lighting.
• Provide show cover as required.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Person Specification/Behavioural Competencies Required

• Excellent interpersonal skills and effective team worker with the ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to lead, motivate and coordinate a team.
• Mentor and develop the team to maintain the capability required to support all productions.
• Be clear and systematic with the ability to find solutions to problems effectively.
• Have a positive and supportive attitude and work in co-operation with all staff within and outside of the company.
• Ability to establish and develop relationships with colleagues and customers, dealing with issues in a tactful and discreet manner.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills Required

• Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and procedures as related to the theatre and entertainments industry.
• Excellent knowledge of theatrical rigging, counterweight flying, working at heights, electricity in a technical theatre environment.
• Excellent knowledge of electrical power distribution
• Experience of electrical maintenance & Portable Appliance Testing - inspection of electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with regulations & standards.
• Ability to climb and work at heights before, during and after performances, and/or during load-ins or load-outs.
• Thorough knowledge of lighting control systems/ consoles (ETC/Avolites), lighting equipment, AV and pyrotechnics.
• Knowledge of CAD and pre-visualisation software - (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Capture, etc.)
• Computer literate with MS Office applications and Google Workspace.
• Technical department administration including rostering, budgets and invoicing.

Organisation

The position reports hierarchically to the Technical Manager and operationally to the Technical Manager and CEO.

To Apply

Please email a CV and cover letter to recruitment@corkoperahouse.ie with the subject heading “Application for Chief LX” by Sunday 8th March 2026.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person