Sage Gateshead are seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Orchestra and Platform Manager, to assist the Orchestra Manager in the running of rehearsals and performances, while leading on the transportation and set-up of orchestral equipment for all Royal Northern Sinfonia activity.

Responsibilities and Duties

Lead on the platform management for all orchestral rehearsals, concerts and recordings.
The post-holder will be required to attend all orchestral sessions (both internal and external), and to undertake the following associated duties:
– Draft stage plans for all forthcoming Royal Northern Sinfonia projects
– Manage and set-up orchestral equipment and instruments
– Manage the platform and any changes required
– Purchase and set up orchestral refreshments

Assist the Orchestra Manager in the smooth running of orchestral operations:
– Booking of freelance players and maintenance of fixing lists
– Work with the Orchestra Manager regarding Health and Safety including risk assessments and noise risk assessments. Specific responsibility for taking decibel meter readings and collating information.
– Assisting in the recruitment of players and in the audition process.

Lead on the transportation of orchestral equipment to external venues as required:
– Book suitable vehicles for the transportation of instruments to external venues
– Ensure that all required orchestral equipment is loaded safely and securely onto the orchestral van for any external rehearsal, concert or recording.
– Plan routes and drive the orchestral van from/to any external venues.

Other duties and information.
– Regularly act as the Duty Orchestra Manager for full orchestra rehearsals, and for smaller scale chamber music projects
– Undertake relevant training if necessary, for First-Aid, Health and Safety, Manual Handling and other bespoke technical equipment training.
– To keep in close contact with other departments at Sage Gateshead, including Technical, Facilities and Building Service, to ensure smooth operations.
– To accept appropriate individual responsibility for the observance, promotion and implementation of Health & Safety, Customer Care, – Equality and Diversity, Dignity at Work and other policies with the Trust.
– Undertake other duties appropriate to the post as requested by the Orchestra Manager in line with the needs of the organisation.

This is a full-time position with extremely variable working hours as dictated by the orchestral schedule.
Annual Leave will predominantly be taken when the orchestra is not working.

Knowledge, experience and skills required to do the job
Qualifications

Essential:
– Full, Clean Driving Licence held for at least 2 years

Desirable:
– A-Level or Degree in music

Experience

Essential:
– Candidates must be willing to regularly drive larger vehicles and be prepared to undertake training for additional driving licences if required. [NB: nothing above an ordinary licence is required to apply for this role]
– At least 1 year working in the performing arts sector.
– Confidence in driving large vehicles and long distances.

Desirable:
– Experience in driving large vehicles and long distances
– Being able to hire larger vehicles, holding specific driving licences.
– Work within the orchestral sector or directly with orchestral musicians

Skills or knowledge

Essential:
– Excellent practicality and spatial awareness.
– Excellent and pro-active problem solving.
– Excellent awareness of health and safety procedures.
– Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
– Ability to react quickly to changing situations and organise conflicting priorities.
– Ability to interact with a wide variety of people from high profile artists to team members to external venue staff.
– Willingness to learn about the classical music industry and the orchestral sector.

Desirable:
– Basic technical knowledge of lighting and/or amplification
– Some knowledge of Health & Safety at work legislation

See link below for further details.