Head of Workshops Candidate Pack
A theatre for everyone birmingham-rep.co.uk
Welcome
Established in 1913, The Rep has an unparalleled history as a pioneering repertory theatre and the launch-pad for some of the most exciting talent in UK theatre both past and present. Today it is a producing powerhouse with three auditoria - The House, 816 seats; The Studio, 292 seats; The Door, 133 seats - as well as extensive on-site production facilities: set building, scenic art, wardrobe, props workshop, lighting, sound/AV, stage and stage management.
Producing theatre is the core of The Rep’s mission and it creates up to ten productions a year of varying sizes across its stages. Many are made in coproduction with other theatres and commercial producers and all Rep-led productions are built in house. Alongside in house productions, the theatre presents a programme of visiting productions. The theatre also has an impressive creative learning and talent development programme delivering opportunities for thousands of young people every year.
Under the Artistic Direction of Joe Murphy, The Rep creates artistically ambitious, world-class theatre for everyone. It commissions and produces new work that is proudly made in Birmingham, and which lies at the core of the theatre’s programme. Over the last 15 years the company has produced more than 130 new plays.
Being Our Head of Workshops
The Head of Workshop is responsible for the management of the workshops (woodwork, metal and props), ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of all scenic construction, fabrication, maintenance, and repair activities. The role oversees workshop operations, staff, resources, and build schedules, supporting the successful delivery of productions while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
The Head of Workshop reportsto the Technical Director and works closely with Production Managers (freelance), Artistic & Producing Directors, Designers and Technical Departments to ensure productions are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required artistic and technical standards.
Your responsibilities will include;
Lead and develop the Workshop and Props departments, creating a positive, inclusive and strong performing culture.
Develop, manage, and monitor workshop and production budgets, ensuring effective financial planning, cost control, and value for money.
Manage workshop resources, staffing, and schedules to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of projects within agreed timescales and budgets.
Oversee the construction, modification, maintenance, and repair of scenery, props, and production assets.
Plan and monitor workloads, staffing requirements, and material usage to maximise productivity and operational efficiency.
Work closely with Production Managers, Designers, Technical Managers, and Heads of Department to deliver production requirements.
Provide technical expertise and innovative solutions to construction and production challenges.
Monitor project progress and take corrective action to mitigate risks to schedules, budgets, and quality.
Champion sustainable production practices in line with the Theatre Green Book, identifying opportunities to reduce waste, maximise material reuse and minimise environmental impact.
Construct scenery to the highest standards in the carpentry and metal workshops and participate in all fit ups for Rep productions.
If this could be you and you would like further information about the role, further details are in the Job profile. -● Top: The Battle, 2026 Photograph credit: Helen Mu Top: The Battle, 2026 Photograph credit: Helen Murray
GDPR personal data notice
By applying, you consent to the secure processing of your personal data for recruitment purposes, in line with GDPR. We will store your information securely and used solely for evaluating your suitability for current and future roles. For full details, please see The Rep’s Privacy Policy on our website.
Diversity Monitoring
Our ultimate aim is to have diversity of all kinds in every layer of the organisation and to help us keep track of our progress, we kindly ask you to answer Equality and Diversity questions alongside your application. Your responses will not be shared with the recruiting managers.
Safeguarding
The Rep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We foster a culture where all staff and volunteers are expected to report concerns regarding vulnerable individuals or the conduct of colleagues and others they encounter. As part of our safer recruitment practices, the suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers is thoroughly assessed. Roles involving regulated activity will require an Enhanced DBS check.
Due diligence
Due diligence will be carried out as part of the application process, which may include searches carried out via internet search engines and any public social media accounts.
Your Birmingham Rep
The Rep is a Disability Confident Employer and we participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme. This means we will offer an interview to anyone who is D/deaf or has a disability for the post who meets the minimum criteria.
By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application form which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of competence required for each competence (or could with reasonable support), as well as meeting any of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential in the person specification. If you would like to apply under this scheme please select this option on our application portal.
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There’s no such thing as perfection
At the Rep we don’t expect or look for the ‘perfect candidate’, instead we look for people who can positively contribute to our team. In return you will be given support, encouragement and all the right conditions to grow, succeed and be your best. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where difference is a strength and every unique voice and skill is recognised and valued.
For us, recruitment is more than a match against a job description, it’s about feeling excited to come to work every day and being proud of who you work with and for. We believe The Rep is for everyone, so however you identify, whatever your background, if you feel excited about this role then we urge you to please apply.
It’s important to us that The Rep reflects the communities we serve and therefore we particularly welcome applicants from the global majority and D/deaf & disabled communities as these groups are not as well represented as we want them to be. We have experience in supporting individuals to Access to Work requests and encourage any and all staff who may benefit from the scheme to use it. We will always try to make the adjustments needed so that you can perform to the best of your ability and professionally thrive in a supportive and engaging environment. We want our Rep to be culturally informed and accessible to all, so we encourage you to celebrate and share your own cultural experience and knowledge of our city proudly in your application.