Welsh Language Commitment
This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language.
Building the Opera Company of the future.
We are at a defining moment in our history. Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fuelled by a national passion for human connection through song. In its 80th anniversary year, we are committed to reimagining the company as a contemporary opera company, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales but international in its ambition. We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNO as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.
In this next chapter, we seek an exceptional Music Operations Supervisor.
All round administrative and operational support for the performance forces of WNO, both in Cardiff and on tour, ensuring the best possible working environment to allow WNO musicians to perform of their best.
The Role entails liaising with Orchestra Management, Chorus Management, Producers & Planning Team to establish what resources are required where and when.
Liaising with Head of Technical Operations to establish what support is available from Venues and from other WNO Technical Teams.
Preparing advance information, distributing this accordingly and then managing operations on site.
Essential Criteria
- Excellent skills, knowledge and experience of orchestra operations practice.
- Extensive hands-on experience of the safe handling and transport of instruments and musical equipment.
- The ability to read and interpret ground and stage plans.
- AutoCad drawing skills and/or the willingness and ability to learn.
- A good working knowledge of current Health & Safety practice related to music performance and touring.
- General IT skills including use of Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Ability to travel independently within the UK and abroad.
- Operational experience in the supervision of concert get ins and get outs.
Desirable Criteria
- Ability to interpret orchestrations*.
- An understanding of orchestral instruments and equipment.*
- Experience in Orchestra Pit Get Ins and Get Outs*.
- Experience of large-scale theatrical touring.*
- Up to date knowledge of current practice with the ability to keep abreast of new technologies and working practices.*
- A recognised Health and Safety qualification and/or the skills, knowledge and experience to obtain a qualification with suitable training.*
- The potential to grow into a more senior role within technical theatre*.
- Full, current UK driving licence.*
- An interest in Opera.*
- Welsh language speaker/writer *.
- Understanding of GDPR legislation *.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds.
If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.
Reasonable Adjustments
WNO is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email recruitment@wno.org.uk. We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.
How to Apply
For further information, please download the full job description. If you would like an informal conversation about the role, require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, or find the online application form inaccessible, please contact: recruitment@wno.org.uk.