Assistant Production Manager (Apprentice)

We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Production Manager Apprentice to join our Production team on a full-time 26 month contract.

You will assist the Production Managers in the technical delivery of shows and events, and to learn and apply the skills of a Production Manager, including technical realisation of creative concepts, management of onstage work, procurement, budget management and team collaboration, whilst studying a higher level 6 apprenticeship qualification with Chichester College.

This is a CPD opportunity for an existing professional in technical production to move into a Production Management role, or a graduate who has the required experience. The role is for a fixed term of 26 months.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support Production managers with technical information, processing of orders and payments, collections and deliveries of materials and equipment and undertaking on-stage fit-up work as required
• Assist the Production Managers with the production of paperwork, drawings and specifications and such other tasks as may be required
• Work collaboratively alongside the technical departments to assist in their work to develop and maintain the production and technical skills required to work as a Production Manager
• Where opportunity arises, take on the role of Assistant Production Manager to Production Managers on specific productions, managing tasks nominated by them and deputising for them when required
• Take on the role of Production Manager on nominated projects or productions in order to complete the requirements of the apprenticeship program
• To undertake placements with other theatres and organisations across the country
• To travel to venues, suppliers, constructors and studios for production and creative meetings.
• Produce and distribute technical design documentation and information to theatre departments, creative team members, external and specialist contractors
• Assist stage management teams on individual shows with preparation for rehearsals, including plans, materials, mark outs, vehicle loading and transport requirements
• Assist in the safe and effective management of theatre stores, maintain storage and repertoire systems and keep a tidy workspace
• When required, work on live performances, developing and undertaking site management, show operation roles, creating and working to a cue sheet and performing day-to-day pre-show maintenance and checks
• Collaborate on the ongoing development of Theatre Greenbook practices and advocate for sustainability in theatre productions
• Attend Chichester College seminars online regularly to complete a higher level Apprenticeship
• To complete coursework as set out by the College and submit these in a timely manner as requested
• Collect evidence of your work in the form of photographs, videos, notes, paperwork and plans to form a professional portfolio for submission at the end point assessment
• Undertake an end-point assessment at the end of the Apprenticeship.
• If required, undertake a re-sit exam for end end-point assessment if you are unsuccessful at the first attempt

Key Apprenticeship Outcomes

• Become proficient in production processes including design and costing stages, model presentations, rehearsals, fit up, technical rehearsals, performance and get out
• Have a detailed understanding of construction methods and materials in scenic creation as well as learning about whole life cost, sustainability and carbon budgeting
• Be able to carry out technical surveys of buildings, read and develop plans and technical specifications
• Be able to draw technical drawings both by hand and using CAD
• Understand tender processes both for construction as well as hires and procurement
• Have the skills and knowledge to manage delivery of all the physical aspects of a production or event from design through to press night and then maintaining a production through performance to get out and disposal
• Be able to analyse and interpret a creative brief into a production schedule and budget
• Have a detailed understanding of legal, ethical, environmental and financial policies relating to production management and the wider organisation.
• Be able to manage and lead a production team including developing and delegating tasks and responsibilities, setting goals and managing performance
• Have the skills and knowledge to set budgets, develop financial controls, communicate financial changes including negotiating overspends with producers or financial controllers
• Apply HSAW and CDM legislation and regulations to events and live performance to meet the requirements of licencing and local authorities
• Be able to ensure Health and Safety legislation and organisational policies are adhered to, and help develop and manage the application of risk assessments, method statements, permit to work systems and security policies
• Develop and manage a program of personal CPD, including developing networks and relationship management
• Have an understanding of the wider theatre and live events industry, including relevant legislation, unions and industry bodies
• Keep up to date with technical and production developments in the live arts through independent reading and research

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

ESSENTIAL

• Significant experience of professional work, or Higher Education training, in theatre or live events in a technical or stage management role but not in Production Management
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• A positive and willing attitude to learning and to attending college to achieve an apprenticeship standard
• An enthusiastic, committed and flexible attitude to work, including the ability to work anti-social hours
• A positive, professional and presentable demeanor, and confidence communicating with people at all levels
• Have experience of working independently and carrying out independent research
• Excellent punctuality and good time management
• Computer literate with experience of using CAD packages for viewing of documentation, and use of Word and Excel or similar
• Demonstrable ability to read plans, understand scale and extract basic information contained within them
• Experience in the use of measuring equipment and basic hand tools

DESIRABLE

• A university degree or formal training in Technical Theatre or Stage Management
• Ability to draft from scratch in CAD or Vectorworks
• Experience in using 3D modelling software such as Rhino, Autocad 3D and Sketchup
• Lighting, Sound or scenic engineering skills
• ICT qualification or experience is desirable
• GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), in English and Mathematics

Hours

The contractual hours are based on an average of 40 hours per week, however this role will require unsociable working hours to include evening and weekend working.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is £38,000 per annum. Salaries are reviewed annually on the 1st January.

We offer 33 days/6.6 weeks holiday inclusive of bank holidays, per annum.

We can offer a beautiful working environment, and the chance to see world-class opera. For those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station.

We also offer :

• Free Pilates and Zumba classes, once a week
• Corporate Gym memberships
• An onsite Physiotherapist
• Cost price electric car charging
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
• Free tea and coffee
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
• Free on-site parking
• Free minibus service to and from Lewes train station and Ringmer
• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Please apply by clicking ‘Apply Now;’ to submit your application. Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 21 June 2026 with interviews to be held on Wednesday 24 & Friday 26 June

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this please contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.

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