Description

Closing Date: 25-Nov-2024

We are looking for people to join our fantastic team at Somerset House Trust. As the home of cultural innovators, the Trust connects creativity and the arts with the broader society.
Somerset House pursues a ‘Step Inside, Think Outside’ spirit and is born from the creative community we nurture  - the experience and perspectives we host across background, age, race, and stage, and the intersections and crossovers we encourage.
We are seeking a Technical Production Manager specialising in the development and delivery of exhibitions, commissions and installations.
The role requires an experienced visual arts production manager with extensive exhibitions, technical and contractor management experience. The ability to manage schedules, budgets and multi-disciplinary installations is essential, as well as working collaboratively and creatively to advise on, support and deliver technical and production services. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy creative problem-solving, and be a team player.
Exhibitions at Somerset House
The Exhibitions team at Somerset House programmes a wide range of multi-disciplinary exhibitions, commissions and installations across the whole site.
Our main exhibitions programme consists of one to two major ticketed exhibitions a year in the Embankment Galleries (1000 m²) and occasionally in the West and East Wings and a series of three smaller free exhibitions a year in the Terrace Rooms (177 - 245 m²).
Every February – April we present a new Spring Commission in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court and we regularly commission works for other parts of the site, such as the Stamp Stair.
The team also supports the development and delivery of the Somerset House Studios exhibition programme in G31 and the Lancaster and River Rooms.
Main activities and responsibilities
General
To be the technical lead on allocated exhibitions and commissions, overseeing the full production development and delivery process and to keep the STPM (Senior Technical Production Manager) informed of progress on a timely basis.
Support the STPM in managing an efficient and safe workplace, compliant to Health & Safety standards and guidelines.
Carry out risk assessments and produce method statements for allocated projects.
To be responsible for the upkeep of the technical and storage areas and manage stock levels for all handling, preservation and workshop materials and equipment.
To support the STPM in monitoring and overseeing the maintenance, storage and purchase of stock and equipment including ensuring all equipment is compliant with relevant regulations.
Hold an in-depth knowledge of Somerset House’s venue and spaces and feed into and update technical specification documents, deputising on occasions for the STPM.
Support Somerset House’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Manage freelance technicians and suppliers.
Undertake other duties which may reasonably be requested by the STPM.
Planning
Advise on the technical feasibility of proposed projects.
Attend and arrange regular production team meetings to review project progress, leading where appropriate.
Support the STPM to identify scope of works for external parties, consultants and contractors related to the production of exhibitions and commissions.
Support the Exhibitions team to manage input of the external design team, ensuring they can meet the project schedule and requirements for the exhibition. The external design team may include the following: 3D designer, 2D designer, Lighting designer, AV software and hardware designers and other project specific consultants.
Develop and oversee the tendering and appointment process for build contractors for allocated projects. Ensuring costs and variations are tracked and feasible.
Draw up production schedules and costings for the build and technical delivery of projects in consultation with the Exhibitions team.
Delivery
Support Exhibitions team to ensure that designers develop the design, and contractors construct all projects in accordance with legal legislation and Somerset House policies relating to accessibility, evacuation procedures, health & safety requirements, and best practice requirements relating to object care and conservation.
Produce or facilitate as required, the production of design drawings suitable for construction.
Advise on use of materials and construction techniques to achieve desired results, including a general knowledge of object mounting and hanging mechanisms.
In consultation with the STPM, identify practical and financial risks around the design and build of projects and work with Exhibitions Team, contractors and the external design team to identify mitigation.
Install/deinstall and maintain small audio-visual installations as required, using hired or in-house equipment.
Support the Exhibitions team and relevant external consultants and designers to value engineer projects, identify possible cost savings and achieve outstanding results within budget and resources available which are environmentally sustainable where possible.
Work with Exhibitions team and Estates department to ensure projects can be delivered in a way that is compatible with restrictions associated with the Grade 1 listed building
Oversee and manage build, installation and strikes of allocated exhibitions and commissions, taking the lead on quality control and reporting on progress to relevant members of the project team, STPM and Head of Exhibition Management.
Work closely with the Exhibitions team to undertake the object installation in accordance with best practice and observing requirements of lenders and conservation and handling needs of objects.
Health and Safety
Ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with Health and Safety and CDM regulations and Somerset House policies so that safe working practices are adhered to at all times.
Produce RAMS for allocated projects and review documentation provided by internal and external contractors.
Other
Undertake other duties which may reasonably be requested by Somerset House Trust.
Skills, knowledge & expertise required for the role:
Essential
Substantial experience working on the development and technical delivery of multi-disciplinary exhibitions and commissions: including overseeing the construction of exhibition environments, working with museum collections and loans, and working with living artists and creative practitioners to produce and deliver projects.
Highly motivated individual with strong leadership skills and a collaborative, supportive approach.
Ability to liaise professionally with and influence a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including artists, private and institutional lenders, subcontractors, freelance crew, designers and internal staff at all levels.
Substantial experience working with complex museum and archival objects in the context of installing exhibitions and a good understanding of their conservation and environmental needs.
Experience of installing and focussing simple exhibition lighting arrangements.
The ability to work flexibly on evenings or weekends as required and willingness to work outdoors on installations.
Demonstrable commitment to delivering projects to a high standard in a limited time frame.
Excellent IT and administrative skills, including word, excel and CAD drawing/Sketchup or other appropriate exhibitions design software.
Good organisational skills and experience of maintaining spaces and equipment in good working order.
Ability to work across multiple projects at once, including concurrent installations, and identify and deliver on priorities.
A general understanding of CDM regulations.
Excellent time management and organisational skills.
Knowledge and practical experience of all relevant Health and Safety regulations.
Experience of managing tenders and production budgets.
Ability to work calmly under pressure and to a high standard.
Excellent negotiation skills.
Experience of managing freelance teams and suppliers.
An understanding of and commitment to Somerset House’s work, vision, and values, including diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.
Desirable
Good understanding of Audio-visual systems and equipment with the ability to set up and maintain small audio-visual installations.
Experience of producing temporary exhibitions sustainably
IOSH qualification
Good understanding of lighting equipment.
Forklift/PASMA/IPAF certifications
Wood workshop experience
Skills Required

Production Management
Time Management
Administrative Skills
People who have worked with Somerset House

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Heather Allen
- Creative Project Manager & Producer
Tommy Banham
- Content Producer
- Agile Films
Natalya Best-Forbes
- Inclusive Talent Programmes Manager
- Somerset House, National Opera Studio, Woolwich Opera Works, The Gallery London, London Warehouse Events (LWE)
Sarah Carden
- Artist / Designer
- Sarah Carden Design, Wondering Womb, City of London School for Girls, Camden Arts Centre, Somerset House