ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA

SOUND SUPERVISOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title Sound Supervisor

Reports to Head of Sound

Location The London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2

Purpose The Sound and Video department undertakes a vital role within the ENO Technical delivery at the Coliseum. The department facilitates and manages a full range of sound and AV services, including digital sound mixing, digital video projection and communications (comms), for ENO productions, projects and departments, as well as delivery of services for visiting, hiring and broadcasting companies. This includes the planning, preparation and running of rehearsals and performances at the London Coliseum or any other venue the company may rehearse or perform.

Key Accountabilities

General

1. In conjunction with the Head of Sound, efficiently schedule the staff and departmental video and sound resources onto productions.

2. Take responsibility for the day to day running of all sound aspects, technical and artistic, on allocated shows and projects ensuring high standards are maintained within the practical constraints of running shows in repertory.

3. To operate, mix, record and edit multi-track digital audio to a high professional standard for productions and archives, as necessary.

4. Exhibit solid technical expertise primarily in the operation of digital sound consoles.

5. To balance, faithfully reproduce and maintain the quality of the original sound design throughout the run of the production.

6. To lead, plan and organise the preparation, operation, storage and maintenance of equipment for allocated projects, events and projects.

7. In conjunction with the Head of Sound, to order and be responsible for the purchase of materials and equipment for allocated shows and, as required, the department, adhering to the relevant budgets at all times.

8. To liaise with the Transport Department and organise transport as required.

9. To liaise closely with the Production Manager and Music Department in regard to any show based requirements, providing technical advice, quotes and facilitating requirements as necessary, within any budgetary or repertory constraints.

10.To be aware of budgetary constraints regarding shows and keep the Head of Sound informed if these limits are close to being met.

11.To direct and supervise work carried out by other Sound staff ensuring that technical standards are maintained, dealing with any problems promptly and efficiently.

12.In conjunction with Head of Sound, agree the staffing levels required to meet each task.

13.To allocate tasks to individuals or groups, taking into account the nature of the job, the various skills at hand and the time limits to complete the task.

14.To work as part of a team supporting the Head of Sound in maintaining an efficient, skilled and professional department.

15.To ensure that accurate records (plots, cue sheets, notes, recordings, archive copies etc) of the sound, video, projection and comms requirements are maintained for each production.

16.To ensure that all administrative systems of the Sound and Technical Departments are completed and maintained in an efficient manner, including timesheets, risk assessments, etc.

17.To keep the Head of Sound aware at all times of the state of readiness of relevant equipment and organise maintenance or repair as required.

18.To cover for the Head of Sound as necessary and in the absence of the Head or Deputy of Sound the Supervisor will be expected to deputise.

Management

19.Demonstrate acute acumen in managing and working alongside colleagues both internal and external, music staff and others.

20.To set and show by example standards of professional conduct and behaviour for all members of staff and make sure these are maintained.

21.To set standards of professional craft skills and competence, teaching others how to use new equipment/software, as required.

22.To record the performance, punctuality, attendance and possible training needs of all Sound Technicians, reporting any discrepancies to the Head of Sound.

23.In conjunction with the Head of Sound, to arrange for cover staff where there is a shortfall in staffing numbers.

24.To ensure that discipline is maintained and where necessary inform the Head of Sound if it is considered that disciplinary action may be required.

25.To take part in the appraisal process.

26.To provide relevant information on technicians’ performance for assessment purposes. This is part of the Annual Appraisal system which the Head of Sound will carry out.

Communication

27.To act as an effective communicator, giving technical advice and instruction to staff.

28.To attend relevant production and technical meetings and notes sessions, ensuring the efficient transfer of information.

29.To liaise, as necessary, with Senior Technicians, Supervisors, Head of Sound, Managers, visiting Sound Technicians, Engineers, Designers and members of various creative and production teams both internal and external, passing on information in an accurate and timely manner.

30.To ensure all information on daily requirements is obtained from the relevant people and that the Supervisors and Head of Sound are kept aware of all significant changes.

31.To pass on information to staff on duty the following day, so they are made aware of any urgent requirements or late changes.

Health & Safety

32.To have a comprehensive understanding of the ENO Health and Safety policy and approved Working Procedures ensuring all work is carried out in accordance with them.

33.To participate and assist Head of Sound on all aspects of health and safety, including risk assessments, procedures and workplace inspections.

34.To carry out risk assessments for allocated shows or tasks in a timely manner, ensuring that any control measures are carried out and adhered to.

35.To implement Sound Department procedures regarding safe use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE), informing the Head of Sound of any shortcomings or failings in H&S systems and procedures.

36.To insure that accidents/near misses and potentially hazardous situations are reported immediately and carry out remedial action as necessary.

Note: This job description is a reflection of the current situation. It does not preclude any changes or development that might be required in the future.

Employee SpecificationEssential Attributes:

1. Minimum 5 years’ experience, ideally in a large scale classic al music environment in a sound related role.

2. Minimum 3 years’ experience in the use of digital mixing consoles and software-based audio (e.g. QLab) within a live music environment.

3. Able to read an Opera music score.

4. Installing and fault finding of COMMS and sound relay systems.

5. Installation, alignment and fault finding of speaker systems and arrays.

6. Placement and use of microphones with instruments and voice for live relay.

7. Show initiative in the solving of technical problems whilst exhibiting a ‘grace under fire’ management style with others.

8. Ability to prioritise the workload effectively and to take responsibility for the completion of delegated tasks.

9. Good interpersonal skills showing a positive, supportive and professional attitude towards colleagues, the creative team and artists, and the ability to behave diplomatically in a high stress environment.

10.Willingness to undertake training, learn and develop both existing and new skills relevant to the post, and to fully participate in an appraisal programme.

11.Good written, oral and communication skills.

12.A working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.

Desirable Attributes:

13.Mixing on a Digico SD7T sound mixing desk.

14.Recording of classical music with knowledge of orchestra and chorus work.

15.Sound infrastructures using Fibre, CAT5-6 and Digital Audio protocols such as MADI.

16.Working with video projection.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To apply:

Please complete the attached application form detailing why you are interested in applying and why you feel your experience would be suited to the post and send to personnel@eno.org

Deadline for receipt of applications: Monday 29 August 2016 by 5pm Interview are scheduled for: w/c 5th September 2016

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONFIDENTIAL

English National OperaLondon Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ESTelephone +44 (0)207 836 0111

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