Technical Specialist - Sound (Production Team)

Position Overview

The Technical Specialist is primarily responsible for technical delivery of an event, sometimes operating completely independently and sometimes leading a team of Technicians in the delivery of event

The position often requires the individual to act as a team leader for the onsite departmental teams, planning department resources and contributing towards department improvements. There may also be occasions where the individual may be required to deputise for the Technical Manager/Group Head. This position reports to the Technical Manager relevant to the department.

The role and responsibilities of a Technical Specialist will vary from event to event and can be interchangeable, depending on the experience, skills and complexity of an event, however, what differentiates a technical lead from that of a technician is primarily their knowledge and experience within a specific area and the ability to work independently to complete a project.

A Technical Specialist will be knowledgeable and have experience using the following:

• Mixing Consoles – Yamaha, Allen & Heath, DiGiCo
• Radios – Shure and Sennehsier Radio Mic and IEM systems
• PA Systems – D&B, Martin Audio
• Comms – Green-Go and RTS
• Networking – Dante

The Technical Specialist will be assigned to a project and will be responsible for all the technical communication and delivery of that assigned role.  They will be proactive and a provide expertise to both internal teams and directly to clients.

All Technical and Production standards should be followed to support the implementation of processes and SOP’s that drive consistency in event production.   In many cases, it will be the Technical Specialist that will be responsible for establishing those procedures and best practices.

This position will contribute and collaborate with the Production and Sales, Operations and Technicians in determining the appropriate technical requirements and communicating event execution plan with all parties.

The Technical Specialist will report to the Technical Manager, HOD Audio; however can also support Project Managers and Technical Events Managers on more complex events, on an event by event basis.

This role includes moderate levels of travel, as attendance onsite (at venues and locations)­ to deliver services, is a necessity.

Key Job Responsibilities

Managing multiple projects simultaneously and ensuring that each project is completed successfully to a high standard.

Lead specific projects (or aspects of projects) from initial brief to the final delivery.

Be able to work independently of technical management supervision as well as being part of a team.

Providing input and guidance as an expert / specialist (to both internal and external teams).

Produce documentation/guidelines detailing best practices, project plans and technical drawings.

Managing some client liaison and communications, when leading a project directly.

Determine and secure the resources required to successfully complete each project.

Maintain focus on client needs by attending client meetings, creating and maintaining organized show documentation and responding to client concerns and questions.

Monitor project scope throughout the event planning process and adjust as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project.

Assist sales and operations teams to help determine equipment needs and technical solutions for the project.

Event Execution                                                                                                                                       

Act as the Technical leader and a dedicated point of contact within an assigned capacity in Audio.

Manage all phases of event technical execution from pre-event prep through run of show to completion.

Assume ownership of resource management (both hardware and associated crew) throughout the event.

Communicate the project plan and manage client expectations.

Manage all project changes, including schedule, equipment or workforce modifications.

Mentor and communicate relevant Team members on event execution and best practices to help improve the knowledge skills and experience.

Help establish Technical best practice and Production Standards.

Conduct a post-event debrief internally and with clients to assess the overall project delivery and establish any ‘win, learns, changes’ and actively see future opportunities and leads.

Financial Management

Manage resources (ie hardware and own time) to align with the approved budget and ensure all changes are communicated to sales for billing purposes.

Actively seek ‘upsell’ opportunities and charge appropriately for additional work outside of the agreed scope.

Assist with the completion of post-event client invoice. Work with Finance to ensure the prompt and accurate issuing of all invoices.

Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures in force at the current time, including data security and GDPR, along with any confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, as well as any health and safety (ie Covid-safe working) policies.

Administrative & Training

Conduct an internal review and debrief and a client debrief for events, in order to understand what worked well and identify and areas for improvement/change.

Continue to develop capabilities and expertise via internal resources (ie Encore university) and external sources (courses, internet research, user-groups and online forum)

Participate in regular Production meetings and reviews, aimed to develop and improve delivery processes and SOP’s.

Job Requirements

2-3+ years of sound technical experience in the AV industry.

2 years of in-house experience recommended (depending on direct experience and specialism.

Strong Technical Background

Good written and oral communication skills

Familiarity with budgets and cost control

MS Office experience required with PowerPoint and Excel knowledge / experience preferred

Ability to travel up to 70% may be required

Competencies

Ability to prioritize and optimize work processes

Work in a team / can take the lead

Ownership Drives quality results

Communicates effectively

Problem solving

Plans and aligns

Decision quality

Responsiveness