Job vacancy: Technical Director

Le Varia, the Brussels Performing Arts Centre of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, was founded in 1981. It offers audiences a contemporary theatre programme featuring modern themes and aesthetics, designed to be accessible and aimed at a diverse range of audiences. Its main mission is to support the creative work of artists from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and to create the ideal conditions for enriching encounters between these works and their audiences. The permanent team consists of around twenty people and works in a collaborative and friendly atmosphere. 

Varia’s General and Artistic Director, Coline Struyf, took up her post in July 2021 for an initial five-year term; balancing continuity and transformation, this project aims for a Varia that is open and fully in step with the times. 

The buildings and technical equipment of Théâtre Varia and Studio Varia belong to the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and are therefore managed in partnership with the administration. 

Varia is a place where work is approached collaboratively and which has always placed great emphasis on supporting artists. The permanent technical team, comprising four people, has extensive experience and a thorough understanding of the equipment, and forms a solid foundation for the theatre’s development.  

The team is inspiring and the working environment is on a human scale.

Role and responsibilities 

The role of Technical Director involves team management, planning and strategic thinking to develop and improve the theatre’s equipment, infrastructure and the flow of information within the teams.  

It is an engaging role that offers the opportunity to have a real impact on the organisation and its development, and to devise improvements and changes to drive forward and sustain the transformation work underway within the Theatre. 

As Technical Directorand Head of Infrastructure, you will be a member of the Management Committee and work closely with the General and Artistic Director, her deputy and the Financial Director to contribute to the strategic planning and transformation of Varia, and to develop and implement the Theatre’s vision. The Management Committee is a collaborative body responsible for the overall management of the theatre, and you are a full member of it.  

In this way, you will play an active role in the realisation of the artistic and overall project. You will be one of the driving forces behind this project, which involves a comprehensive approach to the management of the theatre’s activities, team management and the organisational structure, as well as the management of the building and technical equipment. Your day-to-day work combines practical, coordination and planning tasks with time spent on the conception and development of the overall project. 

You have official joint responsibility for the management of the theatre, and are recognised as such in the association’s articles of association and by the board of directors. 

You will directly manage the permanent and temporary technical teams, as well as staff responsible for the maintenance and functionality of the infrastructure. 

Your tasks and responsibilities 

Technical direction and management of activities 

• You will implement and carry out Varia’s five-year plan in collaboration with the entire Management Committee, by actively participating in it, promoting it and ensuring its logistical feasibility;  
• You will work in consultation with the Artistic Director and the Financial Director to ensure the planning and feasibility of the seasonal artistic programme and other theatre activities, and to ensure their viability and organisational oversight; 
• You will represent Varia in dealings with external stakeholders: funding bodies, federations and industry professionals;
• You will carry out cross-functional coordination: managing the overall schedule in collaboration with the Assistant to the General and Artistic Director, and managing specific schedules relating to the use of the theatre’s spaces; 
• You are responsible for the general organisation and dissemination of information, monitoring productions, events and all of Varia’s activities;
• You may be required to manage the organisation of tours;  

Management of facilities and technical equipment 

• You will be responsible for the proper management of the theatre’s infrastructure in collaboration with theatre staff: monitoring the work of the maintenance company, managing files relating to maintenance and building works, drawing up a schedule for renovation, repair and improvement works, and monitoring its implementation;
• You will manage administrative files relating to the buildings and associated grant applications; 
• You are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of technical equipment and compliance with current safety standards. You organise and monitor the requirements of various inspections carried out by accredited bodies;

Team management 

• You will manage all technical and maintenance staff by drawing up work schedules, defining tasks and monitoring performance;
• You ensure the smooth flow of information between the Theatre’s various departments and the artistic teams; 
• You will organise the necessary training for the technical team and actively participate in the implementation of cross-functional training for the entire team;
• You will work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.  

Required profile  

• Understanding of the challenges involved in managing a theatre and its programming  
• Excellent organisational skills, foresight and the ability to anticipate 
• Experience in stage management, creative management, hospitality and touring 
• Experience in team planning and staff management 
• Knowledge of theatre stage equipment and its management 
• Project management skills 
• Team player, solution-oriented and a good communicator  
• Practical, versatile and conscientious 

Experience, skills and motivation are more important than a degree. Le Varia is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. In the event of equivalent applications, priority will be given to profiles (gender, background, age, etc.) that are under-represented within the organisation.  

We welcome unconventional or alternative applications for this role. It could be considered as a partnership or in other formats. 

 Required qualifications 

• BA 4/5 in Electrical Engineering 
• First Aid in Firefighting (PAF) training 
• Basic safety advisor 
• Driving licence  

We offer

• A full-time permanent contract, with a start date of 19 August 2024. The start date may be adjusted to suit the candidate’s circumstances. 
• A salary package commensurate with your skills and experience 

Would you like to apply?  

Please send your CV and cover letter to Coline Struyf by Tuesday 21 May 2024 at the latest to info@varia.be.  

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on 30 and 31 May 2024. 

Selection process 

• An initial meeting will be organised in the presence of the two experts and two members of the Management Committee. 
• A second meeting will take place in the presence of a member of the Board of Directors and members of the Management Team. 

For further information, Coline Struyf’s project portfolio, technical specifications, etc., please contact Anna Six on 02/640.35.50 or at anna.six@varia.be.