Orchestra Manager

Orchestra Manager

Joining English National Ballet, you will find a community of artists, musicians, theatre and costume craftspeople, creatives, business and administration professionals across a range of disciplines, all working together to achieve a common goal: to bring world-class ballet to as many people as possible, wherever they are and whatever their means. We are a multi-skilled, multi-cultural, open and inclusive organisation and we place a high value on diversity and diversity of thought in our teams.

About the role

English National Ballet is seeking an Orchestra Manager to support the Music Director (MD) with preparation for and delivery of the season of scheduled work. The role will facilitate a number of people management processes including engagement of extra players, attendance management, and supervision of the orchestra. A key responsibility will be to provide accurate data on orchestra attendance and work performed for payroll processing. The Orchestra Manager provides a level of service as first point of contact for all players and a visible presence for both players and senior management.

This role is offered as a part time position, working to annualised hours, which are equivalent to an average of 2 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Music Director and other key stakeholders in advance of each season to understand fully the Artistic Programme, and what this means for the Orchestra schedule.
• Become familiar with the requirements for operational delivery at each touring venue, including pit set up.
• Seek and secure opportunities for additional work for the Orchestra or small-scale projects through networking, ensuring projects proposed are feasible.
• Maintain contact with a network of players of the required calibre who can take up work offered at short notice, across all sections of the Orchestra, working in consultation with Section Leaders.
• Work collaboratively with HR recruitment team on any authorised recruitment needs.
• Ensure an accurate register of attendance is taken of all players at every rehearsal and performance to support payroll administration.
• Provide accurate data for payroll processing on work performed by each orchestra player, based on good record keeping attendance register and spreadsheet templates.
• Gain familiarity with the House Agreement terms and conditions and all information which will trigger payments.

Key Selection Criteria

• A good track record in orchestra management and administration for a professional orchestra.
• Strong ability to understand the orchestra resourcing requirements for each section of the orchestra for each production.
• Experience liaising with freelance players and ability to engage them at short notice (‘fixing duties’).
• Ability to liaise on requirements and oversee the get-in/get-out arrangements and the preparation of the Orchestra pit in each venue for each production.
• Ability to gain a good understanding of different contractual arrangements and collective terms and conditions, and ability to collate accurate information on work performed by each Orchestra player to support payroll.
• Credibility as an ambassador for ENB internally and externally.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends during performance weeks, and ability to attend touring venues.

About ENB

English National Ballet (ENB) has been bringing world-class ballet and music to the widest possible audience for over seventy years. We are a pioneering Company at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution: celebrating tradition whilst striving to innovate and develop the artform. ENB is also a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships and community programmes. English National Ballet is committed to artistic excellence and to sharing ballet with as many people as possible, across the UK and around the world.