Overview
The Technical Director is responsible for the day to day operational delivery of technical production across First Event’s live, hybrid, and virtual events. This is a hands-on leadership role, focused on ensuring events are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a consistently high technical standard. Working closely with the Head of Technology & Innovation, the role supports strong commercial performance through effective cost control, supplier management and resourcing, while maintaining a visible onsite presence across key projects.
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical delivery of live, hybrid, and virtual events, ensuring smooth execution and high production standards.
- Act as senior technical lead on selected complex or high profile projects, working closely with creative and production teams to help translate client ideas into innovative, deliverable technical solutions.
- Provide hands-on support during pre production, site visits, rehearsals, and live delivery where required.
- Ensure all events are delivered safely, on time, and in line with agreed client expectations.
Budget & Cost Management
- Manage project budgets in line with agreed cost plans, tracking spend and highlighting risks or variances.
- Support accurate forecasting and reporting by maintaining clear and up to date cost information.
- Work closely with suppliers and freelancers to ensure value for money and delivery quality.
- Contribute to maintaining healthy project margins through effective planning and cost control.
- Line manage the Technical team, providing clear direction, feedback, and support.
- Coordinate technical resourcing across projects, including internal teams, freelancers, and suppliers.
- Build strong working relationships with key suppliers to support reliable and cost effective delivery.
- Foster a collaborative and accountable approach within the technical delivery team.
Commercial & Proposal Support
- Support the Head of Tech & Innovation on RFPs and proposals by advising on technical solutions and delivery approaches.
- Contribute to commercially viable and creative technical solutions that align with client needs and project budgets.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency within technical delivery.
- Identify and implement practical improvements to technical delivery processes and workflows.
- Support the adoption of new tools, technologies, and ways of working that enhance efficiency and reporting.
- Share insights and feedback to inform wider departmental improvements and future planning.
Growth & Progression
The introduction of a Technical Director into our team reflects both the scale of our technical delivery and our ambition to continue growing this area of the business. Production is a key growth area for First Event, and this role has a genuine opportunity to shape how technical delivery evolves from capability and team development through to ways of working and commercial contribution. We believe strongly in giving people a voice, ownership, and the space to make meaningful change. As technical capability, team maturity, and technical revenue grow, we expect the scope, influence, and seniority of this role to grow with it. This role will suit someone who is excited by the opportunity to lead, build, and leave their mark, within a collaborative and supportive culture where ideas are listened to and people are trusted to do great work.
Person Specification
- A seasoned, hands on technical expert with deep production experience, confident challenging assumptions and exploring new technical ideas and solutions. Strong technical knowledge across audio, video, lighting, staging, LED walls, and temporary power, with proven experience delivering integrated event production solutions.
- Confident coordinating power, rigging, and structural requirements with venues and suppliers. Understanding of rigging principles, truss systems, and working at height safety.
- Highly proficient in technical drawing software, Vectorworks preferred
- Strong leadership skills, with experience managing teams, freelancers, and suppliers.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, with a calm, pragmatic approach under pressure.
- Hands-on operational capability comfortable leading large scale production delivery on site.
- Experience supporting international event delivery, with the ability to travel globally as required.
- Experience supporting commercial growth through technical responses to RFPs, proposals, and client engagement.
- Highly organised, commercially aware, and confident working across multiple concurrent projects. Experience in exhibition builds, including custom structures, integrated AV, and technical coordination within exhibition environments, is a plus.
Details
- Location: Based in North Leeds, with the flexibility to work remotely or in a way that works best for you.
- Reporting to: Head of Tech & Innovation
- Employment type: Full-time
- Seniority level: Director
- Job function: Information Technology
- Industries: Events Services
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