Director of Production and Operations

Description

Introduction
From its 1948 debut performance to over 3,000 audience members, the WSO has become a powerhouse orchestra, regularly surprising guest conductors and artists with the exceptional musicianship and flexibility of its members. The WSO holds over 90 events per year in its five-music series, and vibrant education programs. Under the leadership of Music Director Daniel Raiskin, the orchestra has earned a place among the ranks of major Canadian symphony orchestras, welcoming eminent artists and conductors from all over the world.

The WSO’s activity regularly extends beyond its home stage at the Centennial Concert Hall. Each year, the WSO’s much-lauded and highly innovative Winnipeg New Music Festival regularly draws crowds in the thousands. The WSO has produced concerts on Olympic size diving boards, in cottage country harbours and outdoors at The Forks in -30c. The orchestra has toured twice to Carnegie Hall and regularly performs across Manitoba and Canada.

In 2011, the WSO founded Sistema Winnipeg, based on the famous Venezuelan El Sistema program for at-risk children, in partnership with two Winnipeg school divisions. Over 40,000 students attend orchestra concerts presented by the WSO each season and its innovative pops and film programs serve a rapidly growing audience. The WSO functions as the official orchestra of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Manitoba Opera Association.

The Role:
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Artistic Planning, the Director of Production and Operations manages and supervises all logistical aspects of concert production with particular focus on the orchestra’s collective agreement and technical aspects of staging, lighting, audio, video and guest artist rider logistics.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

In consultation with the Music Director, WSO Associate Conductor, and Director of Artistic Planning, the Director of Production and Operations ensures the highest quality production of all concert and non-concert events, including live streamed WSO events. Duties include:
• Plan, manage and supervise all aspects of the technical requirements for the WSO productions for local, national and international concerts and events. Assist or undertake set-ups, strikes and all technical activities as required, and where necessary tours with the company.
• Establish detailed budgets for company productions and presentations on an annual basis. Closely monitor and report against such budgets on a monthly basis with particular attention to ensuring hiring and technical costs are aligned to budget.
• Create and manage production contracts, technical riders and guest artist itineraries.
• Create and manage production documentation and stage plots, in conjunction with the Production Stage Manager.
• Manage and supervise the Personnel Manager, Stage Manager, Operations Coordinator, Stage Supervisor, and IATSE crew.
• Work with the Operations Coordinator to ensure that guest artist logistics are completed in a timely and professional manner including but not limited to itineraries, transportation arrangements, hotel reservations, rehearsals with orchestra, and hospitality arrangements.
• Plan, manage and supervise requirements for the instrument transportation associated with the WSO’s schedule, including local, national and international touring.
• Liaise with, supervise and manage venue staging crews working on WSO productions at each of the venues used by the company.
• Take responsibility for efficient, effective and cost-smart hiring of contract and casual staging crews for concert and non-concert events.
• Oversee all electronic media projects and contracts including live streaming, radio broadcasts, television broadcasts, recordings, television commercials etc.
• Serve as an employer representative for collective bargaining with IATSE Local 63 and maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of Collective Agreements.
• Manage bookings with the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall (MCCC) and other venues required for rehearsals and concerts.
• Oversee and manage the maintenance and security of orchestral instruments and equipment.
• Plan and administer the season schedule in conjunction with Director of Artistic Planning for orchestra, tours, runouts, community concerts and all concerts.  Supervise communication of schedules.
• Supervise orchestra personnel issues in collaboration with the Personnel Manager and Music Director.
• Work with the Executive Director to maintain relationships with musicians’ committees and unions and to negotiate collective agreements and process grievances. Communicate general information and new policies to the orchestra.

General Administration
• Assist with human resources documentation for Artistic Operations personnel, including job descriptions, contracts, job postings and search processes.
• With the artistic team assess potential opportunities such as partnerships, collaborations, recording projects, and run outs/tours.
• Perform other duties as reasonably required by the Executive Director.

Safety and Health
• Oversee and ensure compliance with workplace health & safety requirements.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and accessibility regulations, proactively addressing potential risks. Participate in the WSO’s Safety and Health Committee.