Orchestra Manager

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.

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 at all scheduled calls.

Your main responsibilities as Orchestra Manager will include:

• 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.
• 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 and ability to engage talent at short notice (‘fixing duties’).
• Strong ability to understand the orchestra resourcing requirements for each production, and each section of the orchestra.
• Experience in managing communications with orchestra players, freelancers and booking services, such as MAS, to track and monitor acceptance of scheduled work.
• Ability to gain a good understanding of different contractual arrangements and collective terms and conditions and collate accurate information in Excel on work performed by each orchestra player to support payroll, working to notified deadlines.
• A good understanding of health and safety issues, measures required for working in the orchestra pit and managing noise and ability to undertake any training required.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends during performance weeks and ability to work on site at MCD and attend touring venues.

About ENB

English National Ballet has been opening up the possibilities of ballet for over 75 years. We are a pioneering Company at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution: celebrating tradition whilst forging innovation and developing the artform. English National Ballet is also a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building dynamic partnerships and community programmes. We strive for artistic excellence and to share ballet with as many people as possible, across the UK and around the world.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where staff of all backgrounds can thrive and grow. We would particularly like to hear from black and global majority applicants and from applicants living with a disability or a long-term health condition, both groups which are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

Please contact us if you need to request any reasonable adjustments to attend the recruitment process or if you need an alternative application format, on hr_recruitment@ballet.org.uk.