Head of Electrics

Criterion Theatre Trust

Currently seeking: Head of Electrics

Join the LX Team at the Criterion Theatre Trust.

We're currently looking for a Head of Electrics to join our LX team. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead and shape the electrics

function within a busy West End theatre, overseeing all lighting operations and providing strategic and operational support to the wider Technical and Theatre Operations teams.

WELCOME TO THE CRITERION THEATRE TRUST

Thank you for your interest in joining The Criterion Theatre as Head of Electrics.

Since 1874, the Criterion has stood at the heart of London's West End-an intimate, historic venue that has delighted audiences for generations.

From our remarkable productions to our beautifully preserved auditorium, the experience we offer begins the moment a guest walks through our doors.

As Managing Director of The Criterion Trust, I'm incredibly proud of the warm, professional, and welcoming environment we've cultivated-both on stage and off. Each team plays a vital role in bringing the theatre to life for every guest who walks through our doors.

Join a theatre with history, heart, and high standards as Head of Electrics. In this senior, hands-on role, you will lead and oversee the theatre's electrics and lighting operations, manage and mentor the LX team, maintain and troubleshoot equipment, and ensure all performances run safely and smoothly. This is a key leadership position offering the opportunity to shape technical standards, implement best practices, and contribute to the ongoing success of a busy West End theatre.

We're looking for someone proactive, confident, and adaptable, with extensive experience in high-paced productions, lighting operation and maintenance, and a thorough understanding of health and safety. If you thrive on problem-solving and enjoy working in a dynamic, live theatre environment, this role could be your next career step.

Welcome to The Criterion Theatre Trust!

Kind regards,

Fiona Callaghan

Managing

Director

ABOUT THE CRITERION

Nestled in the heart of London's West End, The Criterion Theatre has been a beacon of theatrical excellence since 1874. As custodians of this iconic space, The Criterion Trust is committed to preserving its rich legacy while ensuring it continues to inspire generations to come.

An Iconic West End Stage

Located in the heart of Piccadilly Circus

A Grade II listed building with a unique underground auditorium with 590 seats and two bars

A platform for bold new voices and acclaimed international work

Home to long-running successes, from comedies to classics

Committed to broadening engagement with the arts-through community outreach, education initiatives, and opportunities for emerging talent todevelop and perform on the Criterion stage

Whether launching a debut play or hosting renowned productions, The Criterion remains one of London's most beloved venues.

OUR VISION

To be a celebrated centre of theatrical excellence, bringing unforgettable live performances to diverse audiences and nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community of theatre professionals.

OUR MISSION

To preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the Criterion Theatre, while fostering artistic innovation and providing exceptional opportunities for talent development, audience engagement, and community connection.

OUR VALUES

Heritage Excellence Inclusivity Creativity Collaboration

WE ARE THE CRITERION THEATRE TRUST

THE TRUST

Founded in 1992, The Criterion Theatre Trust is a charitable organisation established to preserve the integrity and purpose of the historic Criterion Theatre. The Trust oversees the care, programming ethos, and long-term vision of this treasured West End venue.

Governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees, the Trust is responsible for the theatre's preservation, creative direction, and continued cultural relevance.

Beyond maintaining the fabric of the building, the Trust is committed to enriching the wider arts landscape-championing community outreach, education initiatives, and providing opportunities for emerging talent to grow and perform on the Criterion stage.

All profits from theatre operations are reinvested into maintaining the building, improving sustainability, and supporting the Trust's wider engagement work, ensuring the Criterion remains a vibrant, accessible space for generations to come.

OUR ORGANISATION AND CULTURE

The Criterion Theatre Trust is a close-knit organisation with a dedicated team of around 40 employees across all departments. We operate with a flat hierarchy that fosters opencommunication and collaboration at every level-from the Managing Director, through Departmental Heads and Deputy Heads, to Managers, Assistants, Trainees and our Front of House team.

This structure creates a supportive environment where ideas and feedback are encouraged, helping us maintain a positive and inclusive workplace culture that allows individuals to learn and grow. We support personal interests and offer opportunities for funded training to help our team develop their skills.

The Criterion is a vibrant and welcoming venue, regularly hosting new show runs and welcoming a diverse range of artists and visitors. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who comes through our doors feels included, valued, and part of our creative community. Sustainability is also a key priority for us, and we continually strive to reduce our environmental impact through responsible practices across all areas of our work.

We are also committed to fair and professional employment practices, adhering to the SOLT/BECTU Agreement, ensuring clear and equitable working standards for all. Our passionate team is united by a genuine appreciation for theatre and a shared desire to create memorable experiences for both artists and audiences.

Terms and Conditions

POST

Head of Electrics

REPORTING INTO

Managing Director

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Deputy Head of Electrics, show and casual staff

CONTRACT TYPE

Permanent Position

START DATE

As soon as possible

HOURS

40 hours a week over five days: day, evening and weekend shifts. Overtime as operationally

required.

LOCATION

Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus, London

SALARY

SOLT/BECTU Grade 1: £22.98 per hour plus overtime where applicable

OTHER BENEFITS

20 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays

Off-site and cross-department training opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme - confidential wellbeing and mental health support

Auto-enrolment pension contributions & salary sacrifice scheme

Application Process

APPLICATION

We're excited to welcome a new Head of Electrics to our team!

To apply, please send:

Your CV

A short personal statement (about 300 words) telling us a little about yourself, why you're interested, what you can bring to the role, and what you hope to gain.

Email your application to: with the subject line: Head of Electrics Application - Your Name

CLOSING DATE:

Sunday, 8th March 2026

INTERVIEWS

There will be a two-stage interview process, with first-round interviews taking place on the 12th/13th March 2026

START DATE

Beginning April 2026 or as soon as possible

If you have any questions or need this information in another format, please contact Aileen Zainiuddin via email or phone - we're happy to help.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and fairness. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

JOB DESCRIPTION

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Electrics is responsible for the stage sound and lighting and the realisation of technical services for all performances and events within agreed schedules and budgets.

They also take responsibility, working closely with the Technical and Buildings Manager, to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the building to a high standard working alongside other departments and with external contractors as appropriate.

IN DOING SO, YOU WILL:

Comply with Health & Safety regulations.

Comply with all licensing and building regulations.

Comply with all company policies and codes of practice.

Minimise the Trust's environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Main Responsibilities

Production

Liaise with incoming design, production, technical staff and suppliers as appropriate to ensure all technical requirements are met for all productions and individual events.

Liaise with management and other technical departments to ensure smooth running of get-ins and get-outs including approval of staff scheduling and budgetary controls.

Liaise with staff and visiting company to ensure the smooth running of performances.

Arrange for, and liaise with, additional technical support staff where necessary.

Supervisions of fit-ups inc . click apply for full job details