Head of Department, Automation – ALIZÉ

Head of Department, Automation – ALIZÉ – Resident Shows Division

Full-Time Position

We are looking for a Head of Department (“HOD”), Automation whose role will lead the Automation team. The Automation HOD will assist the Show Technical Director, along with the Resident Shows Division (“RSD”) Automation Manager in managing and supervising the activities of the Automation team. The Automation HOD leads the team in ensuring Automation equipment is operated properly and maintained for show readiness and safety by assisting with the strategy to maintain a safe working environment. Additionally, they could need to serve as an Automation Console Operator as needed. The ideal candidate for this position will have a team player mindset as well as the ability to handle contingencies and work well under pressure. They should have effective communication skills as this position could communicate on the headset often.

The Automation HOD will have the opportunity to:

-          In collaboration with the Technical Director and Department Manager, manage the show’s Automation department during performances, Artist training and maintenance. Complete various HR/administrative tasks for the department, such as, but not limited to, payroll, scheduling, onboarding, disciplinary actions, etc.;

-          Work with Technical Director and Department Manager on all budgets and forecasting of departmental needs, including inventory;

-          Learn and run show tracks to ensure the safe and continued operation for performances, Artist training and maintenance, as needed;

-          Ensure all departmental designs, equipment, systems, functions, procedures, show tracks, maintenance and inspection logs, special projects, etc. are properly and adequately documented;

-          In collaboration with the Technical Director and Department Manager, coordinate, determine and oversee support for special projects, including the research, purchasing, installation, testing, troubleshooting, integration and ongoing maintenance and inspection of all equipment and systems required for any Automation-related elements or needs that may fall within the department’s specialty, as directed; Maintain flexible schedule for such projects;

-          Work with the Technical Director, Department Manager, Artistic and Stage Management staff to support their needs during rehearsals, training and performances;

-          Ensure Automation team has a thorough knowledge of all Automation Department equipment specific to the production to operate equipment safely. Work with the Technical Director and Department Manager to establish and maintain training and backup plans to ensure continuity of performance operations of the department, as necessary;

-          Work with the Technical Director and Department Manager to establish and maintain training and backup plans to ensure continuity of performance operations of the department in the event of unexpected failure of a system, component or piece of equipment; 

-          Adhere to and actively promote all applicable German occupational safety and health regulations, including DGUV standards, the Arbeitsschutzgesetz (ArbSchG), and industry-specific guidelines, to ensure the safe operation of all technical and performance-related elements of the production; participate in all required health and safety classes and emergency rescue procedure training;

-          Contribute to a safe and positive working environment at all times by adhering to and following all Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group standards, values, policies and regulations pertaining to safety using equipment and established working methods;

-          Assist other departments when necessary for cross-departmental support;

-          Ensure all Health and Safety training records are current and recorded properly, also assist in crew schedule to allow for training as required by the Technical Director;

-          Complete all other job-related duties as assigned.

What does it take for this role? The following hard skills are the basics of what’s needed to be successful in this position:

-          At least five years of previous experience operating and managing motion control systems and/or theater experience of large-scale productions or in a similar environment;

-          At least three years of previous leadership experience;

-          Previous experience operating large theatrical production automation systems;

-          Ability to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems, Ethernet communications and PLC operations;

-          Advanced knowledge of the following:

 o   Electronics and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC); Formal training is an asset;

 o   General Electronics training;

 o   Hydraulic and motorized equipment repair is an asset.

-          Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook); Knowledge of AutoCAD preferred;

-          Availability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays;

-          High School Diploma and or GED required; Vocational diploma in a related field;

-          Ability to perform the essential functions of the job including, but not limited to: crouching, kneeling, standing, lifting, sometimes for extended amounts of time; lifting at least 50lbs unassisted, operating mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, etc.; Full list of essential functions will be sent in the offer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions;

-          Fluent in English, both written and spoken; Ability to clearly and effectively communicate via headset; with an international cast the operational language will be English;

-          Verification of the right to work in Germany for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.  

As you can imagine, working with a circus can be quite different from other organizations, and at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, we embrace these differences loudly with enthusiasm. We realize that one size fits none and invite you to come create your own specialized experience with us to see exactly what we’re talking about, firsthand.

Our emotion-provoking shows are just the tip of the iceberg: laced throughout our organization, you will find creative minds who are empowered to use their voices and be themselves, their truest selves. Diversity to us means various perspectives, fresh ideas and continuous improvement of the way we do things. We won’t pretend like we have every answer, that’s why we need you! The employees here are the center of what we do, the voices behind the final product and amazing performances on stage.

When you think of your ideal workplace, what comes to mind? For us, it looks (and really is) like this:

-          Teamwork – we thrive with collaborative teams, regardless of titles or departments;

-          Respect – when we ask someone to join our team, it’s because we trust and respect you;

-          Integrity – whether you work behind-the-scenes or in the office, you’re being counted on. We are a team and integrity goes a long way here, and like we mentioned previously, trust is important;

-          Authenticity – we want you to bring your full self to work, this is a place where you don’t need to fit into a box to belong; diverse perspectives foster even more creativity in the workplace. We embrace the human behind the employee number;

-          Being heard – you have access to everyone in the organization, use your voice on development questions or suggestions on how to improve the experience. We value open and transparent communication, and we want you to be heard!

Come create with us and let us show you what a “circus family” feels like!

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin or ancestry.

_________________________________________