Head of Department, Rigging – ALIZÉ

Head of Department, Rigging –ALIZÉ – Resident Shows Division

Full-Time Position 

We are looking for a Head of Department (HOD), Rigging who will assist the Show Technical Director and the Resident Shows Division (RSD)Department Manager in managing and supervising the activities of the show’s Rigging team. The Rigging HOD will ensure that the rigging equipment is operated properly and maintained for show readiness and safety and will coordinate with other departments for various projects. 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 Rigging HOD will have the opportunity to:

-          In collaboration with the Technical Director and Department Manager, manage the show’s Rigging 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;

-          Ensure all departmental-related documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner. Set the strategy and standards for proper documentation and train team on best practices;

-          Coordinate, determine and oversee support for special projects, including the research, purchasing, construction and installation of new show elements, and other projects that include Rigging elements or other needs that may fall within the department’s specialty, as directed; Maintain flexible schedule for such projects;

-          Ensure Rigging team has a thorough knowledge of all Rigging 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;

-          Learn and run show tracks to ensure the safe and continued operation of the show, as needed;

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

-          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;

-          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.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: 

-          At least five years of previous experience as a stage Rigger on a large-scale production or in a similar environment; 

-          At least three years of previous leadership experience;

-          Previous experience as an acrobatic and theatrical Rigger for large-scale productions; 

-          Advanced knowledge of the following:

 o   Fall protection; Formal training in this or other safety training is an asset to have;

 o   Rope access;

 o   AutoCAD;

 o   Mechanical aptitude is desired such as, fabrication, chain hoists, counterweight systems, etc.;

 o   Running cables, swaging, pulley systems, motor control and cabling;

 o   General construction knowledge.

-          Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook); AutoCAD knowledge is preferred; 

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

-          High School Diploma and or GED required

-          German SQ Q2 level 3 rigging certification or equivalent international certification and experience to attain level 3;

-          Ability to perform the essential functions of the job including, but not limited to: climbing, crouching, kneeling, standing, lifting, sometimes for extended amounts of time; lifting at least 75lbs, sometimes 100lbs, 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, first hand.

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 go 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.

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