Theatre Safe Australia (TSA)

TSA is devoted to creating inspiring moments, and creative environments throughout the live theatre and entertainment industry. We aim to provide collaborative, supportive and creative services to our clients, focusing on delivering high quality, tailor-made solutions.

About the role

The Head of Department – Productions is a senior management role responsible for driving the success of Theatre Safe Australia’s production department. You will oversee all aspects of production management, including automation, rigging, scenery, drapery, and crew resources, while maintaining a strategic focus on departmental growth, financial sustainability, and market engagement.

You will be accountable for achieving budget targets, developing commercial opportunities through quoting and tendering, and ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality productions that meet and exceed client expectations..

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Management

Lead the Production department with a clear vision for growth, performance, and excellence

Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for Production Managers, Associate Production Managers, and Coordinators

Oversee department workflows, ensuring consistent quality, safety, and client satisfaction

Develop and maintain systems for resource planning, scheduling, and delivery of productions

Financial & Commercial Management

Oversee the production department’s budget and financial health, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth

Prepare and manage departmental forecasts, budgets, and financial reporting, including planning for future client and operational needs.

Lead asset purchasing and investment decisions to support long-term departmental strategy and capability.

Develop competitive quotes and tenders for new work.

Actively identify, pursue, and secure new commercial opportunities, engaging directly with the market to build relationships and expand TSA’s portfolio.

Monitor and report on project costs, margins, and revenue.

Production Oversight & Delivery

Oversee the delivery of all productions to ensure they meet technical specifications and are delivered on time, on budget, and safely

Maintain high standards of workplace health and safety compliance across all production activities

Ensure robust processes are in place for risk assessment, documentation, and incident management

Provide oversight of production planning, logistics, and staffing, both in pre-production and during show delivery

Support clients with technical advice and creative solutions

Apply AutoCAD or similar software to interpret and contribute to technical documentation and production schematics

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a senior point of contact for key clients, building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships

Represent TSA professionally in all industry dealings, networking events, and client engagements

Ensure high-quality customer experiences are consistently delivered by the Production department

About You

You’re a commercially savvy and strategic leader who brings deep production experience and a passion for delivering exceptional results. You thrive on building relationships, leading high-performing teams, and taking ownership of a department’s growth and success.

Essential

Extensive experience in production management within theatre, events, or touring environments

Strong background in leading multi-disciplinary technical teams

Proven track record of financial management including quoting, tendering, budgets, and financial reporting

Skilled at engaging and developing new business opportunities and maintaining client relationships

Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

Deep understanding of WH&S standards in a production environment

Proactive, solutions-focused, and adaptable

Willingness to travel within Australia and occasionally to Asia

About Us

Theatre Safe Australia is a leader in creative, technical and production solutions across live entertainment, theatre and events. Our team prides itself on delivering projects safely, to the highest standard, and with a genuine commitment to client success.

Why Us?

Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of production for a respected, growing company.

Be part of a passionate, industry-recognised team.

Work in a values-driven company that prioritises quality, relationships, and innovation.

Supportive culture where initiative and performance are rewarded.

Access to a platform offering discounts, wellness resources, and recognition tools to support a work-life balance.