The opportunity
About the role
HAL - Entertainment Technical Manager
Department: Entertainment
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: Global
Description
The Entertainment Technical Manager (ETM) is responsible for the safe, consistent, and high-quality performance of all technical operations supporting shipboard entertainment programming. This includes oversight of lighting, audio, video, stage automation, and rigging systems across multiple venues. As a key member of the ship’s Entertainment leadership team, the ETM leads a team of skilled technicians and ensures all entertainment systems are maintained to company and regulatory standards.
This role requires a deep understanding of live production systems, proactive leadership, and the ability to manage evolving schedules in a fast-paced environment. The ETM reports directly to the Entertainment Director and holds the rank of a two-stripe officer onboard.
Key Job Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure safe and effective technical operations that consistently support excellent guest experience.
- Oversee daily functionality, scheduling, and maintenance of all technical systems across all entertainment venues.
- Monitor compliance with company policies, safety protocols, and regulatory standards.
- Coordinate technical elements for rehearsals, cast changeovers, and live events to ensure technical readiness.
- Lead and mentor onboard technical team members, promoting development, accountability, and high standards.
- Schedule and perform regular inspections and preventative maintenance on all technical systems.
- Maintain accurate documentation of safety compliance, maintenance logs, inventories, and administrative reporting.
- Coordinate with other departments and stakeholders to deliver technical support for shipwide events.
- Oversee timely ordering of replacement parts, supplies, and consumables.
- Uphold clean and safe working conditions in all backstage and technical work areas.
Experience
Minimum Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience in technical theater, live production, or a related discipline.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in live production or technical theater, including 2 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
- Strong knowledge of entertainment systems including rigging, automation, video, lighting, and/or audio.
- Entertainment technical training courses or certifications preferred.
- OSHA 10/30 or similar safety certifications preferred.
- Experience in cruise ship or touring environments strongly preferred.
- Proven leadership skills and ability to manage a multidisciplinary team.
- Champion of safety compliance and technical standards.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Proficiency with technical documentation, reporting tools, scheduling, and inventory systems.
- Effective communicator with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
- Flexible, solution-oriented, and able to manage changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Additional Requirements
- Must pass and maintain a valid medical certificate of fitness (arranged by the company).
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg), work at heights up to 36 ft (11 m), and operate in confined, loud, bright, or dark environments.
- Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods and adapting to shipboard schedules.
- Full-time shipboard travel required; this is a seagoing role with 6-month contract durations.
- Single cabin accommodation; two-stripe officer rank.
- On-call shipboard phone will be provided onboard.
- Must be comfortable operating in a multicultural, fast-paced environment.
