Entertainment Technical Manager

Department: Entertainment

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

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.