Company Manager

As a pivotal figure within the TAB team, the Company Manager orchestrates the logistical framework, venue coordination, and Front-of-House (FOH) operations for the Company’s extensive touring schedule, including engagements at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne residencies.

Positioned at the heart of TAB’s endeavours, the Company Manager ensures seamless day-to-day operations while on tour, fostering clear communication and adherence to exemplary practices.

The role demands proactive planning, efficient operational execution, adept problem-solving, and robust support, all while steering a dynamic team attuned to the Company’s rhythm.

The Company Manager’s contribution is vital to TAB’s triumphs, embodying the Company’s ethos in a broad spectrum of initiatives.

The Australian Ballet is one of the world’s leading national ballet companies and a globally recognised Australian major performing arts organisation. Each year the company presents upwards of 220 performances through its main stage seasons in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth along with public programs, special events, an extensive regional tour, a Children’s Ballet and Education programs and regular overseas tours.

Orchestra Victoria, (OV), provides pit services for ballet and opera in Victoria, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Australian Ballet. The Australian Ballet and Orchestra Victoria have an annual turnover of more than $70 million and employ over 265 sta

Annual Program Management

• Collaborate with the Head of Venue and Company Management in overseeing the execution of TAB’s diverse annual program, encompassing Mainstage productions, National and Storytime tours, and international engagements.
• Collaborate with the Head of Venue and Company Management to develop and implement operational strategies for the forthcoming season.
• Coordinate with the Company Management team to fulfill the operational and logistical needs of the annual performance schedule.
• Represent TAB as a Front-of-House (FOH) delegate, ensuring adherence to best practices and alignment with TAB’s core values and brand standards.
• Lead a dedicated team in managing the Company’s travel logistics, providing support, and resolving issues effectively.
• Inform TAB management and personnel about tour-related activities and requirements as needed.
• Supervise the development of touring resources, methodologies, and protocols to guarantee efficiency and clarity in communication.

Tour Coordination – International, National & Storytime

• Partner with the Head of Artistic Liaison and Tour Producers to evaluate and arrange travel and lodging arrangements, including conducting site inspections, when necessary.

• Craft the logistical framework of tours in conjunction with the Tour Producers.
• Support the Head of Artistic Liaison with visa arrangements and pre-departure travel planning.
• Engage with venue representatives alongside the Tour Producer and Agent, as applicable, to prepare for upcoming tours.

Travel and Accommodation Oversight

• Aid the Head of Venue and Company Management and the Head of Artistic Liaison in procuring optimal flight and accommodation options that meet the Company’s needs and financial objectives.

• Work with the Head of Artist Liaison to manage the Company’s travel schedules, ensuring all deadlines for surveys and bookings are met.
• Handle any alterations or updates to the Company’s travel arrangements.
• Aggregate travel and accommodation entitlements in line with applicable industrial awards and Enterprise Agreements, and coordinate with Payroll for processing.
• Address and resolve any travel-related concerns promptly.

Venue Liaison Activities

• Maintain productive relationships with venue partners and other performance spaces in collaboration with the Head of Venue and Company Management and the Head of Planning.
• Communicate effectively with Theatre Management and relevant staff at all performance venues to ensure detailed information is shared well in advance of venue utilization.
• Conduct pre-tour briefings for venues and involved parties, followed by regular updates during the venue stay.
• Manage incident resolution through effective communication with venue staff.
• Coordinate mandatory safety briefings at venues and participate in warden training, practice drills, and evacuation procedures as required.

Company Support

• Uphold the Company’s duty of care by ensuring general safety, welfare, and providing on-site support.
• Collaborate with the Artistic Health team to meet the Company’s needs during travel and venue stays.
• Offer management support to touring staff, including check-ins, workload assessments, and assistance with various needs.
• Oversee the distribution of tickets and per diems to local and international guests in line with their contracts.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the Dancers Enterprise Agreement, other relevant industrial awards, company policies, and ensure compliance by dancers and management.

Child Employment Management

• Support the Head of Venue and Company Management in engagement with State Government departments to comply with all legislative requirements for child employment.
• Coordinate with Artistic and Ballet Staff to meet casting deadlines for Child Extras.
• Communicate with Child Extras’ families and parents about their child’s involvement and activities during the season.
• Support the Head of Venue and Company Management Serve who is the primary contact for HR to maintain adherence to contracting and child employment standards.
• Manage Child Chaperones, including recruitment and daily operations.

Finance

• Prepare fortnightly wages information for the Payroll Administrator
• Consult with Payroll on the scheduling and dissemination of year-end payments.
• Oversee financial delegations, including managing a designated bank account, a TAB Credit Card, and a petty cash system for Company and Stage Management.

Ticketing & Events

• Manage the department’s ticket allocations for each season, including house seats for performances.
• Collaborate with the Ticketing Department on opening night ticketing for artistic guests and dancers.
• Collaborate with relevant TAB Event Managers to ensure smooth operational delivery of venue specific events and celebrations.
• Collaborate with AEP to assist with the delivery of the annual program.

Additional responsibilities

• In addition to the above duties and responsibilities, this Company Manager’s position also includes scope for undertaking special projects, as requested by the Head of Venue and Company Management
• Undertake administrative assistance and any other duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Venue and Company Management.
• Embrace the role of an enthusiastic and proactive team player, fostering an environment rich in collaboration and transparent communication.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Planning, organising, prioritising, and time management skills.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills
• Excellent computer literacy skills including knowledge of Word, Excel, Internet
• Diplomacy and people management skills
• Awareness of the need to observe, review and modify processes and procedures as appropriate.
• Team worker with willingness to share responsibilities and who respects and values differing strengths and viewpoints.
• Strong work ethic
• Flexibility
• Attention to detail.
• Initiative and problem solving

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification – Arts, Management, or other relevant
• Extensive experience in theatre administration, ideally with a touring performing arts company.
• Experience of and/or ability to access relevant Enterprise Agreements, Awards, and other associated industrial agreements.

Ambition: We perform at our best: challenging ourselves and each other, thinking beyond conventional practice and striving to achieve excellence in everything we do.

Boldness: We act innovatively and embrace change with confidence and courage.

Inclusivity: We are committed to cultivating and sustaining an organisation that is equitable, fair, and inclusive. We embrace diversity both on and off the stage and strive to be a company where all communities feel a sense of belonging.

Respect: We treat people with dignity and create trusted and enduring relationships with customers, colleagues, and communities.

Responsibility: we seek out new and better ways of doing things, act accountable and understand the importance of balancing artistic risk with strategic and commercial outcomes. We strive for environmental sustainability and are conscious of how we use our resources