Head Technician

Head Technician – Plymouth

Main Role Objective

The Head Technician acts as a mentor and role model for the Plymouth technical team, collaborating closely with the Head of Centre and central Technical Manager to enhance and refine our technical support services, with a specialised focus on the facilities across our Elizabeth Court and Prideaux Court buildings. The Head Technician oversees the technical provision, implementing management and maintenance protocols to ensure the ongoing reliability of our equipment. The Senior Technician also works closely with the local Facilities Manager to help maintain the buildings.

In addition to technical support, the Head Technician is dedicated to staff development, collaborating with the Central IT and Technical team to identify training needs, upskill staff, and enhance technical proficiency. Serving as a representative of dBs Institute to prospective students and external organisations, the Head Technician contributes to the institution's commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the technical team, maintaining high standards and expectations
• Design and oversee equipment maintenance schedules and fault identification processes
• Support training, inductions and classroom delivery as a technical demonstrator
• Act as keyholder, including opening and closing the site and responding to alarm callouts
• Promote Health and Safety compliance across the facility
• Support development and implementation of site procedures and policies
• Manage a technical project tracking system with clear ownership and deadlines
• Communicate technical updates and changes to staff and students
• Provide first and second line IT support, liaising with central IT teams
• Manage equipment spares, repairs and budget
• Support setup for lessons, exams and events
• Oversee the Plymouth Studio and Facilities website and create training materials
• Manage room bookings and support timetabling
• Liaise with external contractors for maintenance and upgrades
• Ensure routine testing of building systems and accurate record keeping
• Support development of new technical spaces
• Assist with staff rotas to ensure adequate cover
• Contribute to leadership decisions and overall student experience
• Support risk assessments relevant to the role
• Carry out general technician duties as required

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Proficiency with analogue and digital audio equipment
• Expertise in AV operation and installation
• Competence in specifying and installing technical spaces
• Experience with DAWs and troubleshooting

Desirable

• Electrical repair experience or training
• Understanding of electrical safety protocols
• Relevant degree or HND in Electronics
• Line management experience
• Health and Safety qualification
• Experience managing budgets
• Knowledge of immersive audio such as Dolby Atmos

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Who is dBs Institute?

dBs Institute is on a relentless mission to empower creative people by providing the experience, education and opportunities needed to pursue a life in the creative industries. For 25 years we’ve been focused on providing an exceptional educational experience that equips you with the technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in a constantly evolving industry. Our goal is to empower you to think critically, approach your work with curiosity, experiment, and take risks to push the boundaries of creative technology.

We're big believers that innovation flourishes in a community that's diverse and collaborative. That's why we're dedicated to creating an environment that celebrates and supports a wide range of voices and perspectives. We encourage creativity and the sharing of ideas; a space where everyone is valued and treated with respect, where every member of our community has the opportunity to contribute their unique talents and ideas.

At dBs Institute, we’re nurturing a new generation of creative professionals who will use their skills and passion to make a positive impact on the world.

dBs Institute was acquired by ‘Access Creative College’ (ACC), formerly known as Access to Music, who were founded in 1992. dBs Instite as such are part of Access Education Group which boasts 32 campuses nationwide with over 5,000 students & apprentices across ACC, Access Sport and Access Industry.  This allows for a perfect synergy in offering end-to-end post-16 education in the creative industries which allow us to continue making a real difference in the lives of our students.

What we offer?

• Generous Holiday Allocation
• Wellbeing Benefits: Health Cash Plan, Doctorline GP Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Access to Counselling and Cycle to Work 
• Staff Discounts & Benefits: access to Accolade, our benefits platform which offers discounts at over 800 retailers!  
• Paid Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Sick pay.

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Unusual Arrangements 

The centre is open late nights and weekends, however this can vary depending on student needs. Shift work is shared among the Technical Team.

Tech staff are expected to work at open days, which are scheduled on several Saturdays throughout the year.

A full job description and person specification is available for download alongside our full benefits booklet.  

Diversity and open expression are fundamental to creativity.  We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity for all our employees and potential employees.

DBS Checks: Enhanced DBS clearance will be required.