Position Summary
The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced Senior Orchestra Personnel Manager (SOPM). This role presents a rare opportunity to work for one of the world’s leading orchestras and with its outstanding musicians, as well as celebrated conductors and soloists. The SOPM will lead on delivering the best possible line-up of musicians on stage at all times, as well as ensuring the smooth functioning of rehearsals, recordings, and performances throughout the concert season. This includes concerts at the Royal Festival Hall, the Orchestra’s thriving residencies in Bedford, Leicester, Canterbury and Basingstoke and at the Three Choirs Festival and Garsington Opera, as well as other UK engagements, international touring, studio and recording sessions, chamber music projects and learning and engagement work. The SOPM oversees the work of the Orchestra Personnel Manager (OPM)

Key Responsibilities
 Book, schedule and manage musicians for all orchestra calls via the Orchestra’s in- house software, with the assistance of the OPM.
 Arrange substitutes and extra musicians, following precise fixing lists and working closely with section principals and members of the Orchestra Committee (OC) as needed.
 Manage release requests in accordance with the Orchestra’s release policy, working in conjunction with the Release Committee where necessary
 Manage player percentages effectively across a season, and maintain accurate records.
 Ensure accurate attendance records and player pay sheets are provided to the Finance Department for player pay processing after each project by the OPM
 Act as first port of call for Player Members’ HR and personnel issues and handle this pastoral responsibility with care and confidentiality.
 Address and resolve personnel issues professionally and diplomatically.
 With the Head of Production produce and maintain attendance rotas for all patches
 Act as Concert/Duty Manager as required for all applicable Orchestra performances and projects (duties shared with the OPM)
 At rehearsals and concerts, liaise with conductor, soloists, promoters, record producers, venue staff to ensure that all arrangements for artists and orchestra players are satisfactory.
 Welcome and act as host to conductor and soloists, ensuring that they are comfortable and are shown to dressing rooms and facilities at the venue, and making introductions to key members of the orchestra such as Leader and Orchestra Committee members as required.
 Manage the smooth running of all rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions, ensuring that the orchestra calls start on time and that breaks are kept to the required minimum.
 Be aware of Health and Safety procedures at venues and to announce this to all personnel as required at the start of the call.
 Distribute schedules/project confirmations and amendments, as required, to ensure that all orchestral personnel, Stage and Transport team and Librarians are aware of any changes to the schedule.
 Inform the President/OC Member/Union Representative of any problems and consult with Concert Department colleagues if there are any proposed changes to previously agreed arrangements, especially if there are budgetary implications

Other
 Occasionally act as librarian on stage, when circumstances require this
 To work collaboratively with all other members of the Concerts Department in the efficient planning and execution of all Orchestra activity.
 To communicate promptly and effectively with all members of the organisation.
 Undertaking such other duties as may be reasonably required by the Company.
 Uphold and demonstrate the Orchestra’s values.

Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
 Have a demonstrable passion for western orchestral music
 Previous experience as an orchestral fixer in a professional environment or within arts administration, orchestra operations, or a similar role
 Thorough understanding of the ABO and MU rules and rates governing all types of work including the issues around Hearing Protection at Work.
 Thorough understanding of the inner workings of orchestral sections, the fixing process and special requirements of particular instruments.
 Excellent organisational, interpersonal and problem-solving skills with a professional and flexible approach to work.
 Meticulous attention to detail.
 Self-motivated and a diligent worker.
 Ability to work flexible and unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends.
 Ability to work to deadlines, work flexibly and react to change quickly.
 Willingness to have a hands-on attitude during projects.
 A track record of taking and accepting responsibility
 Discretion and maintaining confidentiality
 Good IT proficiency, including the ability to pick up new operating systems quickly.
 Excellent personal presentation.
 Must be able to travel outside London and abroad.

Desirable
 Ability to read music.
 Experience of managing people and leading a team
 Clean driving licence and access to a car.

Contact details

philharmoniahr@thehrhub.co.uk