Part of a worldwide French network, the Institut français du Royaume-Uni has been promoting French language and culture in the UK since 1910, as well as encouraging cross-cultural cooperation.
Based in South Kensington, it comprises a language centre, two cinemas, a multi-media library and a children’s library.
The Institut welcomes 200,000 people each year, thanks to an exciting program of cultural events and activities extending from film screenings, debates, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, digital workshops, and events for children.
The cinema has two screening rooms. It can host up to 225 people in its main auditorium and 34 people in its smaller cinema. Its curated programming combines French, European and world cinema, with an emphasis on French film premieres and exclusive screenings with the presence of filmmakers and talent, art-house films, film festivals, classics, Q&As and special events (320 films, 1000 screenings and over 60.000 visitors every year). The Institut Franais organises two annual literature festivals, Beyond Words, dedicated to contemporary writing, a children’s literature festival, the South Ken Kids Festival, and a festival focusing on the debate of ideas, La Nuit des Idées.
As Technical Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring that every screening and event at the Institut français delivers a flawless audience experience. Combining hands-on technical expertise with strategic planning, you will support a rich and diverse cultural programme. Working at the intersection of cinema, live performance, and events, you will contribute to shaping the Institut’s future by upholding the highest professional standards and fostering new creative and technological opportunities.
- Ensure technical responsibility for the installation (film projection, sound system, stage lighting and audiovisual equipment) for all spaces: 2 cinema theatres (Ciné Lumière 1 and 2), La Médiathèque – salle classée, Les Salons, L’atelier and The studio.
- Manage teams of technicians and projectionists (planning, task allocation): 1 junior projectionist and 3-4 temporary projectionists.
- Determine technical requirements and analyse technical specifications. Allocate the necessary human and material resources.
- Identify and implement appropriate technical solutions.
- Monitor, service and maintain technical equipment.
- Develop and monitor the equipment renewal plan.
- Prepare requests for quotes and coordinate external technical service providers.
- Coordinate with the events operations manager, programming departments and IT manager as needed.
- Provide technical assistance to customers, companies and visiting artists.
Cinema operations
- Guarantee the continuity and technical quality of screenings in line with DCI standards (formats, colorimetry, sound, calibration).
- Oversee print traffic (DCPs, KDMs, 35mm, other formats).
- Operate and maintain digital cinema projectors (Christie CP4220, CP2215), DCP servers (Doremi ShowVault 4K), and 35mm projectors (Kinoton FP-30D).
- Participate in daily operations and perform screenings.
- Lead the technical setup and execution of film festivals, premieres, Q&As, and special screenings.
- Manage and operate videoconference and video recording systems.
Events and cultural productions
- Act as on-site technical lead for events when additional or substitute support is required.
- Prepare, operate, and dismantle sound, lighting, and video systems per technical riders.
- Manage sound and lighting setups (loudspeakers, analogue and digital sound desks, microphones, Tungsten and LED fixtures, basic lighting desks).
- Operate audiovisual systems (projectors, mixers, scalers, cameras).
- Coordinate with artistic teams, internal departments, and contractors to ensure quality, safety, and compliance.
- Oversee the technical setup for space rentals and private hires (conferences, screenings, receptions, shoots).
Knowledge
- Higher education and technical training in the fields of cinema, audiovisual, sound, lighting or live performance.
- Expertise in digital and film projection techniques (DCP, 35 mm, DCI standards).
- Good knowledge of sound systems, stage lighting, video projection and video recording.
- Proficiency in IT tools and live production software (OBS, Zoom), as well as post-production tools (DCP-o-matic, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop), with basic networking skills.
- Knowledge of health and safety standards and fire safety regulations applicable to public venues
- Skills in audiovisual maintenance, calibration and patching.
- Keeping up to date with technological developments.
Professional skills
- Ability to plan, organise and coordinate technical operations.
- Technical expertise in equipment maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting and calibration.
- Ability to supervise and train a technical team.
- Rigorous application of safety and quality procedures.
Interpersonal skills
- Ability to supervise contract and temporary staff.
- Team spirit and interpersonal skills.
- Sense of responsibility, punctuality and reliability.
- Versatility and adaptability.
- Responsiveness, composure and autonomy in real-life situations.
- Availability and sense of service.
- Technical curiosity and taste for innovation.
Languages
Fluent in English and French
One-year renewable contract: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Gross monthly salary: £3,196
32 days of paid leave + public holidays
travel allowance provided
Possibility of joining a supplementary pension fund and health insurance subject to conditions
Place of work: Institut Français du Royaume-Uni, 17 Cromwell Place, London SW7 2DT
CV and cover letter to be sent to:
raissa.lahcine@institut-francais.org.uk
loic.lefrileux@institut-francais.org.uk
Only applications from candidates who are already eligible to work in the United Kingdom will be considered.
- Start Date : February 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 28, 2025