Technical Director

Technical Director

Purpose of the Role

The Technical Director is responsible for defining, building, and safeguarding the technical foundation of the Drift Museum. The role ensures that all artworks, exhibitions, and visitor-facing systems operate flawlessly, safely, and in line with Studio Drift’s artistic vision. As a member of the Management Team (MT), the Technical Director provides strategic technical leadership, balances artistic ambition with operational feasibility, and secures long-term technical reliability for a world-class museum.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic technical leadership

• Define and implement the long-term technical strategy of the museum
• Align technical infrastructure with artistic, operational, and safety objectives
• Translate artistic concepts into robust and scalable technical solutions

Technical systems and infrastructure

• Oversee the design, integration, and maintenance of all technical systems
• Exhibition lighting, audio, power distribution, show control, and network infrastructure
• IT systems supporting artworks, the visitor experience and the general museum (backoffice, shop, reception desk).

Exhibition and artwork reliability

• Ensure flawless operation of kinetic artworks, interactive installations, and digital media
• Safeguard artistic integrity and technical specifications
• Anticipate risks and implement preventive maintenance strategies

Team leadership and development

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing technical team
• Recruit key technical staff and specialists
• Foster skill development, innovation, and operational efficiency

Show control and technology management

• Direct the implementation and operation of show control systems
• Coordinate integration between artworks, AV, IT, building systems and their vendors and/or integrators.
• Ensure system stability during public opening hours and events

Project and production coordination

• Lead technical planning and execution for exhibitions and special events
• Work closely with Studio Drift on installation and production phases
• Coordinate timelines, testing periods, and technical handovers

Budget, procurement and suppliers

• Manage the technical operations budget
• Oversee procurement of equipment and services
• Negotiate with suppliers and technical partners

Tasks and Activities

• Translate artistic designs into detailed technical execution plan
• Supervise installation, testing, and commissioning of artworks
• Develop technical procedures, documentation, and manuals
• Coordinate inspections, certifications, and compliance requirements
• Act as escalation point for complex technical issues

Authority

• Decision-making authority over technical systems and standards
• Authority to select technical suppliers within approved budgets
• Authority to stop operations or exhibitions if safety or artistic integrity is at risk

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of senior technical leadership in cultural, live events, or entertainment environments
• Proven experience managing complex and high-value technical projects
• Strong knowledge of show control systems, IT networks, and large-scale installations
• Engineering degree in mechanical, electrical, systems, aerospace or a related field is a plus

Competencies

• Strategic and systems-oriented thinker
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communicator across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proactive, solution-driven, and resilient under pressure
• Ability to balance creative ambition with operational feasibility

Special Conditions

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when required
• Availability during critical installation, testing, and event phases

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to work at the intersection of art, technology, and digital systems.
• A key role in supporting the technical infrastructure of one of Amsterdam’s most innovative cultural institutions.
• A contract of 40 hours per week for a duration of 12 months (with the possibility of extension).
• A salary aligned with experience and responsibilities.
• A competitive benefits package including holiday allowance, professional development opportunities.
• Collaboration with artists, engineers, and creative technologists.
• A dynamic environment where technology enables artistic expression and visitor experience.