The Props Assistant Buyer is responsible for supporting the research, sourcing, purchasing, and delivery of materials, tools, and supplies required for the Stratford Festival Props Department and special projects. This role involves assisting the Properties Buyer and Head of Properties with procurement activities, maintaining supplier relationships, and ensuring accurate financial tracking and reporting of all props-related expenditures. The Props Assistant Buyer collaborates with the Properties team and other departments to ensure the timely and efficient acquisition of high-quality materials that meet production needs. This position also maintains supplier and resource databases, completes regular vehicle inspections, and upholds safe and responsible operation of company vehicles to support overall departmental efficiency and safety.
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Properties Buyer, as directed by the Properties Buyer or the Head of Properties, in the research, sourcing, purchasing and arranging pick up or delivery of building materials, equipment, tools, health and safety supplies, running food and properties required for Stratford Festival productions and special projects.
- Establish contact and maintain good relations with wholesale and retail suppliers.
- Accurately reconcile all prop-related expenditures and input financial data into the appropriate tracking system or database.
- Weekly data entry of charges to the Properties accounts. Establish and maintain supplier lists database, as well as resource database.
- Complete daily and weekly props vehicle inspections and report any maintenance issues or concerns to the Head of Props and Properties Buyer.
- Operate company vehicles safely.
- Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) in theatre production
- 2 to 4 years of related experience
- Valid Ontario Driver’s license and clean driving record, is required
- Experience with time-period research and sourcing historical items, considered an asset
- Knowledge of building materials and tools
- Ability to lift, transport and handle props safely up to 50 lbs.
Behavioural Competencies:
- Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
- Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions
- Diplomacy: show discretion and tact in dealing with a variety of stakeholders.
- Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary. Decision-making: rationally, objectively and expediently make transparent and fair decisions
