Job Description

THEATRE DIRECTOR

Job Objective: In conjunction with the Managing Director:

To lead the organisation and ensure the viability of the business.

To ensure an effective programme of events ensuring both artistic and commercial success

To ensure excellent customer care throughout the organisation

To ensure that the theatre plays a central role and has the support of its local community.

Reporting to: Managing Director

Responsible for: Operations Manager

Marketing Manager

Ticket Office Manager

Technical Manager

Theatre Administrator

Working with: Qdos Head Office

HQ Theatres Financial Controller

HQ Theatres Facilities Manager

HQ Theatres Head of Marketing

HQ Theatres Head of Community & Development

HQ Hospitality Catering Manager

Liaises with: All Theatre Departments

Visiting Production Companies

Hastings Borough Council

Contractors and Enforcement Officers

Community Groups

KEY FUNCTIONS

Senior Management

q  To be the senior member of the White Rock Theatre Management team and to lead the organisation and to promote team building.

q  To source external funding from all appropriate agencies.

q  To create effective communications within the operational departments of the theatre including convening regular team and departmental meetings.

q  To ensure the annual renewal of all appropriate licenses, permissions and certificates.

q  To prepare reports and propose policy to the Managing Director/Board.

q  To draw up the annual budget with the Managing Director and Financial Controller, for agreement with the Board, and to monitor financial performance against agreed budgets.

q  To display an excellent customer service ethic with a commitment to quality standards and to work with all HOD’s to ensure their effective and consistent implementation throughout the theatre.

Buildings and Operational Management

q  To act as liaison with the Facilities Manager and the Maintenance Company and to project manage any capital, repairs and maintenance programmes undertaken by the theatre or Borough Council.

q  To work with the HOD’s to ensure the highest possible level of health and safety and comfort for staff, performers and patrons at all times. To ensure that the theatre complies at all times with all statutory regulations by liaising with all appropriate organizations.

q  To be responsible for all personnel issues along with the Qdos Human Resources Manager. To ensure best practice takes place when advertising, recruiting and appointing new members of staff. To monitor annual leave, sick absences and ensure that effective appraisals are carried out throughout all departments. To be responsible for all discipline ensuring that the correct procedures are in place before any action is carried out.

Administration

q  To work with the Catering Manager, to control staff costs and to ensure effective budgeting and to maximise income from the catering operation

q  To be responsible for production settlements, contracts and riders.

q  To oversee the merchandise operation to ensure the theatre maximizes its profitability.

q  To liaise and review all agreements with the Youth Theatre.

q  To monitor the business development and to ensure all potential sponsorship opportunities are maximised.

q  To carry out any other duties, as appropriate as requested by the Managing Director and Board.

Selection Criteria for Theatre Director

Selection Criteria / Essentials / Desirables
Qualification & Training / Education to degree level or equivalent / Range of vocational training relevant to venue management, including Health and Safety, Disability Awareness, Access, Customer Care, First Aid, Fire Safety
Experience / At least 4 years experience of operational management in an arts venue.
Evidence of successful line management including personnel matters. / Team building /leadership up to and including managerial level, including holding and convening meetings
Large scale budget management and financial monitoring.
Staff training and development
Experience of capital programme management
Experience of a entrepreneurial approach to negotiating with suppliers and clients
Special aptitudes / Good managerial skills including line management of staff.
Self motivation
Strong evidence of good oral skills and excellent communication and advocacy skills
Commitment to and knowledge of customer care/service ethic
Ability to problem solve quickly and independently / Some knowledge of marketing in a leisure environment
Empathy for volunteers and the volunteer ethic within the arts and leisure environment.
Knowledge of technical staffing systems
Knowledge of health and safety legislation
Social skills/ Disposition / Enthusiastic and well organised
Good personal presentation
Sense of humour
Flexible and able to work under pressure
Prepared to take a hands on approach