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- Tasks: Lead daily operations at the Arts Centre, managing staff, volunteers, and budgets.
- Company: Cranleigh Arts is a vibrant community hub dedicated to promoting arts and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 23 days holiday, company pension, and on-site parking.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in the community through the arts.
- Qualifications: Minimum three years' experience in management, budgeting, and customer service required.
- Other info: Flexible hours may be needed; DBS check required upon joining.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Operations Director is responsible for the Facilities Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, volunteers, freelance staff, and contractors. The purpose of this role is to manage the Art Centre’s facilities, staff, and services to enable the programme of activities to be delivered.
Contract: Full time, 37.5 hours per week.
The role: Overall responsibility for day-to-day operations, coordinating the smooth and efficient running of the Arts Centre, overseeing staff and volunteers, approved budgets, administration systems, IT, and technical support effectively. In conjunction with the Artistic Director, enabling the successful delivery of the Centre’s full programme of activities. Developing links between Cranleigh Arts and the local community.
Key elements:
- Planning and Organisation: Report to and attend Board meetings assisting Trustees to deliver the current strategic and business plan.
- Represent staff needs to the Board.
- Work with the Treasurer and Bookkeeper to ensure that budgets are adhered to, and that expenditure and income are recorded accurately in line with agreed authority levels.
- Oversee and support the work of the Facilities Manager ensuring that priorities are set and budgets managed in line with the Centre’s objectives.
- Keep the Risk Register regularly reviewed, reported to the Board, and advised actions taken.
- Oversee and support the work of the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure that policies, recruitment, and training of volunteers are effectively implemented.
- Liaise with the Artistic Director regarding the booking of the Programme and Hires to ensure that what is planned can be delivered with the available resources and maximises the Centre’s involvement with the community.
- Work with the Artistic Director and Data Manager to analyse monthly performance data to determine trends and strategies for improvement to present to the Board.
- With the support of the HR Trustees, recruit, manage, and motivate the Centre’s staff and volunteers, including chairing regular weekly meetings.
- Draw up job descriptions and contracts, conduct appraisals, maintain appropriate records, and ensure that the Centre’s relevant policies, such as GDPR, H&S etc., are observed and updated.
- Arbitrate and resolve disputes whether they concern staff, volunteers, or the public and occasionally deputise for other staff in an emergency.
- Occasional flexible working and unsociable hours will be required due to the nature of the business, with time off in lieu.
- Approve spending and operational contracting to ensure specialists are sourced at competitive levels.
- Prioritise and monitor budgeted capital expenditure and project manage any improvements.
- Overall liaison with IT support, ensuring all programmes including TicketSolve are operating smoothly.
The Candidate: Will be a passionate advocate for the arts and have enthusiasm for what it can achieve in the community. A good communicator with excellent verbal and written skills, confident in problem-solving under pressure, well-organised with an eye for detail. A team player with experience of customer service, used to leading, inspiring, and managing volunteer teams in a customer-facing environment. Experience in budgeting and data management, handling staff performance reviews, etc., with knowledge of HR and H&S legislation. Some experience of project management within a building. A minimum of three years’ relevant experience.
Terms and Conditions of Employment:
- Salary: payable monthly in arrears on the last day of the month with 23 days holiday (plus 8 Bank holidays).
- The successful candidate will be DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) checked on joining.
- Job Type: Full-time
- Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, Weekend availability
- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Management and Manufacturing
- Industries: Entertainment Providers
Operations Director employer: Cranleigh Arts
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh Arts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the arts and operations sectors. Attend local events or workshops related to community engagement and arts management to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by arts centres, especially in terms of community involvement and budget management. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and volunteers. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or resolved conflicts, as these skills are crucial for the Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Cranleigh Arts and its current programmes. Understanding their mission and recent activities will allow you to tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, budgeting, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage facilities and staff effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the arts and your understanding of community engagement. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles where you managed teams or projects, particularly in a customer-facing environment. Include details about your experience with budgeting and data management.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role, consider including examples of how you've successfully communicated with stakeholders or resolved disputes in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Arts
✨Show Your Passion for the Arts
As an Operations Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the arts and its impact on the community. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to promoting arts and culture.
✨Prepare for Budget Discussions
Since you'll be responsible for managing budgets, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully handled financial planning in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to ensuring adherence to budgets and managing expenditures.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading staff and volunteers, so be sure to showcase your leadership experience. Discuss specific instances where you've inspired teams, resolved conflicts, or improved team dynamics in a customer-facing environment.
✨Understand the Community's Needs
Research Cranleigh Arts and its community engagement initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you would develop links between the Arts Centre and the local community, demonstrating your understanding of their needs and how the arts can fulfil them.
