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- Tasks: Manage building operations and ensure health and safety standards are met.
- Company: Join Polka Theatre, a unique national theatre dedicated to children’s performances.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible part-time hours, TOIL system, and a creative work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team improving facilities for children's theatre and community events.
- Qualifications: Practical experience in building management and a strong understanding of health and safety regulations.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged; salary is pro-rata based on experience.
The predicted salary is between 23200 - 25600 £ per year.
Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks a Building & Operations Manager (part-time). Are you passionate about high standards of building management and finding ways to continually improve systems? Are you practical, hands-on, and understand the importance of health and safety? Do you want to help champion the work of a specialist and unique national theatre for children?
This is a permanent, part-time role (3 or 4 days per week). You will support the Head of Operations and Visitor Services, with responsibility for the efficient and safe running of Polka’s buildings and systems. You will be practical and hands-on, ensuring buildings and facilities are proactively maintained and compliant with health and safety regulations. Following recent major capital projects, there are a range of improvements to oversee. You will also handle administrative tasks, maintaining vital records in a timely manner. Additionally, you will negotiate with and oversee contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers to ensure value for money.
Polka’s recently redeveloped building includes: two performance spaces, rehearsal/community space, kitchen, café and shop, outdoor play areas, offices, dressing rooms, and a refurbished flat. Polka also has an offsite workshop on Batsworth Road in Mitcham and hosts events at other venues, requiring support for those teams.
Salary: £29,000 to £32,000 FTE per year pro-rata, depending on experience (e.g., 4 days per week would be £23,200 – 25,600).
Hours: 3 or 4 days per week (24 or 32 hours), including a 1-hour lunch break. Some additional hours, evenings, weekends, and travel outside London may be required. We operate a Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) system.
Polka is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from the Global Majority, gender diverse individuals, and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.
For more information about the role and application process, please visit our website.
Application deadline: 9am on Monday, 9 June 2025
Interviews: 17 or 25 June 2025
Start date: August 2025
Building & Operations Manager employer: Disability Arts
Contact Detail:
Disability Arts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Building & Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Polka Theatre's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to children's theatre will help you align your passion for building management with their goals, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the arts and theatre sector. Attend local events or workshops related to building management and operations, as this can help you make valuable connections that may lead to recommendations or insights about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved building systems or managed health and safety in previous roles. Being able to share concrete experiences will demonstrate your hands-on approach and practical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the recent capital projects at Polka Theatre. Understanding these improvements will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to ongoing maintenance and further enhancements during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Building & Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Building & Operations Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in building management and health and safety.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any hands-on experience you have in building maintenance, contractor management, and administrative tasks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for theatre and your commitment to high standards in building management. Mention specific examples of how you've improved systems or ensured compliance with health and safety regulations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability Arts
✨Show Your Passion for Building Management
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for high standards in building management. Share specific examples of how you've improved systems in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your commitment to excellence.
✨Highlight Your Practical Experience
Since the role is hands-on, be prepared to discuss your practical experience in building maintenance and health and safety compliance. Mention any relevant projects or tasks where you took the lead in ensuring safety and efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
As you'll be overseeing contractors and suppliers, it's crucial to showcase your negotiation skills. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or managed vendor relationships to achieve value for money.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Administrative Tasks
The role involves maintaining vital records and handling administrative duties. Be ready to talk about your organisational skills and any tools or systems you've used to keep track of important information efficiently.
