Interim General Manager

Interim General Manager

Full-Time 34000 - 51000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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BLINK Dance Theatre

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations and support a dynamic team in an inclusive arts organisation.
  • Company: BLINK, a pioneering arts organisation led by neurodivergent and learning disabled voices.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, 28 days annual leave pro rata, and potential for permanent role.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team that champions accessibility and innovation in the arts.
  • Qualifications: Experience in general management or operations, with a passion for inclusive practices.
  • Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of inclusive arts while working in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.

Who Are BLINK? BLINK cares. A lot. BLINK is reimagining a world without barriers. BLINK is radically challenging who gets to lead. We are Learning Disabled and neurodivergent people, and we lead our organisation, shape our art, and drive our workshops in schools. Everything we do is by, for and with our communities. We believe accessibility fuels innovation, and when leadership is inclusive, art and learning thrive. Artistically, our work is rooted in the rhythms of London life, its banter, and everyday street interactions. Through play we find poignancy and universal topics that bring people together both inside and outside the inclusive arts community. Accessibility is not an add-on; it is central to everything we create, and we stand up for what is needed to make our work possible. We strive to lead the field of inclusive arts, continually inventing new ways to remove barriers, for ourselves and for the people we work alongside.

What We’re Looking For If you’re excited by what we do, have experience in general management/operations, and want to support our mission to centre Neurodivergent and Learning Disabled voices in an arts organisation, you could be a great fit!

  • Days per week: 5 days - but we are open to adjusting the role to suit a part-time delivery of the role.
  • Annual leave: 28 days pro rata.
  • Start date: As soon as possible, for an initial fixed term period.
  • Location: Hybrid - working from home/at our studio in Nine Elms.
  • Salary: £40,000-£45,000 annual equivalent, depending on experience.

Responsible to: Co-Directors and Board of Trustees. Line manager to: Access and Inclusion Manager, Communications and Impact Manager, Operations Manager.

Role Context and Overview We are seeking an experienced General Manager to join us on an interim basis while we recruit a long-term Executive Director. The role will oversee BLINK’s operations, work closely with the Artistic Co-Directors on strategy, and help sustain the cohesion, creativity, and momentum of our small, dynamic team. There is also potential for the successful candidate to step into the more senior Executive role at the end of the interim period. BLINK is in a good financial position, with support from a new finance consultant who will oversee financial management and a finance assistant who manages bookkeeping. We are also supported by an experienced and passionate team leading key departments.

A key part of the role will be supporting the team to continue their excellent work while strengthening the structures that underpin it.

Areas of Work

  • Operational Strategy and Finance: Oversight of operations including how we conduct our meetings, our internal processes, maintaining efficiency and clarity across the organisation. Working closely with our experienced finance consultant to ensure our finances are managed effectively and appropriately according to BLINK’s business plan, bridging the gap between them and the departmental budget holders. Contributing to BLINK’s strategy, alongside our Artistic Co-Directors. Building connections with local stakeholders. Leading the operations at our new studio space in Nine Elms. Responsible for the oversight of the organisational calendar, supporting the team to minimise busy periods.
  • Marketing: Oversight and input on marketing strategy and timeline, alongside our Communications and Impact Manager and PR company.
  • People and HR: Oversight of recruitment and contracting, alongside our Producing and Operations Manager. Creating and updating policies in line with relevant legal and charity commission requirements. Leading, mentoring, and supporting BLINK’s staff as a line manager. Managing team holidays and the leave taking processes. Co-lead contact for any Safeguarding concerns. Oversight of health and safety alongside Producing and Operations Manager. Planning and overseeing team days.
  • Producing: Oversight of the management of productions and events, alongside the Producing and Operations Manager to make sure they are well supported and productions are well resourced and run.
  • Fundraising and Income Generation: Arts Council NPO main contact for Relationship Manager, and responsible for ensuring reporting requirements are met, and the NPO re-application is managed well alongside our Communications and Impact Manager. Oversight of all current and pipelined funding applications, working closely with our long-time fundraising bid writer. Diversifying income lines, building individual giving and training income.
  • Governance and Board: Main contact for the Board, responsible for organising quarterly Board meetings and keeping the charity commission up to date. Support with trustee recruitment. Prepare papers for Board meetings. To contribute actively to Board meetings and any agreed sub-committees, bringing insight, curiosity and challenge as appropriate. Ensure the theatre complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

The deadline to apply is 10am on Tuesday 7th April.

Interim General Manager employer: BLINK Dance Theatre

BLINK is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and accessibility, fostering a vibrant work culture where neurodivergent and learning disabled voices lead the way. With a commitment to employee growth, BLINK offers opportunities for professional development and the chance to shape meaningful artistic initiatives in the heart of London. The hybrid working model and supportive team environment make it an ideal place for those passionate about inclusive arts to thrive.
BLINK Dance Theatre

Contact Detail:

BLINK Dance Theatre Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim General Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know BLINK inside out! Dive into their mission and values, especially around accessibility and inclusion. When you understand what drives them, you can tailor your conversations to show how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or at events. Ask about their experiences and insights into the culture at BLINK. This can give you a leg up in interviews and help you make genuine connections.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to their operational strategy. Bring ideas to the table that show you’re ready to hit the ground running and support their dynamic team right from day one.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the BLINK family and supporting their incredible mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim General Manager

General Management
Operations Management
Strategic Planning
Financial Management
Team Leadership
Human Resources Management
Marketing Strategy
Stakeholder Engagement
Event Management
Fundraising
Governance
Policy Development
Safeguarding
Health and Safety Compliance
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for BLINK's mission shine through. We want to see how excited you are about supporting neurodivergent and learning disabled voices in the arts. Share personal experiences or insights that connect you to our values!

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim General Manager. Highlight relevant experience in general management and operations, and don’t forget to mention any work you've done that aligns with our focus on accessibility and inclusion. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the right process. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do before you hit send!

How to prepare for a job interview at BLINK Dance Theatre

✨Know BLINK Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into BLINK's mission and values. Understand how they centre Neurodivergent and Learning Disabled voices in their work. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their core principles.

✨Showcase Your Management Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous experience in general management and operations. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully overseen teams, managed budgets, or improved processes. Highlight any experience you have in inclusive environments or arts organisations.

✨Prepare Questions That Matter

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current projects, challenges they face, or how they envision the role evolving. This demonstrates your engagement and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.

✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit

BLINK values teamwork and collaboration. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with diverse teams or stakeholders. Highlight your ability to lead while also being a supportive team member, as this aligns with their inclusive approach.

Interim General Manager
BLINK Dance Theatre
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