Operations Officer (Sabbatical Cover)

Home Operations Officer (Sabbatical Cover)

Salary: £33,540 to £37,858 per annum (dependent on experience)

The Independent Cinema Office is recruiting for an Operations Officer (Sabatical Cover)

About the Independent Cinema Office

The Independent Cinema Office (ICO) is the UK’s national support organisation for independent cinema. We provide film programming services to cinemas, deliver training, events and professional development for the exhibition sector, run Film Hub South East as part of the BFI Film Audience Network, and distribute a range of contemporary and classic films for UK audiences.

We work with cinemas, film festivals, community venues and cultural organisations across the UK, helping bring diverse and distinctive cinema to audiences nationwide.

The ICO is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, with an annual turnover of almost £2 million and a team of 21 staff. While our office is based in central London, our work takes place across the UK and internationally.

About the role

Our current Operations Officer is going on a five-month sabbatical from January to May 2027 and we are recruiting for his cover.

The Operations Officer plays a key role in the smooth running of the organisation. Working closely with colleagues across the ICO, you will oversee day-to-day financial administration, support organisational systems and reporting, coordinate office and facilities management, and contribute to a range of operational and administrative activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop or apply their experience in operations, finance and administration within a collaborative, cultural organisation.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience of financial administration, including processing payments, invoices and financial records.
• Is highly organised and able to manage a varied workload and competing priorities.
• Has strong digital skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Can analyse and work confidently with data and information.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with a wide range of people.
• Enjoys solving problems and improving processes.
• Can work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Is comfortable learning new systems and adapting to changing priorities.

Experience of facilities management, HR administration, CRM or finance systems, or working in the arts, charity or cultural sectors would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Working pattern

This role is offered on a full-time basis.

We are committed to flexible working and welcome applications from candidates seeking alternative working patterns, including reduced hours. We will consider requests where applicants can demonstrate how the key responsibilities of the role can be successfully delivered within the proposed arrangement.

The role is based on a hybrid working model, requiring three days per week in our London office, one of which must be Tuesday.

What we offer

In return, you’ll join a friendly and supportive team working at the forefront of independent cinema in the UK.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Occupational health support
• Dedicated HR support
• Season ticket loans
• Cycle loans
• Support for parents and carers
• Access to ICO events and industry activities

If you require any documents in an alternative format, or would like to discuss access requirements for the recruitment process, please contact us at the same email address.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At the Independent Cinema Office, we are an equal opportunity employer, and we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more creative, innovative and gets better results. We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities in the UK and we want to see these reflected on our screens. We also want our workforce to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Global Majority and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented within the ICO workforce.

We recognise that skills and experience can be gained in many different ways. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we ask applicants to complete an Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form. Information provided on this form is used only for monitoring purposes and is not shared with the recruitment panel.

How the recruitment process works

We know sometimes the process of applying for a job can feel like sending applications into a black hole and can be unnerving when you don’t know what will happen. We’ve put together a document which explains a bit more about our recruitment process, what will happen during each stage of the process and what we’d like from you. This can be downloaded below:

If you would like to find out more about the role, join our informal online information session with the current Operations Officer, Daniel Horseman, and the Head of Finance, Hayley Collins.

The session will take place at 12:00pm on Wednesday 23 September 2026 and will last approximately 45 minutes. Questions can be submitted anonymously and only ICO staff will be visible on screen.

A recording will be shared with registered participants who are unable to attend live.

The closing date for this position is 12/10/2026 at 09:00