At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at Southbank & IMAX, ensuring top-notch customer experiences and smooth ticketing systems.
- Company: Join the BFI, a leading cultural organisation with a passion for film and visitor engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and complimentary tickets to screenings.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while managing dynamic teams and exciting events.
- Qualifications: Experience in arts venues and strong people management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
- Fixed Term contract until 31 January 2027
- Full-time
- Hybrid working – 4 days onsite
We are looking for an experienced Head of Operations who will oversee the day to day running of the Southbank & IMAX operations.
In addition, the role will oversee the Systems Team, ensuring the successful programming of the Southbank & IMAX ticketing & retail systems.
- What you’ll do
- Lead on operational activity across BFI Venues ensuring the best customer journey, compliance and standards.
To ensure the smooth running and response to ad hoc adverse events (short or long term) and lead on the coordination of on‑site activity across departments to ensure that any impact on visitors is managed safely & effectively.
- Leadership and day to day management of the BFI customer facing teams both in‑venue and externally for Southbank, IMAX and Festival programmes, ensuring clear planning maximising income generation.
- Manage the BFI’s Ticketing Systems, both in venue and externally to deliver a seamless ticketing journey across all BFI endeavours including BFI Southbank, BFI IMAX, Flare Film Festival & BFI London Film Festival and associated Festivals.
- Manage the BFI’s Membership, Ticketing and Retail Systems, working closely with relevant departments to deliver the operational & functional processes to drive acquisition and retention campaigns that deliver year on year growth and achieve targets.
- To act as a Duty Manager where necessary and be cognizant of all relevant processes and procedures and to work with the managers across the department to develop, review and train relevant procedures.
- What you’ll bring
- Experience gained in a mid‑to‑large scale arts/cultural venue, or other visitor‑focused organisation.
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of current best practice in the provision of comparable visitor‑based services.
- Experience of building robust and accurate visitor services systems and structures, including ticketing, membership and people rostering.
- Proven excellent and extensive people management skills and experience, with the ability to inspire confidence and credibility at all levels of the operation
- Ability to manage multi‑site teams and ensure continuity, whilst recognising operational and culture differences.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + bank holidays + the option to buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave
- Additional paid time off between Christmas and New Year
- BFI pension scheme with 5% employer contribution
- BFI Childcare Scheme, where we contribute to childcare costs
- Enhanced pay for Maternity & Paternity leave
- Complimentary tickets to BFI Southbank & IMAX screenings and events
- Free BFI Player subscription + discount on BFI merchandise, and film tickets
We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams.
As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under‑represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority.
We guarantee a place at the first stage selection process to our under‑represented groups who meet our minimum requirements.
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Head of Venues & Systems Operations in London employer: British Film Institute (BFI)
The British Film Institute (BFI) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the film and cultural sectors. Employees benefit from generous perks such as annual leave, a pension scheme, and childcare support, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a supportive atmosphere. Working at the BFI not only allows you to contribute to meaningful projects but also places you at the heart of the UK's vibrant film community.
Contact Details:
British Film Institute (BFI) Recruitment Team
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