Senior Producer

Purpose of the role: We are now looking for a Senior Producer to play an integral and hands-on role at the Donmar, ensuring that our world-class programme is developed, delivered, and managed impeccably. They sit at the heart of the organisation, working closely with the Artistic and Executive Directors and the rest of the Senior Management Team, driving delivery of key organisational goals.

Key responsibilities

• Producing
  • Take a hands-on approach to working with visiting creative teams, production managers, the Director of Technical and Production and other relevant departments to deliver all the work on the Donmar Warehouse’s stage to the highest possible standards.
  • Acting as a point of contact for co-producers and external partners when required.
  • Set clear financial, time and scale parameters for creative teams at the start of the producing process.
  • Oversee the work of production managers and designers in delivering productions within budget.
  • As required by the Executive Director and working with commercial and other partners, support further exploitation of Donmar productions in the West End, on Broadway, on tour both nationally and internationally and on film and for broadcast.
• Planning
  • Support the Executive Director and the Artistic Director in planning how all Donmar productions are mounted and proactively scheduled in alignment with our artistic and financial goals, holding ultimate responsibility for the productions schedule.
  • Work alongside the wider Donmar team, and especially the Director of Audiences and Director of Strategic Development and Fundraising on scheduling development and other events around productions, and with the press representative to schedule press nights.
  • Communicate day-by-day production schedules to the wider organisation ahead of each on-sale, ensuring all departments’ needs are considered, and negotiating priorities where required.
• Financial and Budgeting
  • Set, manage and reconcile the overall Donmar production budgets annually, including tours, transfers and screen, and supervise the literary and workshop budget with the Associate Director (Literary).
  • Oversee the work of Production Managers on day-to-day budget management and control, authorising all invoices, petty cash expenditures and royalty payments.
  • With the support of the Producer, insure productions and rehearsals, administering claims when necessary.
  • With the Finance Team, ensure the smooth running of budget and accounting processes between the Production and Finance departments.
  • Supported by the Producer, oversee payroll for all production and casual staff working on productions.
  • Report to the Executive Director monthly on budget and performance and on any major issues as they arise, preparing reports when necessary.
  • Carry out exploratory work including preparation of budgets and parameters for further exploitation of Donmar productions, including transfers, tours, filming, recording and live broadcasts, as required by the Executive Director.
• Contracting
  • Supported by the Producer: Negotiate and draft creative team deals.
  • Negotiate and draft play rights agreements, for approval by the Executive Director.
  • As required, negotiate and draft co-production agreements, for approval by the Executive Director.
  • As required, negotiate and manage any other contracts relating to exploitation of the Donmar’s work elsewhere, for approval by the Executive Director.
  • Ensure all creatives have the required visa and working permits, leading the acquisition and approvals process of visas needed for creatives working on productions.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant union agreements, including SOLT / Equity agreements, Musicians Union agreement, Writers Guild agreement and BECTU agreements. Negotiating with relevant unions where required.
  • Responsible for sign-off procedure of all Donmar production contracts including rights, creative team, actors, stage management and production staff.
  • Oversee the work of the Producer negotiating contracts for stage management and production staff.
• Management of staff and internal/external relationships
  • Line manage the Producer and support them to take the lead on up to two projects each year.
  • Line manage the Company Stage Manager and any freelance producing staff who may be engaged from time to time.
  • Ensure good relations with and oversee the welfare of all acting companies, creative teams, and production staff with support from the Head of HR and CSM as required.
  • Oversee the recruitment of all production and stage management staff by the Producer and Company Stage Manager.
• Communications & Reporting
  • Ensure the CEOs are fully informed and consulted on relevant issues relating to productions.
  • Liaise with the Director of Audiences on all production information and be responsible for signing off programmes and marketing materials in line with contractual obligations.
  • Provide production information to the Executive Director, Director of Strategic Development and Fundraising and any other staff for reporting to funders.
  • Contribute to Executive quarterly Board report vis-à-vis productions including updating the Donmar’s Risk register.
• Sustainability
  • With the Director of Technical and Production, play a leading role in improving the sustainability of the Donmar’s productions including leading on creating, managing and reporting against internal and external sustainability frameworks.
• General
  • Attend run throughs, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and previews of all Donmar shows, and regularly visit shows and companies during the course of their runs.
  • Support Participation and Talent Development projects as required, including event attendance where needed.
  • Comply with the Donmar’s Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety and Staff policies.
  • Alongside the rest of the Senior Management team, uphold an inclusive, welcoming, and equitable culture at the Donmar and participate in the design and delivery of strategic plans relating to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and we may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

Skills, knowledge and expertise

Essential criteria:

• 5 years experience of producing substantial professional theatre productions, ideally within a producing theatre.
• Experience of artistic collaboration and facilitation, including working independently with senior artists.
• Advanced experience managing six- to seven-figure production budgets.
• Advanced experience in negotiating and contracting (artists, writers, intellectual property).
• Communicative, collaborative and a proven team player.
• Experience of setting and managing production and annual programming schedules.
• Proven ability to take the initiative and lead teams under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A commitment to championing equity, diversity, and inclusion and the proven ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Experience of working with the Equity/BECTU/MU/WGGB/UKT Sub-Rep agreements.
• Excellent IT skills.
• An absolute commitment to accuracy and a strong eye for detail.
• A love of theatre and the theatre-making process and a developed artistic taste.

Desirable:

• Experience of producing international tours.
• Experience of producing musicals.
• Experience of working in commercial theatre environment.

Benefits

• Enhanced holiday scheme with 25 days a year (pro rata) excluding Bank Holidays.
• Birthday day off.
• Enhanced employer pension contribution of 6% as part of the Donmar's stakeholder pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discount at the Donmar bar on food and drinks.
• All staff training and professional development programme.
• Complimentary tickets to attend performances at the Donmar.
• Company lunches twice a production.
• Travel loan.
• Subsidised gym membership.
• Cycle scheme.
• Eye test vouchers.