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- Tasks: Lead operations at The Arc, ensuring top-notch customer service and maximising visitor experience.
- Company: Join Hampshire Cultural Trust, a leader in delivering inspiring cultural experiences across Hampshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, generous pension contributions, and discounts on travel and leisure.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community venue that enriches lives through arts and culture.
- Qualifications: Extensive operational management experience in public-facing venues is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic recruitment process; apply early for a chance to interview before the closing date.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you a dynamic, commercially focused operations manager excited by a prestigious venue? The Arc is the place to come together to experience arts, reading and community under one roof, in the heart of Winchester. From live music, comedy and family theatre shows, to high-quality art exhibitions and classes for all ages. There is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the busiest venues across HCT's portfolio.
You will direct and lead the team to deliver impeccable customer service, maximising the visitor experience and taking advantage of the exciting commercial opportunities, to meet ambitious income targets and KPIs across front of house, events, and retail. You'll ensure and maintain effective stakeholder relationships with key partners including Hampshire County Council and other art organisations across Winchester.
A bit about you
You’ll have extensive experience of operational management in a public-facing venue and be skilled at balancing competing priorities. You’ll be an enthusiastic, commercial manager who puts customer service at the heart of everything you do. You’ll relish the opportunity to lead Hampshire Cultural Trust’s busiest venue and rise to the challenge of turning The Arc into a commercially focused, thriving community venue.
What it’s like to work for us
At Hampshire Cultural Trust we have a vision to create inspirational culture experiences that enrich and transform lives. We manage and support visitor attractions across Hampshire and deliver county-wide outreach programmes that bring great culture to local communities. We also deliver a diverse range of wider social impact initiatives targeted at those who are most vulnerable or disadvantaged and who would not usually have access to arts and culture. We are committed to promoting equity, inclusion and diversity and a culture that actively values difference. We recognise that people from different backgrounds and experiences can enhance the way we perform and work. We aim to be inclusive, valuing, and respectful of diversity, developing the ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and seeks to engage.
The benefits of working for us
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro-rated for part time working)
- 7.5% Employer pension contributions
- Generous occupational maternity, adoption and paternity pay
- Enhanced occupational sick pay
- Emergency leave scheme
- Life assurance scheme (x3 annual salary)
- Industry leading Employee Assistance Programme
- Interest-free Season ticket loans and travel loans from first day of employment
- Charity Worker Discounts Scheme (savings on retail, leisure, groceries, travel etc.)
- Access to same day GP appointments for employees and their immediate family
- Access to free eye tests and vouchers towards glasses for VDU use
- Free flu vaccination vouchers
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan (cashback on dental, optical, medical for monthly subscription cost)
- Opportunities to learn, develop and progress
- Free tea and coffee in all our venues
- Team Card - Free access to our fee paying venues and discounts across café and retail.
We will be running a dynamic recruitment process so we would encourage candidates to submit an application as soon as possible as we will be interviewing candidates before the closing date. To apply please fill in the application form with an up-to-date CV. We would encourage a covering letter for this position around your context for applying and why you would excel in the position.
Closing date for applications: 22 June 2025
To find out more about us visit our website www.hampshireculture.org.uk and https://careers.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/.
General Manager, The Arc Operations · The Arc employer: Hct
Contact Detail:
Hct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager, The Arc Operations · The Arc
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Arc's current events and community initiatives. Understanding their programming will help you demonstrate your passion for the venue and how you can contribute to its success during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the arts and cultural sector, especially those connected to Hampshire Cultural Trust. Building relationships with key stakeholders can give you insights into the organisation and potentially provide you with a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in operational management by highlighting specific examples where you've successfully maximised visitor experiences or met ambitious income targets. This will showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the values and mission of Hampshire Cultural Trust, particularly their commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. Be ready to articulate how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment at The Arc.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager, The Arc Operations · The Arc
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the General Manager position at The Arc. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains your motivation for applying and how your background makes you an ideal candidate. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your operational management skills and customer service focus.
Update Your CV: Ensure your CV is current and tailored to the job. Emphasise relevant experience in public-facing venues, operational management, and any achievements related to income targets or KPIs.
Submit Your Application Promptly: Complete the application form on the Hampshire Cultural Trust careers page and upload your CV and cover letter. Given the dynamic recruitment process, it's best to apply as soon as possible to increase your chances.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hct
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, you'll be expected to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your leadership style and how you motivate others.
✨Understand the Venue's Vision
Familiarise yourself with The Arc's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision of creating inspirational cultural experiences and how you can contribute to that goal.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
Customer service is at the heart of this role. Prepare to share specific instances where you've enhanced customer experiences or resolved issues effectively, showcasing your commitment to exceptional service.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Given the importance of stakeholder relationships, think about how you've successfully collaborated with partners in previous roles. Be ready to discuss strategies for maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders like Hampshire County Council.
