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- Tasks: Lead the transformation of The Lights theatre and launch Andover's new flagship venue.
- Company: Test Valley Borough Council, committed to cultural development and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and excellent development support.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on Andover's cultural landscape and community identity.
- Qualifications: Experience in creative leadership and transformational change.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to inclusivity and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 65970 - 72338 ÂŁ per year.
Test Valley Borough Council is looking for an outstanding Venue Director to lead The Lights theatre in the next stage of its journey and play a defining role in the creation and launch of Andover’s brand‑new flagship theatre. This starts with the successful operation, strengthening and development of the existing venue, and ensuring it is fully “match ready” for the transition to Andover’s brand-new flagship theatre. The new theatre represents a major cultural investment and sits at the heart of the Andover Masterplan, which sets out a long‑term vision to create a thriving town centre.
This role is central not only to shaping the identity and launch of the new venue, but also to guiding The Lights through a period of focused improvement, operational excellence, and audience growth as we prepare for the move. This is a rare opportunity to drive creative ambition, shape a bold future for culture in the town, and guide a talented team through a high‑profile transformation.
You will be responsible for setting artistic and commercial direction, strengthening partnerships, growing audiences, and ensuring The Lights continues to thrive as we prepare for the transition to a new, state‑of‑the‑art venue. You’ll be central to how the new theatre looks, feels and operates, and how it supports Andover’s daytime and evening economy.
We’re looking for an inspiring cultural leader with experience of leading transformational change. You will bring strategic insight, excellent people skills, strong commercial awareness, and a passion for the role of culture in place‑making and community identity. You’ll be confident engaging with partners, stakeholders and artists, excited by innovation, and comfortable leading through change. This is your chance to make a significant, long‑lasting impact on Andover’s cultural landscape - shaping a vibrant, inclusive space that brings people together, breathing new life into the heart of Andover.
Why Join Us?
- We Are a Proudly Inclusive Employer, Committed To Equal Opportunities For All Welcoming People From Diverse Backgrounds Strengthens Our Ability To Deliver Excellent Services For Our Residents.
- As a Senior Leader, You’ll Join Our Senior Manager Learning Forum, Working Collaboratively To Share Insight And Elevate Leadership Best Practice Across The Council.
- A collaborative and values‑centred, forward‑thinking workplace
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Generous annual leave
- Excellent learning, development and wellbeing support
- The chance to lead one of the region’s most exciting cultural transformations
If you’re motivated by creative leadership, community impact and the chance to build something truly exceptional, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 12 April. Interviews will be held on Monday 27 April 2026, with possible Teams calls arranged for 22 April.
Venue Director in Andover employer: Test Valley Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Test Valley Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Venue Director in Andover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Venue Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for culture and community! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your vision for the new theatre and how you can contribute to Andover's cultural landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the council’s goals and the current state of The Lights. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for operational excellence and audience growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us in this exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Venue Director in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how excited you are about leading The Lights and shaping Andover’s cultural landscape. Share your vision and what makes you the perfect fit!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in cultural leadership and transformational change. We’re looking for someone who can drive innovation and engage with diverse stakeholders, so be specific about your achievements in these areas.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are as a leader. Share your unique perspective on culture and community identity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Test Valley Borough Council
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research The Lights theatre thoroughly. Understand its current operations, audience demographics, and any recent events or changes. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and vision for the venue's future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Venue Director, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams through change. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration and creativity within a cultural setting.
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
This role is all about community impact, so be ready to talk about how you plan to engage with local stakeholders and audiences. Share ideas on how to strengthen partnerships and grow audiences, showing that you understand the importance of culture in place-making.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Expect questions about leading transformational change. Think of specific instances where you've navigated challenges and driven improvement. Articulate your strategic insights and how they can apply to the transition to the new flagship theatre.