General Manager - Community Arts & Cinema Venue in Helensburgh

Location: Helensburgh

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced General Manager, Venue Manager or Arts Manager to lead a thriving community arts and cinema venue, combining strategic leadership, operational management, financial oversight, audience development and stakeholder engagement.

Role Overview

The General Manager (GM) will oversee the strategic, operational, and financial management of a community-focused arts and cinema venue with an annual turnover of c £500k, leading all aspects of venue management, cultural programming, audience development and commercial performance. The GM will ensure the venue thrives as a vibrant cultural hub, delivering high-quality arts programming, cinema screenings, and community focused engagement while maintaining financial sustainability and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement the venue’s strategic plan in alignment with the overall business mission and community objectives.
  • Drive long-term audience development, visitor engagement and community participation, ensuring inclusivity and diversity across all programming.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance the venue’s regional and national profile.
• Operational Management
  • Oversee day-to-day venue operations, ensuring the successful delivery of films, live events, exhibitions, arts programmes and community activities.
  • Ensure the building, facilities and technical assets are fully maintained, with particular attention to the fabric of the building, cinema equipment and health and safety compliance.
  • Manage performance standards, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment.
  • Implement and monitor operational policies and procedures across all areas of the venue.
• Financial Management
  • Prepare and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability.
  • Monitor and grow income streams, including ticket sales, venue hire, memberships, subscriptions, donations, sponsorship and grant funding.
  • Report regularly to the Board of Directors on financial performance and strategic investment opportunities.
• Team Leadership
  • Line-manage and develop a diverse team of employees and volunteers, including programming, operations, front of house and administrative staff.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, prioritizing professional development and team engagement.
  • Ensure staff have appropriate training in customer service, festival/event/programme delivery, and operational safety.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Cultivate strong relationships with local artists, community organisations, schools, funding bodies and key stakeholders.
  • Lead fundraising, sponsorship, partnership development and income generation initiatives to maximise community impact.
  • Represent the venue publicly through presentations, events, and media engagement.
• Programming and Artistic Oversight
  • Shape a diverse and engaging programme of independent film, mainstream cinema, visual arts, live performance and community events.
  • Balance commercial viability with community access and cultural relevance.
  • Support innovative and experimental projects while ensuring broad community participation.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven senior management experience within arts, culture, cinema, heritage, visitor attraction, charity or creative industries.
• Strong financial acumen; experience managing budgets of £500k.
• Track record of successful people management, volunteer management and team development.
• Experience in audience development, community engagement and stakeholder management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with proven ability to deliver operational and financial targets.

Key Attributes

• Knowledge of the cultural landscape and local arts networks of Helensburgh and the surrounding area.
• Familiarity with grant funding, fundraising, sponsorship, governance and partnership development within the arts sector.
• Understanding of emerging trends in cinema, arts programming, and audience engagement.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Board of Directors / Chair of the venue

Performance Indicators

• Achievement of financial targets.
• Audience growth and engagement metrics.
• Successful implementation of strategic and operational initiatives.
• Staff satisfaction and retention.
• Growth in community partnerships.

If you are passionate about arts, culture and community engagement, we'd love to hear from you! Apply now by submitting your CV and a covering letter.