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- Tasks: Lead the vibrant programming and operations of Watersmeet Theatre, ensuring successful events.
- Company: Community-focused organisation in a beautiful district with a rich cultural scene.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 29 days holiday, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team where 88% find their work fulfilling and rewarding.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in the arts while building your professional portfolio.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in senior management within an arts venue and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 38325 - 40197 £ per year.
The district is a mixture of beautiful countryside, villages and small towns. The area has a diverse range of sectors and businesses and is a centre for the film industry with Warner Brothers at Leavesden forming part of a studio cluster along with Elstree and Pinewood at a short drive away.
In our latest staff survey, 88% said they find their work fulfilling and rewarding, over 90% said they can rely on their colleagues, and nearly 90% felt they have meaningful goals to aim for.
We are now looking for a Watersmeet Theatre Manager to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis.
- Salary of £38,325 - £40,197 per annum, including London Weighting
- 29 days’ holiday per annum
- Generous employer pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Flexible working
- Career development opportunities
- Free on-site parking
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Discounted leisure centre membership
- Employee volunteering schemes
- Access to discounted activities and days out
This is a standout opportunity for an experienced arts venue leader with strong theatre programming and commercial insight experience to join our community-focused organisation.
As the Watersmeet Theatre Manager, you will lead the day-to-day running and future development of Watersmeet, ensuring a vibrant programme of theatre, film, hires and events is delivered smoothly and successfully. Specifically, you will shape the strategic direction of the venue, overseeing business planning, live theatre and film programming, pantomime delivery and funding opportunities. You will build strong relationships with promoters, producers and regional theatres to keep Watersmeet relevant, creative and financially sustainable.
Alongside this, you will manage people, budgets and operations, ensuring an excellent customer experience and safe, well-run events at all times.
- Manage revenue and capital budgets, reporting performance and planning future investment
- Lead, recruit and develop permanent staff, casual staff and volunteers
- Oversee box office, ticket sales, staffing rotas and venue administration
- Manage health and safety compliance and act as Designated Premises Supervisor
- Co-ordinate capital projects and long-term building improvements
- Act as Duty Manager for events and support wider council initiatives when required
To be considered as the Watersmeet Theatre Manager, you will need:
- At least three years’ experience in a senior management role within an arts or cultural venue
- Experience of live theatre programming and managing a busy venue
- Proven experience managing revenue and capital budgets
- Experience delivering capital projects on time and within budget
- Experience leading and developing staff and volunteers
- Strong negotiation, communication and relationship management skills
- Excellent written and presentation skills
- A strong eye for detail and audience experience
- Commercial awareness and strong organisational skills
- Confidence working within a local government context
- The ability to work flexibly, including unsocial hours when required
- A personal licence, or willingness to obtain one
Webrecruit and Three Rivers District Council are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment.
Theatre Manager employer: Three Rivers District Council
Contact Detail:
Three Rivers District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Theatre Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local arts events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. It's all about making connections with people in the industry who can give you the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for theatre shine through. Share your vision for the venue and how you plan to engage the community – they want to see your commitment!
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research Watersmeet Theatre and its programming. Knowing the ins and outs of their current offerings will help you tailor your ideas and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the vibrant arts scene in the area.
We think you need these skills to ace Theatre Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Theatre Manager role. Highlight your experience in arts venues, theatre programming, and budget management. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for theatre and community engagement. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for Watersmeet and how you can contribute to our vibrant programme.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of successful projects or initiatives you've led in previous roles. We love seeing how you've made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Watersmeet Theatre!
How to prepare for a job interview at Three Rivers District Council
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Watersmeet Theatre thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its history, current programming, and any recent events. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to its future development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing staff, volunteers, and budgets. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage the day-to-day operations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Think about how you can keep Watersmeet financially sustainable. Come prepared with ideas on potential partnerships, funding opportunities, or innovative programming that could attract more visitors. This shows you're not just focused on the arts but also understand the business side of running a venue.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the theatre's future, community engagement, and how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals and values.