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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the vibrant programming and operations of Watersmeet Theatre, ensuring successful events.
- Company: Join a community-focused organisation in beautiful Hertfordshire, near the film industry hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 29 days holiday, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved cultural venue and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in senior management within arts venues, strong leadership and budgeting skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team where 88% find their work fulfilling and rewarding.
The predicted salary is between 38325 - 40197 £ per year.
About Us
Three Rivers District in South West Hertfordshire straddles the north west corner of the M25 on the edge of Greater London. 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.
We’re proud that so many people choose to live, work and visit here, and even prouder that our brilliant team loves working here too! 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.
The Benefits
- 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. You’ll have genuine scope to shape the future of a much-loved cultural venue, as you build exciting programmes that resonate with audiences, attract new visitors and keep Watersmeet thriving for years to come.
The Role
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.
Additionally, you will:
- 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
About You
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
The closing date for this role is 2nd February 2026.
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.
Watersmeet 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 Watersmeet Theatre Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local arts events, workshops, or community gatherings to meet people in the industry. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get an interview, let your enthusiasm for theatre and community shine through. Share your ideas on how you’d enhance the Watersmeet experience and connect with audiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for scenario-based questions during interviews. Think about how you’d handle challenges like budget cuts or last-minute programming changes, and have your solutions ready.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Watersmeet.
We think you need these skills to ace Watersmeet Theatre Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Arts: When writing your application, let your love for theatre and the arts shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and how you've contributed to similar venues in the past.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in managing arts venues, programming, and budget management to show us you’re the perfect fit for Watersmeet.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and how they align with the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Watersmeet.
How to prepare for a job interview at Three Rivers District Council
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, make sure you research Watersmeet Theatre thoroughly. Understand its history, current programming, and community impact. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the venue and how you can contribute to its future.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in managing arts venues, programming live theatre, and handling budgets. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their vision for the theatre and how they see the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential manager, it’s crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Discuss how you’ve successfully led teams, developed staff, and managed volunteers in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster a positive working environment.
