Job Title: Operations/Commercial Manager
Responsible to: Executive Director
Responsible for: Finance Manager, Marketing & Audience Development
Manager, Chief Technician, FOH Manager
Hours: 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of the job, evening and weekend work is inevitable. No overtime is payable, but time off in lieu will be given where possible.
Holidays:
Salary:
24 days per annum + 8 days public holiday
Range £30-£35,000
Job Summary:
To take responsibility for the operation of the theatre, front of house and technical services, sales and marketing and overall financial performance. Manage all aspects of the Trust’s day to day operations through the respective service managers, and be responsible for HR, theatre hires, the fabric of the building and health & safety.
The Context:
Over the past 5 years the Trust has significantly developed and diversified its activities and in the autumn of 2011 launched a touring programme in association with the John Godber Company. A £2.8 million restoration of the theatre is planned, to be followed by a 4-storey extension which will provide much needed additional facilities for both audiences and artists.
The theatre is committed to continuing to develop a dynamic artistic programme of production, performance and participative work. This post will lead the day to day management of the theatre and play an important role in delivering the theatre’s creative and business strategy.
The company is re-structuring to thoroughly embed fundraising into the psyche of the organisation as part of a new business model which focuses on maximizing existing income streams and establishing new ones.
This is a key position within a small Senior Management Team with the ability to make an important contribution to successfully delivering the business plan and achieving the theatre’s vision. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience of the business to make a significant contribution to the theatre’s sustainability and development at a time of change.
O/CM 2014 1

Strategy & Planning
 Actively participate with the SMT and Executive Director in developing vision, mission, strategy and business plans for TRW
 Working with the Executive Director, contribute to the realisation of the capital development strategy
 Be accountable to the Executive Director and the board for the delivery of the operating plans for the theatre and the development of the organisation.
 Work closely with the Participation & Programme Manager to define and deliver the venue programme and touring strategy
Human Resources
 Oversee and deliver all staff contracts, terms and conditions of service, disciplinary and grievance procedures
 Take responsibility for all aspects of learning and development
 Design and implement performance management strategies across the whole organisation
Financial
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Work with the Executive Director, Finance Director and SMT to develop and agree budgets for sales and marketing, front of house and facilities management, and production/technical services.
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Manage both revenue and expenditure cost/profit centres in line with agreed plans and meet or exceed agreed targets set out in the business plan
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Actively support and participate in revenue generating and fundraising activity, particularly related to capital development
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Take lead responsibility for all theatre hires in the context of the venue programme strategy; actively seek opportunities to generate additional commercial revenue streams from the theatre and the activities taking place both within the theatre and elsewhere.
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Maintain gross and net margins above agreed minima for commercial activity, bars, hospitality, retail etc.
Line management
 Line manage and appraise a team of 4; o Chief Technician o Finance Manager o Marketing & Audience Development Manager o FOH Manager
 Ensure clear objectives, responsibilities and accountabilities are defined for these roles and that these are reviewed on a regular basis
 Ensure that cleaners, duty management cover and volunteers are appropriately managed and that clear lines of communication are established to keep them informed of developments.
Front of House
 Contractual management of all external suppliers
 Work with the Participation & Programme Manager to plan events and themed hospitality to support the programme and generate revenue
O/CM 2014 2

 Build strong customer service ethos across the Front of House Team and ensure appropriate training and development is provided where appropriate
 Work scheduling and planning
 Build a rolling programme of volunteer recruitment focused on young people
Technical & Facilities Management
 Contractual management of all external suppliers
 Work scheduling and planning
 Project management of capital developments
 Health & Safety
And oversee
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All Finances
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All Front of House activity
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All Technical activity
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All Marketing Activity
Health & Safety & Child Protection
Ensure that all work is carried out within required Health & Safety legislation and with the Trust’s Child Protection Policy, that all staff work within the Health & Safety policy, and that all external staff working on projects are police checked prior to commencement of their duties
Equality Opportunities , Cultural Diversity & Access
Ensure that the intentions and requirements of the Trust’s Equal Opportunities,
Cultural Diversity and Access policies are applied personally and by all staff in the operations departments
Responsibilities of all Staff Members:
(i) To be aware of the work of other departments in the achievement of
Wakefield Theatre Trust’s strategic aims and objectives.
(ii) To make oneself aware of, and comply with, all rules and legislation pertaining to Health and Safety at work.
(iii) To work in accordance with the Trust’s approved Equal Opportunities Policy.
(iv) To take an active part in communicating and co-operating with other staff and other departments.
(v) To follow approved guidelines, policies and procedures established by the
Trust in relation to financial management and personnel records.
(vi) To take part in such working groups and committees or sub-committees as may be necessary for the proper fulfillment of the Trust’s strategic aims and objectives.
O/CM 2014 3

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Proven strategic leadership experience managing a team and contributing to the development of policies and vision for an organisation
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Ability to work with a strategic and long-term view in the development of creative work both produced and presented
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Significant practical knowledge of technical presentation
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Confident abilities in financial management in relation to budgets and contractual negotiations, and overseeing other members of the team with budget responsibilities
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Strong and confident negotiation skills dealing with a wide range of diverse stakeholders
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Excellent project management skills with the ability to deliver to a tight deadline and on budget
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Good standard of literacy and excellent report writing and presentation skills
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Ability to prioritise work under pressure with good time management and organisational expertise
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Energetic, creative team player with a high level of enthusiasm
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A professional appearance and the social skills necessary to deal with a range of clients along with self confidence and stature to represent the Trust
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Willingness to work flexibly and in particular be available for client contact and entertainment of business prospects which will require some evening and weekend work
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Passionate about live performance and the arts in general
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Experienced in using and contributing to financial accounts prepared under the Charities SORP
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Understanding and experience of relevant IT systems (i.e. Databox, Sage,
Artifax etc.)
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Knowledge of digital and new technology developments
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There is a 6 month probationary period during which the post holder must demonstrate a satisfactory level of competence
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Notice period 1 month during probation, 3 months thereafter
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This post is pensionable in relation to the recent Workplace Pension regulations for which the theatre’s due date is July 2014
O/CM 2014 4