Deputy Theatre Manager (Operations)

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Summary

Are you passionate about theatre and performing arts? Do you excel in operational leadership within a dynamic, creative environment? The historic Lancaster Grand Theatre is looking for a Deputy Theatre Manager (Operations) to join our team and help shape the future of this iconic venue.

More Details

About Us

The Lancaster Grand Theatre is a vibrant 460-seat performing arts venue steeped in history and cultural significance. Home to the renowned Lancaster Footlights amateur dramatics society, we also host a diverse range of professional and community performances.
As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), we are committed to being a cornerstone of artistic and cultural excellence for Lancaster and beyond. Our 2024-27 strategy reflects our dedication to providing a welcoming and joyful experience for all.

Learn more about us here | Read our Strategy 2024-27

The Role

The Deputy Theatre Manager (Operations) will play a pivotal role in the successful operation of the venue. Leading a team, the post holder will be responsible for overall operational effectiveness, including box-office services, training, front of house & customer service, snacks & beverages, facilities management, and compliance, working closely and supportively with charity volunteer and member stakeholders. The Deputy Theatre Manager will delegate for the Theatre Manager where necessary.

Lancaster Footlights and Grand Theatre CIO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and patrons.

Lancaster Footlights and Grand Theatre CIO is committed to Safeguarding. Our policy can be viewed here . Successful candidates will be required to undertake a DBS check prior to appointment.

Key Responsibilities

Provide Theatre Leadership & Management:

• Venue Operations: Manage all aspects of the theatre's daily and show based operations, ensuring high standards of safety and customer service
• Staff Management: Lead a valued and committed team, promoting a positive and supportive culture, using recognised HR good practice
• Staff Recruitment: Assist the Theatre Manager, and work with trustee stakeholders, and HR advisers, to support recruitment and selection processes which consider both operational need and organisational values
• Volunteer & Member liaison: In conjunction with lead trustees and key staff, ensure the capacity offered by our highly valued volunteers integrates seamlessly into effective and safe operations and customer service
• Contracting: Support the Theatre Manager to contract key services including stage & technical, cleaning, website and ticketing services. Ensure contracts are managed and delivered to specification, undertaking performance reviews where necessary
• Compliance: Lead the activities of the Compliance & Learning Co-ordinator, to ensure compliance with all regulations applicable to theatre operations. Ensure policies and procedures are implemented and reviewed appropriately.
• Training & Development: Leading the activities of the Compliance & Learning Co-ordinator, ensure staff and volunteers are trained and developed to meet appropriate compliance and customer service objectives.
• Budget Management: Assist the Theatre Manager to fund raise and manage venue costs, alongside agreeing contracts and programming performances that ensure financial sustainability in line with charity goals.
• Facilities Management: Lead the activities of maintenance staff and member stakeholders, to maintain the physical condition of the venue, overseeing necessary repairs, upgrades, testing & maintenance schedules, contracts and work programs in a timely and prioritised manner.
• Footlights: Work closely and empathically with Footlights members to support successful amateur dramatic and other membership related activities which are fundamental to the ongoing success of the charity.
• Key-Holder: Ability to acts as a key-holder and out-of-hours contact when required (a work mobile phone will be provided)

Availability, Experience, Skills and attributes:

Availability

• Ability to work flexibly
• Ability to provide core office hours mon-fri as part of a team
• Ability to undertake evening and weekend working as required to effectively deliver the role
• Ability to act as a key-holder and out-of-hours contact when required

(a work mobile phone will be provided)

Experience:

• Experience in theatre management or a closely related role is essential

• Experience working in a charitable or not-for-profit organisation raising adequate funding to meet or exceed costs is highly desirable.
• Experience in building & facilities management is highly desirable
• Experience in volunteer liaison and coordination is highly desirable.
• Experience commissioning, implementing and maximising the benefits of appropriate website and ticketing software solutions

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Ability to manage self and others with a strong focus on the importance of wellbeing & values.

• Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
• Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and contracts.
• Knowledge of regulations for performance venues.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders including paid and unpaid roles
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.

Attributes:

• Ability to delegate and recognise the importance of empowering and developing others
• Passionate about the arts and the role of the theatre in community life.
• Inclusive, with a strong community focus.
• Calm, flexible and adaptable to meet the ever-changing needs of the venue and its audience in a manner that promotes joy
• Approachable, Courteous, Trusting, Open minded, Respectful, Supportive