This is a fantastic opportunity to join Soho Theatre at a pivotal moment of expansion, in a senior management role. Working closely with the Executive Director and Walthamstow Co-Executive Director, the Operations Director will focus on two venues:
Soho Theatre Dean Street – oversee the operations of one of London’s busiest and most vibrant venues with a year-round festival programme of new theatre, comedy and cabaret attracting audiences of 180,000 a year.
Soho Theatre Walthamstow – play a key role in creating and implementing the operational systems to launch our 1,000-capacity venue opening in 2024. A £35m refurb of a glorious Grade II* listed 1930’s Art Deco cinema which will become a ‘local theatre with a national profile’, with a varied programme which will include world class comedy, annual panto and a wide and inclusive community engagement programme.
Responsibilities
Buildings
- Overall responsibility for the operation of Soho’s sites, including safety, compliance, maintenance, procurement and small capital projects
- Manage all lease arrangements and licensing for Soho sites, including any variations or changes to activity
Line management of the Building & Office Manager, who is responsible for routine and ad hoc maintenance including office and IT - Maintain all the company insurance policies, managing the relationship with insurers. Advise of any annual or other variations, and administrate all claims made
Operations
- Oversee Dean Street building operations, with reporting lines from Technical, Front of House and Bar teams to ensure the smooth running of all activities
- Work closely with the Co-Executive Director to ensure the successful launch of Soho Theatre Walthamstow from an operational perspective, ensuring that the new 1,000 seat venue and community spaces are integrated into existing group management structures and that the venue is a success operationally
- Oversee and support the Walthamstow Operations Manager (TBC) to establish the team, systems and processes to manage the venue in line with existing group policies and structures
- Maintain an overview of the technical department and ensure the Technical & Production Manager is well supported in their management of the team
- Maintain an overview of the bars and catering department and ensure the Head of F&B is well supported in their management of the team
- Maintain an overview of Soho’s touring activity, including international work, festivals and Edinburgh, ensuring operational and H&S standards are maintained away from Dean Street
- Deliver strategic operational support when Soho is producing digital work
- Support the operational teams and producers to manage building scheduling in Artifax
H&S
- Senior lead for H&S, on behalf of the board and Executive Director/Co-Executive Director
- Take responsibility for strategic H&S decision making and implementation, supported by an external consultant
- Nurture a strong safety culture at Soho, ensuring infrastructure and equipment are compliant, staff are trained and confident in their duties, and visiting artists are supported across all sites and venues
- Chair the H&S Committee, maintain the H&S Policy and associated documentation
- Ensure Soho receives an annual H&S audit and Fire Risk Assessment, and regular external inspections to confirm standards are upheld
- Support the FOH Manager to maintain the Dean Street evacuation strategy
- Support the Walthamstow Operations Manager (TBC) to develop and maintain the STW evacuation strategy
Data
- Oversee Soho’s data management and act as the lead for data compliance – gathering information, analysing and using data to inform decision making and respond to stakeholder requirements, all in line with GDPR
HR & People
- Support the Executive Director in developing a dynamic company culture and ethos that is nurturing and inclusive
- Act as lead for HR administration and policy, supported by and liaising with external HR consultants as required
- Manage the Finance & Admin Assistant in the day-to-day HR administration
- Oversee all recruitment across the group including for the new Walthamstow venue, and actively champion Soho Theatre’s equality, diversity and inclusion agenda in this area
- Manage all salaries, benchmarking and support the payroll process
- Manage the contracting of consultants and freelancers, ensuring they are fully supported in their work at Soho
- Develop and implement a group-wide strategy for training and personal development, that supports Soho’s workplace culture and organisational aims
- Actively champion an access agenda in recruitment, seeking out opportunities for Soho to create new routes into work in the arts, away from the more traditional education-based points of entry, specifically linking to the requirements of the new venue
- With Finance and Executive, manage Soho’s staff benefits, thinking creatively about different approaches to remuneration and looking to add new incentives when relevant
General
- An active member of the senior management team, chairing/attending the Heads of Departments and other meetings as appropriate, and contributing to discussions / problem solving as required
- Develop Soho’s systems and processes and technology to ensure all are fit for purpose as the organisation grows
- Attend STC, STW and STB board meetings, support the Executive Director and Co-Executive Director in setting the agenda and report on operational, health & safety and other relevant matters
- Support the aims and objectives of Soho Theatre, both internally and externally
- Represent the company as appropriate in external events.
- Uphold the company’s equal opportunities, access and diversity policies
- Any other duties the Executive Director(s) may reasonably require
This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Operations Director. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the post holder and the line manager from time to time.
How to apply
Please send us your CV and a cover letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the role, experience to date and enthusiasm for working at Soho Theatre. We will shortlist for the position based on how you respond to the job description.