Operations Director

We are looking for an exceptional Operations Director to lead on all aspects of our operations at Soho Theatre, across two venues in Soho and Walthamstow, and our work beyond including touring and digital work. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of London’s landmark cultural organisation during a period of pivotal expansion, in a senior management role. The Operations Director will work closely with the Executive Director and Co-Executive Director to ensure that Soho Theatre’s operations and facilities support our creative and business aims. They will oversee venue operations, our buildings and estates, health & safety and compliance, HR and elements of finance systems.

Strategic

• Working alongside the Executive and Co-Executive Director, and as an active member of the Senior Management Team alongside the Creative and Communications Directors, oversee operations at our venues at a strategic level to support our artistic and business aims; to ensure our brilliant artists are supported to create their best work; and to welcome our audiences night after night. You will ensure the right structures, processes and personnel are in place to deliver our vibrant programme of theatre, comedy and cabaret across two venues and beyond
• As a key part of the Senior Management Team, chairing/attending the Heads of Department and other meetings as appropriate, and contributing to discussions / problem solving as required
• Attend Board meetings as required, support the Executive Director and Co-Executive Director in setting the agenda, and report to the Board on operations, buildings, health & safety, HR and other relevant matters
• Support the Executive Director and Co-Executive Director in developing a dynamic and entrepreneurial company culture and values

Operations 

• Oversee venue operations across Soho Theatre and Soho Theatre Walthamstow, with reporting lines from the Technical & Production Managers, Soho Theatre Walthamstow Operations Manager, and Soho Theatre Operations Administrator, and work closely with Audience Managers and the Head of Food & Beverage to ensure a joined-up operation across our buildings
• Ensure the right team structures, policies and processes are in place to effectively operate the two venues
• Maintain an overview of the technical department and ensure the Technical & Production Managers are well supported in the management of their teams
• Maintain an overview of Soho’s touring activity, including international work in India, the USA, Australia and elsewhere, work presented at festivals including Edinburgh, ensuring operational and H&S standards are implemented in all our work whether in our venues or elsewhere
• Support the operational teams and producers to manage building scheduling in Artifax
• Develop Soho’s systems and processes and technology to ensure all are fit for purpose
• Oversee all contracts used across the organisation, including individuals, shows, contractors etc.
• Lead key meetings to ensure operational efficiency, including individual venue operations meetings and attending key diary meetings as necessary
• Deliver strategic operational support to Soho Theatre’s digital strategy

Buildings, Facilities, IT 

• Overall responsibility for Soho Theatre’s buildings, including safety, compliance, maintenance, procurement, and capital improvements
• Manage all lease arrangements and licensing for Soho sites, including any variations or changes to activity
• Line manage the Buildings & Facilities Manager who oversees management of Soho’s buildings, including routine and ad hoc maintenance e.g. office and IT
• Manage the landlord relationship with the London Borough of Waltham Forest, ensuring the lease at Soho Theatre Walthamstow is complied with at all times, and the building is managed
• Manage neighbour and other local stakeholder relationships at both sites to ensure these are positive
• Manage the relationship with our external IT company and freelance IT consultant, ensuring regular meetings and overseeing the support requirements
• Maintain all Company insurance policies, managing the relationship with insurers. Advise of any annual or other variations, and administrate all claims made
• Manage and support teams to oversee external storage facilities to minimise cost

Finance 

• Manage the operational relationship with our external finance team, ensuring regular meetings
• Manage internal financial administration and oversee the operation of our finance systems, ensuring efficient processes and procedures are in place
• Identify and promote opportunities for maximising income and introducing new income streams
• Be responsible for key budget lines and manage the overall Operations budget, including People and Buildings, and reporting to the Executive regularly

H&S 

• Act as the Senior lead for H&S, on behalf of the Company’s Board and Executive Director/Co-Executive Director, taking responsibility for strategic H&S decision making and implementation, supported by an external consultant
• Nurture a strong safety culture across the Company, 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 quarterly H&S Committee, maintain the H&S Policy and associated documentation
• Work with the Head of Creative Engagement to maintain the Safeguarding Policy, acting as a Safeguarding Lead and ensuring this is effectively implemented
• Ensure our buildings receive a regular H&S audit, Fire Risk Assessment and external inspections are conducted to confirm standards are upheld
• Support in maintaining the different building evacuation and invacuation strategies
• Monitor all accident and incidents, taking timely action where necessary

Data 

• Oversee Soho’s data management policies 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

• Act as lead for HR administration, and ensure that Soho Theatre follows best practice in supporting and working with staff, casual workers and freelancers across all areas of the company
• Manage the People Coordinator in day-to-day HR administration, and act as the lead contact for the Company’s external HR consultant
• Oversee all recruitment and actively champion Soho Theatre’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and opportunities to open up access to careers in theatre, seeking out opportunities for Soho to create new routes into work in the arts, away from the more traditional education-based points of entry
• Manage the contracting of consultants and freelancers, supporting with wider Company contracts as necessary
• Develop and implement a group-wide strategy for training and personal development, that supports Soho’s workplace culture and organisational aims, working with external consultants as required
• Manage staff benefits, thinking creatively about different approaches to remuneration and looking to add new incentives when relevant

General 

• Support the aims and objectives of Soho Theatre, both internally and externally
• Represent the Company as appropriate and as necessary at external events
• Uphold the Company’s equal opportunities, access and diversity policies
• Any other duties the Executive Director(s) may reasonably require

Apply here: https://sohotheatre.com/job/operations-director-2/