Building & Operations Manager

Disability Arts; London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading theatre for children in Wimbledon is seeking a part-time Building & Operations Manager. This role involves ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the theatre's facilities, overseeing maintenance and compliance with health and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have practical skills and a passion for supporting the arts, with a commitment to equal opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in building management and operations.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations.
• Ability to negotiate with contractors and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Ensure efficient and safe running of Polka’s buildings and systems.
• Oversee improvements following capital projects.
• Maintain vital records and manage administrative tasks.

Skills

Building management

Health and safety compliance

Practical hands-on skills

Job description

Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks a Building & Operations Manager (part-time)

Are you passionate about high standards of building management and finding ways to continually improve systems?

Are you practical, hands-on, and understand the importance of health and safety?

Do you want to help champion the work of a specialist and unique national theatre for children?

This is a permanent, part-time role (3 or 4 days per week).

You will support the Head of Operations and Visitor Services, with responsibility for the efficient and safe running of Polka’s buildings and systems. You will be practical and hands-on, ensuring buildings and facilities are proactively maintained and compliant with health and safety regulations. Following recent major capital projects, there are a range of improvements to oversee. You will also handle administrative tasks, maintaining vital records in a timely manner. Additionally, you will negotiate with and oversee contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers to ensure value for money.

Polka’s recently redeveloped building includes: two performance spaces, rehearsal/community space, kitchen, café and shop, outdoor play areas, offices, dressing rooms, and a refurbished flat. Polka also has an offsite workshop on Batsworth Road in Mitcham and hosts events at other venues, requiring support for those teams.

Salary: £29,000 to £32,000 FTE per year pro-rata, depending on experience (e.g., 4 days per week would be £23,200 – 25,600).

Hours: 3 or 4 days per week (24 or 32 hours), including a 1-hour lunch break. Some additional hours, evenings, weekends, and travel outside London may be required. We operate a Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) system.

Polka is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from the Global Majority, gender diverse individuals, and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.

Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.

For more information about the role and application process, please visit our website: https://polkatheatre.com/jobs/

Application deadline: 9am on Monday, 9 June 2025

Interviews: 17 or 25 June 2025

Start date: August 2025