Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO

Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust; Newcastle; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts organization in Newcastle is seeking a Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO to drive strategic initiatives, oversee operational delivery, and strengthen community engagement. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic leadership and financial management within the performing arts sector. Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for the arts are essential. Applications must be submitted by noon on October 15th, 2025.

Qualifications

• Experienced strategic senior leader with change management skills.
• Strong financial acumen is essential.
• Passion for the performing arts is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategic planning and new opportunities.
• Ensure effective corporate planning and financial control.
• Oversee building, facilities, and operational delivery.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Organisational change management

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant financial qualification

Job description

Overview

Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust seeks a strategic and ambitious Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO (COO) as it delivers and develops a new five-year strategy focused on expanding its creative programme, commercial income opportunities, and community and stakeholder engagement.

Newcastle Theatre Royal is one of the best and well recognised independent large-scale theatres in the UK. Our beautiful, iconic, Grade I listed building sits in the heart of the city centre, and we benefit from our reputation for staging the best national and international touring work in the UK. Our success is built on the quality, breadth and diversity of our programme and we have long-standing relationships with leading national theatre companies and producers including the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Opera North, Northern Ballet and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, as well as commercial theatre producers such as Cameron Mackintosh and Michael Harrison, for whom we regularly premiere productions before the West End or national touring. Our 1,247-seat auditorium welcomes in the region of 350,000 people annually and our Creative Engagement team work with young people and community groups alongside leading a number of talent development programmes, engaging approximately 16,000 people annually.

Working in close partnership with the CEO and other Executive Leadership colleagues, the COO will contribute to the development of strategic planning, the identification of new opportunities and innovation for the Trust, and the development and implementation of a positive organisational culture and staff team development. Alongside the CEO, they will provide executive leadership and be responsible for strategic financial, governance, risk, legal and regulatory matters, advising the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team to ensure effective corporate planning, financial control, an engaged and positive work-place culture and efficient, effective and sustainable operational delivery of the strategic plan. In addition, the COO will be responsible, through the Director Operations, for overseeing all building, facilities, technical theatre, visitor experience and commercial operations and will be the lead for Health and Safety and Risk, security and environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced, strategic senior leader with the ability to manage change and organisational development. They will bring strong financial acumen (with a relevant qualification) and be an entrepreneurial and ambitious problem-solver with a passion for the performing arts.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference JBWKA. Alternatively email [e-mail]. Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 15th October 2025.