General Manager

RUNAWAY ENTERTAINMENT; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Runaway Entertainment is seeking a General Manager to lead day-to-day operations of productions in London's West End. The role involves overseeing contract negotiations, managing production budgets, and fostering collaboration among various teams. Candidates should possess significant experience in professional theatre management, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for the arts.

Benefits

Creative working environment

Opportunities for professional development

Access to industry events

Annual leave in line with industry standards

Supportive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a General Manager in a professional theatre production environment.
• Strong negotiation skills and a personable approach.
• Knowledge of relevant theatre union agreements.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and oversee contracts for productions.
• Monitor production budgets and approve payrolls.
• Oversee day-to-day management of productions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Time management

Communication

Team collaboration

Diplomacy

Job description

Overview

The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of Runaway Entertainment productions and the general management team. The General Manager also leads the financial planning for Runaway and works with the Producer (Production Development) on strategic planning and developing new projects. Key

Responsibilities include:

Contracts:

• Negotiate and oversee the preparation of contracts for productions including creatives, production staff and actors in line with budgets and union agreements both independently and in collaboration with other Runaway team members, ensuring that an accurate, up-to-date record is kept of all negotiations and agreements.
• Monitor developments in union agreements and ensure that Runaway fulfils its obligations as an employer.
• Support the Head of Production on the creation, management and implementation of all company policies.
• Oversee the Production Co-ordinator in ensuring that all contracts are issued correctly.

Day to day management:

• Oversee the smooth running of productions and facilitate collaboration between departments.
• Liaise with producers, creative teams, casts and production staff as required and ensure that all decisions made for productions are carried out in a timely manner and communicated to all relevant parties.
• Line manage the Production Co-ordinator and Office & Production Assistant on all show-related work.
• Act as the main point of contact for everyone on the production, providing support and assistance where required and ensuring open and effective communication.
• Liaise between the venue and the company and attend running shows on a regular basis, both on tour and in London, maintaining a consistent relationship with the full company.
• Lead on all show-related HR matters, consulting with the Head of Production where required, to ensure a high level of pastoral care and wellbeing within the company.
• Liaise with the press and marketing teams, actors and production departments regarding campaigns, press events and photoshoots and oversee the Production Coordinator in the coordination of any such events.
• Manage press/gala nights with the Production Coordinator.
• Oversee the Production Coordinator in the procurement of visas and work permits in connection with international touring productions or foreign personnel involved in UK based productions.
• Work closely with the Production Manager of each show on the management of the production, and co-ordinate production meetings .
• Represent Runaway at weekly PR and marketing meetings
• Attend running shows on a regular basis
• Keep the Head of Production and Producers informed of any production issues or updates.
• Ensure the archive of all production information at the end of a run including show bibles, recordings and production property storage.
• Arrange and be responsible for production specific insurance policies.

Finance:

• Monitor all areas of the production budget
• Check and approve weekly production payrolls, working closely with the Finance Manager
• Check and approve production-related invoices

Operations and Administration:

• Implement and adhere to office and production policies
• Help maintain effective filing systems and other systems
• Answer the phones as required and be an ambassador for Runaway Entertainment providing a welcoming atmosphere and hospitality for colleagues and visitors

Other:

• Attend theatre industry events, meetings and training where required
• Attend Runaway internal meetings and provide GM reports/updates to the wider team as required
• Support the Head of Production and Producers with other ad hoc tasks as required.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Significant experience as a General Manager in a professional theatre production environment.
• Knowledge of the relevant theatre union agreements.
• Strong negotiation skills and a personable approach.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work with a varied and heavy workload and to juggle competing priorities
• Excellent face-to-face, written, numeracy and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
• Tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• A flexible approach to working hours.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently when required and willingness to cover other roles if necessary.
• A passion for theatre and a sense of humour

What We Offer:

• A fun, vibrant and creative working environment in the heart of London’s West End.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within a leading theatre production company.
• Access to industry events and networking opportunities.
• Annual leave in line with industry standards.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.