General Manager, Cultural Venue

ArtsJobs; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community benefit arts organization in Nottingham is seeking a General Manager to lead a dedicated team. You will oversee operations, drive visitor growth, manage finances, and engage with local communities. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership in public-facing roles, strong budget management, and a passion for arts and heritage. This role offers the opportunity to shape a thriving creative environment while ensuring financial sustainability.

Qualifications

• Successful leadership of a public-facing venue.
• Evidence of growing visitor numbers or earned income.
• Hands-on operational experience with staff planning.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the 3-year plan, balancing commercial and charitable aims.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and building maintenance.
• Grow admissions and audience through marketing.
• Cultivate partnerships with local authorities and tourism bodies.

Skills

Leadership of a public-facing venue

Budget ownership and financial reporting

Interpersonal and communication skills

Operational experience in H&S and food hygiene

Education

Relevant training/qualifications (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely)

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a General Manager to lead a small team of staff and volunteers to deliver a brilliant visitor experience, develop our creative programme, grow our reach and secure our continued financial health.

Job Description

We are looking for a Manager to lead Farfield Mill a thriving community-owned art, craft and heritage destination.

To deliver visitor and income growth in line with the Business Plan and Board-approved KPIs, ensure the Mill's financial viability and resilience (cover costs, build reserves, and resource building maintenance), and provide an excellent experience for visitors, studio artists, staff and volunteers - consistent with the values of a Community Benefit Society.

Job Requirements

Essential requirements are

Successful leadership of a public-facing venue (eg visitor attraction, arts/heritage centre)

Evidence of growing one or more of; visitor numbers, earned income, memberships or grant income

Strong budget ownership and financial reporting, and a track record of improving margins/yield

Hands-on operational experience: staff planning, H&S, food hygiene awareness, facilities/contractor oversight

Excellent interpersonal and communication and people management skills

Be values-led, an inclusive leader and calm under pressure

Desirable experience/knowledge

Tourism partnerships, regional marketing networks

Programming exhibitions, learning, workshops

Retail/ tearoom

Heritage building compliance and capital projects

Relevant training/qualifications (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely; Food Hygiene L3; First Aid; Safeguarding)

Job Responsibilities

Manage the 3year plan, balancing commercial and charitable aims and report quarterly against KPIs

Responsibility to manage costs and stock and protect reserves whilst working to identify new income streams

Manage day to day operations and take care of the building

Lead and support a small team of staff

Champion studio and exhibiting artists encouraging their involvement in learning activity and community engagement.

Oversee a balanced year-round programme of exhibitions, workshops and events

Grow admissions and audiences in line with the Business Plan through compelling programming, partnerships, and targeted marketing

Act as an ambassador for Farfield Mill; cultivate partnerships with local authorities and tourism bodies, funders and donors, leading on grants and sponsorship bids

Manage policies, compliance and risk management appropriate to a CBS

Ensure good record-keeping and report to the Board in a clear and timely manner

Job Title: General Manager, Cultural Venue

Farfield Mill is a charitable Community Benefit Society, a much‑loved art, craft and heritage centre on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Housed in a historic Victorian woollen mill with galleries, artist /maker studios, heritage displays, heritage looms, a tearoom and shop, we are a place where craft skills are kept alive and shared with thousands of visitors each year.