Head of Commercial & Operations

Nottingham Playhouse; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional theatre in the UK is seeking a bold, entrepreneurial leader for the Head of Commercial & Operations role. The ideal candidate will guide strategic initiatives to increase income, enhance visitor experiences, and streamline operations. Responsibilities include leading financial management, developing revenue-generating activities, and fostering strong relationships within the team and community. Previous experience in commercial growth, operational management, and exceptional communication skills are essential for this full-time permanent position.

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role in commercial and operational functions.
• Proven track record in entrepreneurial thinking with new ventures.
• Experience in revenue generation and commercial strategy.
• Strong financial management skills including P&L responsibility.
• Customer-first attitude to enhance visitor experience.
• Ability to inspire and lead diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a commercial strategy to maximise revenue.
• Drive creation of value-added events and experiences.
• Generate new income streams and innovative events.
• Oversee operational excellence and compliance.
• Enhance customer journey and service experience.
• Manage P&L responsibilities and financial reporting.
• Implement new initiatives for growth and success.

Skills

Commercial strategy development

Entrepreneurial thinking

Event management

Financial management

Exceptional communication

Job description

At Nottingham Playhouse, we’re embarking on an exciting new chapter, and we’re looking for a bold, entrepreneurial leader to drive our commercial and operational strategies forward.

As the Head of Commercial & Operations, you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will be the driving force behind our efforts to maximise income, enhance the visitor experience, and take our operational and commercial activities to new heights.

Purpose of the Role:

In this new role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Playhouse by integrating and driving the growth of our commercial, operational, and customer-focused activities. You will lead the development and implementation of initiatives to increase visitor spend, revenue generation from venue hires, events, music programming, and conferences, all while ensuring seamless operational delivery.

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Location: Nottingham, UK

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000 per year depending on experience

About You:

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, dynamic, and strategic senior leader with a proven track record in both commercial growth and operational excellence. You will be dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, constantly seeking innovative ways to grow income and optimise operations. Your ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities will be crucial to the success of this role.

You’ll have a strong commercial and operational background, ideally within a theatre, venue, or similarly complex environment, and you’ll be adept at managing diverse teams to deliver exceptional results. With a collaborative approach to leadership, you’ll inspire your teams and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You’ll have a passion for creating new business ventures, driving change, and leading by example to deliver tangible results.

What You Will Do:

• Lead with entrepreneurial thinking: Develop and execute a commercial strategy to identify and capitalise on new business opportunities, maximising revenue from venue hires, events, hospitality, and other commercial activities.
• Grow income streams: Drive the creation and execution of value-added events and experiences, including corporate, community, and creative events, working closely with colleagues to ensure alignment with both cultural and business objectives.
• Innovate for success: Take a proactive approach to generating new income streams, devising unique events, and identifying creative ways to maximise use of our venue and hospitality spaces.
• Operational excellence: Oversee building operations, maintenance, and health & safety, ensuring all activities meet statutory requirements and run smoothly.
• Enhance the visitor experience: Lead efforts to continually improve the customer journey, delivering exceptional service at every touchpoint and exceeding visitor expectations.
• Collaborate and communicate: Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, using your exceptional communication skills to influence and inspire others towards shared goals.
• Lead with financial acumen: Manage P&L responsibilities, including budget oversight and financial reporting, ensuring that all activities contribute to the financial success of the organisation.
• Champion change: Proactively manage change, working with your team to implement new initiatives that will drive growth and success in all commercial and operational areas.

What You Will Bring:

• Proven experience in a leadership role, overseeing both commercial and operational functions, ideally within a complex venue, arts, or hospitality environment.
• A track record of entrepreneurial thinking and action, identifying, developing, and executing new business ventures that drive growth and profitability.
• Extensive experience in commercial strategy development, event management, and revenue generation.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget oversight, P&L responsibility, and financial forecasting.
• A customer-first attitude with a passion for delivering exceptional service and enhancing the visitor experience.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead diverse teams.
• Experience managing complex building operations, health & safety, and compliance with statutory regulations.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and nurture relationships at all levels.

Apply Now

For more information about the role and working at Nottingham Playhouse, please download the Job Pack.

Nottingham Playhouse is committed to a policy of diversity and inclusion, creating a workforce representative of the diverse communities we work with. Our workforce is currently under representative of certain communities and we are taking positive action for equal opportunities through the recruitment process.

Application closing date: Sunday 04th January 2026 (end of day)

Interviews: W/C 12th January 2026 (may be subject to change)

REF-225 649