Operations Director

PROSPECTUS; Oxford; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned theatre organization in Oxfordshire is seeking an Operations Director to lead daily operations and manage capital projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior management experience and a strong commitment to health & safety, sustainability, and diversity. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, facilities management, and contributing to long-term strategy. This role offers a unique opportunity to make an impact in a vibrant cultural setting.

Qualifications

• Proven senior management experience in operations.
• Exposure to buildings/facilities management.
• Strong understanding of health & safety practice.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the theatre.
• Lead on health & safety, HR, and facilities management.
• Shape long-term organisational strategy.

Skills

Senior management experience

Health & safety knowledge

Leadership and team management

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Commitment to sustainability

Job description

Overview

Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with a historic theatre in the heart of Oxfordshire to recruit for a new Operations Director. Our client produces and presents world‑class theatre for many thousands of audience members each year, along with enriching creative learning opportunities for all ages and communities. As they launch their vision and strategy for the next five years, the theatre looks to hire a new Operations Director to lead day‑to‑day operations, as well as working on an exciting capital project.

Responsibilities

The Operations Director is responsible for effective day‑to‑day operations of the organisation’s buildings and systems and for supporting team members through strong HR. They will lead on health & safety, HR, facilities, contracts, and capital projects, ensuring the theatre remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for all.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, they will also play a vital role in shaping long‑term organisational strategy, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI), heritage conservation, access, and workforce professional development.

Qualifications

The selected candidate will have proven senior management experience in operations with some exposure to buildings/facilities management and HR. You will bring a strong understanding of health & safety practice and risk management, as well as strong leadership and team management skills. You will be an excellent problem solver with strong communication skills, and bring a passion to drive efficiency and new ways of working. You will also demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Candidate Information

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment(s) to any part of the process then please contact Steven Fraser at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you’ll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.

How to Apply

In order to apply please submit your CV only in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You’ll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.