Theatre Operations Manager

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

ATG Entertainment's Sunderland venue is seeking a Theatre Manager on a fixed-term contract ending around September 2027. You will lead a broad team, drive the venue's business plan, manage budgets and risks, and collaborate with marketing, ticketing, and operations to deliver exceptional audience experiences.

You will deputise for the Theatre Director, set strategic direction, and seek new revenue streams while maintaining health and safety standards across the venue.

Qualifications

• Management experience; Team Leader, Project Manager, Head of Department or similar.
• Evidence of managing performance, developing, and supporting a team to achieve its goals.
• An excellent understanding of commercial objectives and proven ability to meet ambitious targets within agreed timescales.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to be flexible and prioritise a varied workload with the ability to work on your own and as part of a Team.
• Experience of working within the constraints of a budget and overseeing cost control.
• Good IT literacy with the ability to learn new software and systems.
• Experience in a retail or hospitality setting.
• Personal licence holder*.
• Health and Safety qualifications and/or experience.
• An interest in live entertainment.
• *The Theatre Manager is required to be a Personal License holder or undertake the training and assessment to gain a license on starting the role, which ATG Entertainment will arrange. The application process for a license includes a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Theatre Director to set the strategic direction of the business and deputise when necessary.
• Commit to attainment and exceeding of targets, encouraging others to follow suit.
• Oversee the venue operation, maximising commercial opportunities while ensuring tight control of costs.
• Assist with setting annual budgets and review monthly statements, reporting against variances and accurately reforecasting.
• Support the venue administration, undertaking tasks which may include payroll compilation, purchase order production and settlement compilation.
• Work collaboratively with central ATG Entertainment departments to ensure the Theatre has resource and knowledge to grow.
• Support the Theatre Director to create a positive working culture and engage and motivate the Team. This includes line management, conducting appraisals, setting incentives and internal communications.
• Actively seek opportunities to bring new revenue into the Theatre including sponsorship, filming and other local events, ensuring effective use of the venue and its resources.
• Take responsibility for the venue's access requirements, including the planning, booking and scheduling of accessible and access performances.
• Support the Theatre Director in liaising with and reporting to the Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust, including the collation and preparation of Trust reports and associated information.
• Support the venue's work to promote and improve health and wellbeing in the workplace, including taking responsibility for working towards and maintaining Better Health at Work accreditation.
• Accurately report and monitor the Theatre's performance against its Key Performance Indicators internally to the Theatre and within wider ATG Entertainment.
• Understand and comply with Venue and ATG Entertainment Company policies which include stock management, risk management, human resources, information technology and customer experience.
• Be aware of local licensing stipulations and security requirements, making recommendations to the Theatre Director.
• Act as Duty Manager for an agreed number of performances and events.
• Undertake housekeeping checks and manage external supplier relations including cleaning and waste management.
• Constantly seek to develop yourself and others through external training and internal learning.

Skills

Management experience

Team leadership

Budget management

Communication skills

IT literacy

Personal licence holder

Tools

Budgeting software

Office IT systems

Job description

ATG Entertainment's Sunderland venue is seeking a Theatre Manager on a fixed-term contract ending around September 2027. You will lead a broad team, drive the venue's business plan, manage budgets and risks, and collaborate with marketing, ticketing, and operations to deliver exceptional audience experiences.

You will deputise for the Theatre Director, set strategic direction, and seek new revenue streams while maintaining health and safety standards across the venue.