Director of Operations - Performing Arts Venue

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape seeks a Director of Operations to oversee all aspects of the performing arts venue’s daily functions and front‑of‑house services. You will lead technical theatre departments, manage budgets, and ensure safe, high‑quality experiences for artists and audiences.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive experience in venue management, and a passion for the arts. You will collaborate with visiting artists and production teams while maintaining regulatory

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in performing arts venue management or operations with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong background in technical theatre production, stagecraft, and building operations.
• Proven financial management skills including budgeting and cost control.
• Experience leading diverse teams of staff and volunteers.
• Excellent knowledge of health, safety, and regulatory compliance in public venues.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily venue operations including building maintenance, security, and facility management.
• Lead technical theatre departments (lighting, sound, stage management) for productions.
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Manage budgets for operations, maintenance, and front-of-house services.
• Train and supervise venue operations staff and administrative personnel.
• Coordinate with visiting artists and production companies to meet technical needs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, fire, and accessibility regulations.
• Oversee vendor and service-provider contracts and negotiations.
• Develop emergency plans and response procedures.
• Contribute to strategic planning and capital improvement projects.

Skills

Venue management

Operations leadership

Budget management

Staff supervision

Health & safety

Crisis management

Vendor management

Negotiation

Communication

Tools

Venue management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned performing arts venue in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Operations. This critical leadership position is responsible for the overall management and smooth functioning of the venue's physical operations, technical departments, and front-of-house services. You will ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for artists, audiences, and staff, while meticulously managing budgets and resources. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in venue management, operational logistics, technical theatre, and staff supervision, coupled with a passion for the arts. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Upington and the Northern Cape by maintaining and enhancing a premier performing arts facility. You will play a vital role in ensuring the venue consistently delivers high-quality experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily venue operations, including building maintenance, security, and facility management.


• Manage and direct the technical theatre departments (lighting, sound, stage management) to support diverse productions.


• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance.


• Manage budgets for operations, maintenance, technical supplies, and front-of-house services.


• Lead, train, and supervise venue operations staff, including technical crew, ushers, and administrative personnel.


• Coordinate with visiting artists, production companies, and event organizers to meet their technical and logistical needs.


• Ensure the venue adheres to all health, safety, fire, and accessibility regulations.


• Oversee contract negotiations and management with vendors and service providers.


• Develop and implement emergency preparedness and response plans.


• Contribute to strategic planning and capital improvement projects for the venue.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in performing arts venue management or operations, with significant leadership responsibilities.


• Proven expertise in technical theatre production, stagecraft, and building operations.


• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and cost control.


• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing diverse teams of staff and volunteers.


• Excellent understanding of health, safety, and regulatory compliance within public venues.


• Proficiency in venue management software and standard office applications.


• Exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, and crisis management abilities.


• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by performance schedules.


• A passion for the performing arts and commitment to delivering exceptional audience and artist experiences.


• Experience within the Northern Cape region is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive salary, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement annuity.


• This role provides a unique opportunity to manage a high-profile performing arts venue and contribute to its artistic and operational success.


• Professional development opportunities, including industry training and conferences, are supported. You will work within a dynamic and engaging environment alongside dedicated arts professionals.


• Additional benefits include generous annual leave and opportunities to work with a variety of performing artists and companies.


• Access to ongoing training in venue management technologies is also provided.