General manager

General manager (repertory theatre) B

The post of General Manager is being introduced as a shared leadership role with the Artistic Director, both reporting jointly to the Board. The company currently employs a full time Administrator, and a freelance Special Projects Coordinator. A flexible team of project managers and associate artists, and other specialist personnel are contracted for discrete projects and productions as appropriate.

Reports to:

Board of Management (in partnership with the Artistic Director)

Responsible for:

Administrator and other permanent, casual and freelance staff as agreed with Artistic Director

Main purpose:

In partnership with the Artistic Director, to design and implement sound business strategies to support the theatre’s role as a leading theatre company producing high quality theatre, reaching and speaking to diverse audiences in regionally, the UK and Internationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• ensuring that the creative work of the company flourishes
• in partnership with the Artistic Director, ensure that all company activities and resources are harnessed to maximise its artistic and charitable aims
• seek, raise and manage resources to enable the creative processes of the company to flourish
• ensure that the theatre’s work and strategies are informed by knowledge of significant developments and trends in arts practice and policy
• work with the Artistic Director to inspire, motivate and support immediate colleagues and freelance employees by fostering creativity and teamwork
• work with the Artistic Director and other company members and associates to drive forward a programme of commissioning, production and co-production of high quality work that is relevant, competitive, and innovative in the current theatre climate
• involvement in recruitment and employment of all personnel in relation to productions and special projects, in conjunction with the Artistic Director and Projects Managers
• develop systems for sound planning and robust evaluation of all company activity

Policy and Planning:

• assist the board in its governance role and ensure that it receives appropriate and timely information
• develop, monitor and review the business plan and artistic policy and other specific policy areas (e.g. learning and diversity) in collaboration with the board, the Artistic Director and other members of staff
• ensure that the company acts responsibly and legally in all aspects of its work
• implement organisational development plans alongside the business plan objectives
• ensure that the company’s health and safety, equal opportunities and diversity policies are reviewed regularly, maintained and adhered to by all staff

Financial Management:

• maximise earned and grant income and ensure that financial resources are managed responsibly and effectively to further the aims of the company and its charitable objects
• set and oversee the implementation of financial strategies
• provide financial analyses to inform future strategies
• oversee contractual and funding agreements

Personnel Management:

• line-manage and oversee the professional development of the Administrator and other staff as appropriate
• ensure that job descriptions are updated, regular appraisals/evaluations are held and the highest level of support is provided for all employees
• maintain good conditions of service which attract, retain and motivate all employees to produce work of the highest quality
• set the company professional development strategy and encourage staff to pursue training and professional development opportunities within a clear set of organisational aims; develop and promote our role as exemplary in its provision of a positive learning climate for all staff

Communications:

• Internal:

1. establish and lead on maintaining relevant and effective communication systems within the company to ensure that all staff are able to contribute appropriately to company development, and to maintain accessible reference materials for the company’s operations

• External:

• represent the company effectively, promoting its activities to a range of stakeholders, partners, funders and strategic agencies
• represent the company in a wide range of contexts, to connect the company to diverse influences and to further our role and reputation as a significant contributor to contemporary theatre practice and arts policy development
• sustain existing and develop new creative partnerships with other arts providers, funding bodies and community organisations
• oversee the corporate and artistic image of the company, as represented in the design and content of printed and website content, reports and other materials for public or targeted dissemination
• manage and develop the press and media opportunities which will enhance the company’s reputation and viability
• other responsibilities – be prepared to undertake other necessary duties which may arise

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• relevant management experience in contemporary theatre and the touring sector, or in comparable fields of the subsidised arts and/or cultural industries
• knowledge of current developments in contemporary theatre both in the UK and abroad
• experience of strategic, artistic and business planning
• skills in financial management, financial analysis, reporting, forecasting and planning
• strong inter-personal skills including the ability to negotiate, delegate, manage projects and lead and work in teams and motivate others
• experience of writing successful fund-raising applications and a knowledge of the funding and income generation climate
• excellent written and oral communication skills, including negotiation, presentation, sales, advocacy
• strong networking skills, the ability to forge new partnerships e.g. co-productions, nurture effective working relationships internally and externally, and advocate for the company’s work in diverse contexts
• a strong commitment to fostering inter-cultural understanding through theatre and to attracting and connecting to the needs of diverse communities of audiences, artists and others associating with our work
• enthusiasm for and commitment to the emphasis that we place on making theatre which explores and presents the experiences of women

Desirable:

• experience of project evaluation
• knowledge of international touring
• relevant networks and contacts in touring theatre in the UK
• a sound understanding of the legal frameworks of ltd companies and charities