RESPONSIBLE TO: General Manager Priory and Eatons
WORKPLACE: The Priory, Priory Lane, St Neots, PE19 2BH (Temporarily The Priory at7 New Street, St Neots)
SALARY: £35,152- £39,152 – Depending on experience (LC2– SCP 24 to 28)
Plus generous Local Government Pension Scheme
HOURS: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm with some evening and weekend work and time off in lieu.
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
ABOUT THE ROLE: You will lead the development, planning and delivery of a diverse programme for Priory St Neots, our relaunched arts and events venue, shaping its artistic and commercial identity and making the fullest use of the 430-seat auditorium and other spaces. The role blends creative programming with business development: securing great events, building commercial income, and coordinating the contractors, partners and internal teams that make each event a success. Your programme will span:
- Theatre, music, and dance productions — touring companies and local groups
- Live music — local, national and international artists
- Comedy — national touring acts
- Conferences, beer festivals and high-profile community events
- Weddings, banquets, dinners
The venue will also be used by regular community and commercial hirers, and for private celebration events, with these bookings managed by colleagues or partners in conjunction with you.
What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)
Build the Programme
- Develop and deliver a strategic, balanced annual programme that maximises use of the auditorium and enriches the cultural life of the community.
- Work with a wide range of promoters, agents, producers and creative partners to secure high quality touring and one-off events across theatre, music, dance and comedy.
- Curate a compelling mix of live performances, community activities, commercial hires and cultural events, and manage scheduling for an efficient, well-balanced calendar.
Grow Partnerships and Audiences
- Lead community engagement to ensure the venue is valued, inclusive and genuinely part of local life.
- Build strong, lasting relationships with promoters, music and comedy agents, wedding and event planners, and local, regional and national arts organisations.
- Work with the General Manager to manage agreed levels of commercial hire (e.g. weddings and functions), outsourcing and overseeing delivery to specialist providers where appropriate.
- Develop and deliver the marketing strategy, working with internal or external marketing support to drive audience development and ticket sales. Manage the Commercials
- Manage programme budgets, negotiate fees, contracts and commercial terms, and maximise income while minimising risk.
- Track financial performance and contribute to long-term revenue planning.
Lead Delivery
- Coordinate every stage of event planning and delivery, managing contractors and third-party providers.
- Work closely with Food & Beverage, Operations, Front of House, Marketing and Finance colleagues.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, data protection, licensing, safeguarding and risk management, and act as premises manager when required.
- Monitor programme performance using audience data and reporting.
- Attend evening Town Council meetings to present reports as required.
- Undertake relevant training and other duties consistent with the post.
APPLICATIONS TO BE MADE THROUGH THE ST NEOTS TOWN COUNCIL WEBSITE
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,152.00-£39,152.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
