Operations Director
Citizens Theatre Glasgow, G5 9DS
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week)
About the Role
The Citizens Theatre is seeking an experienced and strategic Operations Director to lead the operational life of one of Scotland’s most significant cultural venues. As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will oversee facilities, front of house, commercial operations, health & safety, sustainability, IT infrastructure, and compliance, ensuring the theatre operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably while delivering an outstanding experience for audiences and visitors.
Working closely with the Executive Director, you will contribute to organisational strategy, attend Board meetings, and lead a team of departmental managers across a broad operational portfolio.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the Citizens Theatre as a member of the Senior Management Team.
- Develop and deliver annual operational plans aligned with organisational priorities.
- Report on operational performance, risk, compliance, and capital projects to the Board.
- Champion equality, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability initiatives.
Facilities & Estate Management
- Lead the management, maintenance, and development of the theatre estate.
- Oversee planned and reactive maintenance programmes.
- Manage relationships with contractors, consultants, and service providers.
- Act as a key holder and provide out-of-hours support when required.
Audience Experience & Front of House
- Ensure a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience for all visitors.
- Provide leadership to the Welcome Team and establish service standards.
- Support accessibility planning and delivery across the venue.
Commercial Operations
- Lead the theatre’s commercial income streams, including:
- Café Bar
- Venue Hire & Events
- Develop strategies to increase revenue and profitability.
- Monitor income targets and identify growth opportunities.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Serve as the organisation’s lead responsible person for Health & Safety.
- Ensure compliance with all legislation, licences, permits, and regulations.
- Maintain operational policies and risk management frameworks.
Sustainability
- Develop and implement environmental sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives.
- Monitor progress and report outcomes to stakeholders and funders.
- Embed sustainable practices across all departments.
IT & Digital Infrastructure
- Oversee IT systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management.
- Manage procurement and renewal of digital systems and services.
People & Financial Management
- Line manage departmental leaders across operations.
- Hold budget responsibility for operational departments.
- Support recruitment, induction, and professional development of staff.
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role within a venue, cultural organisation, or complex public-facing environment.
- Proven experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and compliance.
- Experience managing facilities, estates, building maintenance, or capital projects.
- Commercial management experience, including budget ownership and income generation.
- Experience with licensing and regulatory compliance frameworks.
- Experience in catering, hospitality, or visitor experience operations.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including Board-level engagement.
- Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and public benefit.
- Experience developing or implementing sustainability initiatives.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience within a theatre, arts venue, or cultural organisation.
- Knowledge of Scottish Fair Work principles.
- Understanding of the Scottish arts funding landscape, including Creative Scotland.
- NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
Benefits
- 34 days annual leave (including public holidays)
- Contributory pension scheme (Employer 3% / Employee 5%)
- Complimentary or discounted tickets to selected performances
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Training and development opportunities
Working Hours
Your normal hours will be 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility required to support operational needs, including occasional evening and weekend work.
Location
Citizens Theatre
119 Gorbals Street
Glasgow, G5 9DS
This role is primarily based on-site, with occasional remote working opportunities in line with organisational policies.
Apply Now:
Join the Citizens Theatre and play a leading role in shaping the future of one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural organisations. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace.
Pay: £55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
