RECRUITMENTiQ is working in partnership with a central arts venue to assist with their search for a General Manager in Helensburgh.
The General Manager will oversee the strategic, operational, and financial management of a community-focused arts and cinema venue with an annual turnover of c £500k, leading all aspects of venue management, cultural programming, audience development and commercial performance.
This role will ensure the venue thrives as a vibrant cultural hub, delivering high-quality arts programming, cinema screenings, and community focused engagement while maintaining financial sustainability and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the venue’s strategic plan in alignment with the overall business mission and community objectives.
- Drive long-term audience development, visitor engagement and community participation, ensuring inclusivity and diversity across all programming.
- Lead initiatives to enhance the venue’s regional and national profile.
Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day venue operations, ensuring the successful delivery of films, live events, exhibitions, arts programmes and community activities.
- Ensure the building, facilities and technical assets are fully maintained, with particular attention to the fabric of the building, cinema equipment and health and safety compliance.
- Manage performance standards, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment.
- Implement and monitor operational policies and procedures across all areas of the venue.
Financial Management
- Prepare and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability.
- Monitor and grow income streams, including ticket sales, venue hire, memberships, subscriptions, donations, sponsorship and grant funding.
- Report regularly to the Board of Directors on financial performance and strategic investment opportunities.
Team Leadership
- Line-manage and develop a diverse team of employees and volunteers, including programming, operations, front of house and administrative staff.
- Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, prioritizing professional development and team engagement.
- Ensure staff have appropriate training in customer service, festival/event/programme delivery, and operational safety.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Cultivate strong relationships with local artists, community organisations, schools, funding bodies and key stakeholders.
- Lead fundraising, sponsorship, partnership development and income generation initiatives to maximise community impact.
- Represent the venue publicly through presentations, events, and media engagement.
Programming and Artistic Oversight
- Shape a diverse and engaging programme of independent film, mainstream cinema, visual arts, live performance and community events.
- Balance commercial viability with community access and cultural relevance.
- Support innovative and experimental projects while ensuring broad community participation.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Proven senior management experience within arts, culture, cinema, heritage, visitor attraction, charity or creative industries.
- Strong financial acumen; experience managing budgets of £500k+
- Track record of successful people management, volunteer management and team development.
- Experience in audience development, community engagement and stakeholder management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strategic thinker with proven ability to deliver operational and financial targets.
Key Attributes
- Knowledge of the cultural landscape and local arts networks of Helensburgh and the surrounding area.
- Familiarity with grant funding, fundraising, sponsorship, governance and partnership development within the arts sector.
- Understanding of emerging trends in cinema, arts programming, and audience engagement.
Reporting Line
- Reports to: Board of Directors / Chair of the venue
Performance Indicators
- Achievement of financial targets.
- Audience growth and engagement metrics.
- Successful implementation of strategic and operational initiatives.
- Staff satisfaction and retention.
- Growth in community partnerships.
If you are passionate about arts, culture and community engagement, we'd love to hear from you!
Apply now by submitting your CV and a covering letter.
