HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL

HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL

Theatre by the Lake Closing date: Mon, 06 Apr 2026

Artform: Theatre
Role: Admin, Secretarial & PA
Contract: Permanent
North West

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and capable senior manager to help shape the future of the Theatre by the Lake, integrating and driving the development of our commercial, operational and visitor-focused activities.

Job Description

Working closely with the Executive Director, this role will be instrumental in growing and diversifying revenue streams as well as ensuring our building is safe and well managed and our audiences receive excellent service.

Job Requirements

ESSENTIAL

Demonstrable experience in a senior operational or commercial management role, ideally within a theatre, venue or similarly complex environment
Entrepreneurial approach and ability to identify commercial opportunities
Strong leadership skills with the ability to support and motivate diverse teams
Good understanding of health & safety, licensing and compliance requirements (training can be provided)
Evidence of delivering improvements in customer experience and/or commercial performance
Experience managing budgets, suppliers and contracts
Ability to prioritise effectively and manage competing demands

DESIRABLE

Knowledge of environmentally sustainable practices in building operations
Familiarity with ticketing and CRM systems
Personal licence holder

Job Responsibilities

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Drive the delivery and ongoing development of commercial activity including hospitality, retail, venue hire and events
Support the Executive Director in developing realistic commercial plans that contribute to organisational income
Identify opportunities to enhance existing and develop new revenue streams
Manage the catering operator contract, ensuring standards, service quality and income levels are maintained.
Work collaboratively with Development and Marketing to support commercial partnerships and promotions
Monitor commercial performance and provide regular operational reports, ensuring cost control and value for money

Please see the attached link for the full job description and job responsibilities.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL
  • Salary: £40k-£50k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Theatre
  • Role: Admin, Secretarial & PA
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 06 Apr 2026
  • Location:
    North West
    | view on Google Maps

Job: HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL

Job: HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND COMMERCIAL

Organisation: Theatre by the Lake

Postcode: CA12 5DJ

How to Apply

If you think that this is the next role for you and you have the skills and experience we’re looking for, then please send your CV with a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role along with a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to [email protected]

We’re committed to diversity and creating an accessible recruitment process. So, whilst we’re taking applications by CV, if this process doesn’t work for you then please let us know and we’ll happily consider an alternative such as a video application. You can contact us at [email protected] to discuss.

Closing Date
The closing date for application is 10am on Monday 6th April
Online interviews will take place w/c 13th April