VENUE OPERATIONS MANAGER
Watford Palace Theatre Closing date: Sun, 06 Sep 2026
- Full time
- £40k-£50k
- Apply now
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The Venue Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Watford Palace Theatre, ensuring that every performance, event and audience experience is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
The postholder will lead the delivery of Front of House and Bar operations, including audience and visitor experience, hospitality and operational logistics.
This is a highly visible role across the organisation and plays a critical part in ensuring that the theatre operates as a welcoming, inclusive and professionally managed venue every day. The role brings together audience experience, hospitality, facilities and operational excellence, helping to shape how our spaces and staff connect, engage with and serve our diverse audiences and visitors.
The Venue Operations Manager will ensure that our hosts, facilities and environments enhance the overall audience and visitor experience, championing excellence and best practice in the way our staff welcome and support our guests. This includes how the building, stages, spaces, and bars are presented, promoted and celebrated.
Ultimately, the role will help create an inclusive, inspiring, representative and entertaining spirit that is embedded across every area of our work, ensuring that Watford Palace Theatre is a place where audiences, artists, visitors, staff and partners feel welcomed, valued and excited to be.
Job Requirements
Essential Requirements :
- Experience in a producing theatre or live performance venue
- Experience managing operations within a public venue
- Experience leading a Front of House team
- Experience as a Duty Manager in a public venue
- Excellent customer service skills
- Strong organisational ability
- Experience managing a team
- Understanding of Health & Safety
- Experience using ticketing/Box Office and EPOS systems
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Flexible approach to weekend and evening working
Job Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and develop the Front of House and Bars Team
- Lead operational delivery of performances, rehearsals, events and community, business and commercial hires
- Coordinate daily operational activity across departments
- Manage Front of House operations
- Ensure exceptional and excellent customer service
- Ensure accessible and inclusive visitor experiences
- Monitor audience feedback and implement improvements
- Monitor bar and stock management to maximise spend per head
- Ensure licensing compliance
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations
- Support organisational Emergency planning and Martyn's Law preparedness
Responsible for :
- Front of House Rotas (PARIM)
- FOH & Bar Training
- Recruitment support for FOH and Bars
- Performance Management
- Briefings and De-briefs
- Team Communications
- Inductions
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: VENUE OPERATIONS MANAGER
- Salary: £40k-£50k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Theatre
- Role: Customer Service
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Sun, 06 Sep 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsLondon
Job: VENUE OPERATIONS MANAGER
Job: VENUE OPERATIONS MANAGER
Organisation: Watford Palace Theatre
Postcode: WD17 1JZ
How to Apply
Send an up to date CV and cover letter to [email protected]
- Contact name: Samantha Ford
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Watford Palace Theatre
Watford Palace Theatre is a successful, inclusive, and ambitious theatre. We have a beautiful Edwardian 600-seat proscenium arch Theatre. We receive core funding from ACE and strong partnership support from Watford Borough Council, with whom we have a successful working relationship.
As a midscale production house we have a progressive history as one of the most respected and artistically ambitious midscale regional theatres in the UK and a pioneer of Theatre in Education/Community engagement.