Current Vacancies

South Mill Arts is an exciting and vibrant multi arts and heritage venue located in Bishop’s Stortford.  Our facilities include a 300-seater auditorium, museum, dance studio, gallery and conference rooms.  Take a look at the fantastic opportunities below to become part of the successful team at South Mill Arts working alongside a variety of people to deliver fantastic shows and events.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

We are looking for a vibrant and enthusiastic arts/heritage professional to run this independent venue in the market town of Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire. Located just 28 miles from central London, we seek to provide the very best arts/cultural and heritage experiences for our community. Our site comprises a 300-seat auditorium, the Bishop’s Stortford Museum, dance studio, a café/bar, meeting rooms and ArtSpace. There are extensive outdoor grounds with much potential.

The Operations Director provides exceptional leadership and ensures the smooth day to day running of the centre whilst representing the public face of the CIO.

We are seeking an organised, self-motivated individual with excellent attention to detail and a good sense of humour. The successful candidate must have knowledge of and passion for the arts and/or heritage sectors. They will demonstrate an ability to manage a wide range of tasks, act with autonomy and be an excellent communicator.

The job description is not an exhaustive description of their duties. Please contact Paula Holland at pholland@southmillarts.co.uk for a full job description and application form.

Key Information:

HOURS

• 40 hours per week, predominately on-site.

HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT AND BENEFITS

• 21 days plus bank holidays rising to 26 days after five years service.
• Employment Pension Scheme after agreed probationary period.

HOW TO APPLY AND DATES

• A completed application form, current CV and covering letter demonstrating the relevant experience and skills for this position, should be sent via email to sconnors@southmillarts.co.uk.
• The application form will be sent as a separate document.
• The closing date for applications is Monday 3rd March 2025 at 12 noon.
• We will be interviewing week beginning 17th March 2025.
• Start date – as soon as possible.

JOB PURPOSE:

To lead and take responsibility for the overall management of South Mill Arts with particular reference to the museum, programming of the venue in line with the Charity Commission objectives, staffing and development as a visitor attraction and community resource for Bishop’s Stortford.

MAIN ACTIVITIES:

To develop and implement a broad range of strategies and activities that ensure South Mill Arts is integral to the town and region’s artistic, heritage and community life. We are two years into our current five year strategic plan and delivery of this plan is essential to set us up well for the future. We would welcome the input of any successful candidate to what we consider to be a dynamic approach to strategy.

REPORTING TO:

The Chair of Bishop’s Stortford Museum and Arts CIO.

FINANCIAL

• To present an annual budget for approval to the Trustees in conjunction with the Finance Committee to manage and monitor the approved annual budget with regular updates with the Finance Committee.
• To present to the Trustees for their approval an annual capital expenditure budget.
• To oversee the applications for grants to approved financial bodies.
• To investigate and negotiate new strands of income for South Mill Arts.

MANAGEMENT

• Overall responsibility for the management of staff including recruitment, induction, training and termination of employment, ensuring costs are kept within the annual staff budget
• Manage the complex efficiently within the approved budget.
• Management of the facilities of the building inside and out liaising with external contractors as necessary whilst maximising the best value from our resources.
• To directly line manage the Senior Management Team consisting of the Technical / Operations Manager, Heritage and Museum Manager, Marketing and Programming Manager, Events Manager delegating day to day line management of relevant staff to them as necessary.
• To ensure good practice is followed in connection with Health and Safety legislation, Safeguarding, Risk Management, Disability Access, Data Protection, Employment law and Equal Opportunities within the venue.
• To prepare drafts and advise the CIO on overall policies to be followed in respect of the CIO’s activities and in particular to produce all the information required for making effective decisions and to implement constructively all decisions.
• To ensure that statutory and other provisions governing or affecting the running of the CIO or its operations are observed, in conjunction with the Chair to the CIO where appropriate.
• To hold the appropriate licence as Designated Premises Supervisor ensuring licensing laws are adhered to.

BISHOP’S STORTFORD MUSEUM

• To oversee the development of the profile of the Bishop’s Stortford Museum.
• To work closely with the Heritage and Museum Manager to ensure the museum achieves its objectives and is awarded accreditation.

MARKETING / SOCIAL MEDIA

• To oversee and monitor the content of marketing, promotion, social media and website. To delegate and monitor company sponsorship.  To ensure customer queries or complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.

PROGRAMMING

• To work closely with the Marketing and Programming Manager to ensure the CIO delivers a programme of events and activities as detailed in the Artistic Policy.
• To ensure financial guidelines are adhered to when programming and take final decisions on staging of events- financial gain / artistic merit.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• To be responsible for the day-to-day health and safety of the staff and contractors. To be responsible for the security of the building and to ensure the fabric of the building is maintained and equipment kept in good working order.
• To review annually the general risk assessment and fire risk assessments.

PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

• In collaboration with nominated associates produce a business plan for approval of the Trustees.
• Attend CIO Meetings and provide a written report to Trustees on the current operations and business activity of South Mill Arts and provide regular statements of progress in strategy and business plan performance, including financial and other assessments, attendance figures and present any corrective action to the Trustees.

POLICIES

• To identify and be responsible for all policies required for the orderly running of South Mill Arts with assistance of the Heritage and Museum Manager in respect of policies relating to the Bishop’s Stortford Museum.

To undertake other duties as and when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Ability to remain calm under pressure, multi-task and work to deadlines.
• Resourceful with good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent proof-reading skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Excel and theatre ticketing and booking systems.
• Ability to manage and motivate small teams.
• Prior knowledge and experience of running theatres / performing arts venues, community venue or heritage centres.

To receive the job pack and application form please contact Paula Holland at pholland@southmillarts.co.uk

We are currently looking for volunteers to join our Trustee Action Group who are managing our recent application to the Town Council for a £2.5 million grant for refurbishment and development of South Mill Arts.

We are looking for expertise in site project management as well as experience/knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering for the future development of the site.

If you are interested please contact Paula at pholland@southmillarts.co.uk.