Job Description

Job Advert


At Nottingham Playhouse, we're embarking on an exciting new chapter, and we're looking for a bold, entrepreneurial leader to drive our commercial and operational strategies forward. As the

Head of Commercial & Operations

, you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will be the driving force behind our efforts to maximise income, enhance the visitor experience, and take our operational and commercial activities to new heights.

Purpose of the Role:

In this new role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Playhouse by integrating and driving the growth of our commercial, operational, and customer-focused activities. You will lead the development and implementation of initiatives to increase visitor spend, revenue generation from venue hires, events, music programming, and conferences, all while ensuring seamless operational delivery.



Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, your entrepreneurial mindset will be key in identifying new business opportunities and commercial revenue streams. From developing value-added events and hospitality offerings to forging new partnerships, you'll have the ability to think creatively and act decisively to expand the Playhouse's reach and profitability. Your leadership will also encompass overseeing building operations, health & safety, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.



Contract: Permanent, full-time

Location: Nottingham, UK

Salary: 40,000 - 42,000 per year depending on experience

About You:

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, dynamic, and strategic senior leader with a proven track record in both commercial growth and operational excellence. You will be dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, constantly seeking innovative ways to grow income and optimise operations. Your ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities will be crucial to the success of this role.



You'll have a strong commercial and operational background, ideally within a theatre, venue, or similarly complex environment, and you'll be adept at managing diverse teams to deliver exceptional results. With a collaborative approach to leadership, you'll inspire your teams and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You'll have a passion for creating new business ventures, driving change, and leading by example to deliver tangible results.

What You Will Do:

Lead with entrepreneurial thinking:

Develop and execute a commercial strategy to identify and capitalise on new business opportunities, maximising revenue from venue hires, events, hospitality, and other commercial activities.

Grow income streams:

Drive the creation and execution of value-added events and experiences, including corporate, community, and creative events, working closely with colleagues to ensure alignment with both cultural and business objectives.

Innovate for success:

Take a proactive approach to generating new income streams, devising unique events, and identifying creative ways to maximise use of our venue and hospitality spaces.

Operational excellence:

Oversee building operations, maintenance, and health & safety, ensuring all activities meet statutory requirements and run smoothly.

Enhance the visitor experience:

Lead efforts to continually improve the customer journey, delivering exceptional service at every touchpoint and exceeding visitor expectations.

Collaborate and communicate:

Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, using your exceptional communication skills to influence and inspire others towards shared goals.

Lead with financial acumen:

Manage P&L responsibilities, including budget oversight and financial reporting, ensuring that all activities contribute to the financial success of the organisation.

Champion change:

Proactively manage change, working with your team to implement new initiatives that will drive growth and success in all commercial and operational areas.

What You Will Bring:

Proven experience in a leadership role, overseeing both commercial and operational functions, ideally within a complex venue, arts, or hospitality environment. A track record of entrepreneurial thinking and action, identifying, developing, and executing new business ventures that drive growth and profitability. Extensive experience in commercial strategy development, event management, and revenue generation. Strong financial management skills, including budget oversight, P&L responsibility, and financial forecasting. A customer-first attitude with a passion for delivering exceptional service and enhancing the visitor experience. A collaborative leadership style with the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead diverse teams. Experience managing complex building operations, health & safety, and compliance with statutory regulations. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and nurture relationships at all levels.

Why Join Us?

Awarded the UK's Most Welcoming Theatre by UK Theatre in 2023, and Regional Theatre of the Year 2019 by The Stage, Nottingham Playhouse is one of the country's leading producing theatres. We are renowned for creating ambitious and diverse productions, many of which tour across the UK and transfer to the West End and Broadway.



We want our theatre to be a space where everyone feels they belong, and we use our stage to tell diverse stories that reflect our city. Our wide-reaching participation programmes create life-changing experiences for our community and we also support the next generation of theatre-makers in the East Midlands through our extensive Amplify programme. We are also a registered charity and of the funds we raise help to ensure we're reaching as many people as possible to give them new opportunities and create lasting memories.



Benefits of working at Nottingham Playhouse include:

Cycle to Work scheme Discounted travel and parking Discounts on our bars offer Enhanced holiday entitlement and company sick pay, plus an extra day off on your birthday Free and/or discounted tickets plus free Playhouse Pass membership Relaxed working environment and opportunities for flexible working Staff social events Training & professional development opportunities And more.


As the Head of Commercial & Operations, you'll have the opportunity to help shape our future. This is your chance to lead innovative commercial and operational strategies, drive income growth, and enhance the overall visitor experience, all while working in one of the UK's leading producing theatres. You'll be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team, and you'll play a key role in our continued success and growth.



If you are an entrepreneurial leader with a passion for both commercial success and operational excellence, we would love to hear from you!

Apply Now

For more information about the role and working at Nottingham Playhouse, please download the

Job Pack

opposite.



Nottingham Playhouse is committed to a policy of diversity and inclusion, creating a workforce representative of the diverse communities we work with. Our workforce is currently under representative of certain communities and we are taking positive action for equal opportunities through the recruitment process.



We would like to help you to fully participate in the application process. If you would like information providing in an alternative format, support in completing your application, or you would like an alternative way to apply, please contact us at recruitment@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk to discuss a suitable format, or ring our Stage Door on 0115 947 4361. Please leave a message with your full name, contact information, your address (if you need paperwork posting to you) and details of your request.



Application closing date:

Sunday 13 July 2025 (end of day)

Interviews: Thursday 17 July 2025 (may be subject to change)