Job Description

Job Overview

Oxmarket Contemporary is seeking an

Operations Manager

to help run our much-loved community gallery and retail space in the heart of Chichester.

We're a small charity with a big mission: promoting the arts by providing exceptional exhibition space for living artists, engaging local schools through workshops, and welcoming the public free of charge. If you'd enjoy working somewhere meaningful, beautiful, and refreshingly varied, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

This is a wonderfully diverse role where you'll be the operational backbone of our charity. You'll be:

Managing the finances

- maintaining accurate booking and reconciliation of all transactions in Xero so the Treasurer can generate accounts with confidence; managing exhibition hire invoicing and payments to artists; payments to makers and other shop suppliers; till reconciliation and banking cash and cheque receipts; working with our external accountants to deliver payroll and manual journals

Running the shop

- managing stock (including Sale or Return agreements with artists/makers), maintaining high quality data in the EPOS system, and conducting stocktakes

Looking after our special building

- coordinating maintenance, cleaning, utilities, IT systems, and all the practical aspects of running a Grade I listed space

Supporting people

- line management of our Administration Assistant, co-managing other staff members, and jointly managing our volunteer team with the Gallery Manager

Ensuring smooth operations

- managing Gift Aid applications, handling health & safety protocols, maintaining insurance and contracts, and collecting data to help the charity grow

Stepping in

- providing cover for the Gallery Manager when needed, including supporting exhibition artists

Coordinating Private View events

- working fortnightly with the Gallery Manager to run our exhibition opening events (including taking art sales)

What we're looking for:

Essential:

Strong organizational skills and ability to work with minimal supervision

Some familiarity with the basics of financial processes

Commercial acumen to manage contracts and achieve value for money

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Flexible, proactive attitude

Able to work closely with the Board and collaborate effectively with the Gallery Manager

Comfortable working an evening for Private View events fortnightly

Desirable:

Willingness to work at weekends whether per rota or ad hoc

Experience with accounting software (xero or similar)

Experience with EPOS systems (Square or similar)

Experience in charity or arts sector operations

Line management or HR experience

Retail or shop management experience

Understanding of Gift Aid and charity governance

What we offer:

37,000 per annum FTE

(pro rata for part-time) depending on hours and experience

21-40 hours per week

- we're genuinely flexible on the pattern

Overtime paid

for additional hours beyond contracted

Flexible working pattern

- must include two overlapping days with the Gallery Manager and ideally at least one weekend day every fortnight, plus fortnightly evening Private Views (7 hours per month)

25 days holiday

per annum (pro rata) plus bank holidays

Pension contribution

in line with our policy

Free private parking

at the gallery

Staff discount

in our shop

The chance to work in a beautiful, historic building

A small, supportive team where your contribution really matters

Location:

Oxmarket Contemporary, St Andrew's Oxmarket, Chichester PO19 1JH

Reports to:

Treasurer

Closing date:

26th October 2025

Interviews:

From 27th October 2025

For more information or to apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why this role appeals to you and how you meet the requirements to: treasurer@oxmarket.org

We welcome applications from people seeking flexible working patterns, including those returning to work, semi-retiring, or balancing other commitments.

Oxmarket Contemporary is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: Up to 37,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 21 - 40 per week

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Chichester PO19 1YH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Please provide a Covering letter (this is essential)
Experience:

Management: 3 years (required)
Language:

English (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 26/10/2025