Job Description

PURPOSE:

The Operations Manager oversees the smooth management and coordination of The Spring's activity. The role takes responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and safety of the building and its users. They also work alongside the Marketing & Audiences Manager and Cafe Supervisor to ensure excellent customer experience at The Spring.

Hours: 22.5 - 30 hours per week

Salary: 28,500 per annum, pro rata

Reporting to: Executive Director

Responsible for: Senior Technician, Casual Duty Managers, Front of House & Maintenance Volunteers, External Contracts

Appointments are subject to a current DBS check.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Venue Management and Maintenance

Act as the venue's Duty Manager, on rota with the Duty Management team, including taking responsibility for:
- Locking and unlocking the building as required

- Acting as Designated first aider

- Emergency evacuation of the building and resulting management of emergency situations

- Ensuring the building is well presented and ready for events and activities

- Setting up spaces as needed for activities and hirers

- Welcoming hirers, workshop leaders, artists and performers

- Dealing with customer complaints

- Managing immediate building and facilities issues

Take a proactive approach to the maintenance of The Spring, managing and implementing a preventative maintenance programme to ensure the building and organisation is operational and well presented, including:
- Managing the maintenance relationship with our landlord

- Obtaining quotes for works not covered by the landlord

- Supervising work by external contractors and order cleaning supplies

- Managing work by the landlord, cleaners and volunteers

- Managing the operations budgets

- Managing utilities providers and negotiating renewals of contracts as required

Work with the Creative Director and Exhibitors to ensure the successful installation of exhibitions, leading on operational installation and repairing and maintaining of the exhibition spaces. Work as a member of staff able to handle and move museum artefacts safely and in line with training provided and museum policies and procedures. Manage the relationship with our I.T support contractor and support the staff team with simple computer or printer issues. Support the Executive Director in the management of Havant Arts Active including facilitating changes in the shop & cafe and bar and taking responsibility for maintenance, hygiene and health & safety. Support the Executive Director in the creation and delivery of the Sustainability Policy and Action Plan. Support the Executive Director in the delivery of the Health & Safety Policy.

Event Management

Manage the daytime, evening and weekend Duty Management rotas and staffing, providing emergency cover when required. Work with the Administration Officer to manage the front of house rota for volunteers, ensuring appropriate cover for all our events and activities. Support the catering rota, ensuring appropriate cover for all our events and activities. Work with the Executive Director to proactively manage all areas of Health and Safety including:
- Creating policies and procedures and ensuring that all activity is undertaken safely and in accordance with relevant legislation

- Creating and managing risk assessments and actions to reduce risks

- Acting as Designated Fire Officer taking responsibility for training, alarm maintenance and all aspects of evacuation procedure and undertaking weekly fire alarm tests

- Acting as Designated First Aider, including maintaining first aid kits and arranging appropriate training for duty managers and staff

People Management

Oversee the performance and support of the Senior Technician, Duty Managers, and Maintenance volunteers, ensuring excellent delivery across operations, health & safety and customer service. Assign tasks, lead on training and inductions as required. Be an active member of the management team, working alongside the Co-CEOs & Marketing and Audiences Manager to ensure a productive, resilient and happy organisation.

Other Duties

Work with all staff and volunteers to ensure The Spring provides an excellent experience for all customers. Perform other duties as may from time to time be reasonably required by the Directors and for the needs of The Spring. Abide by The Spring's policies and procedures Attend regular staff meetings
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS:

Essential attributes

Demonstrable experience of working in a management level role or similar position. Excellent customer service skills and a commitment to providing high quality experiences for visitors. Practical experience of building and asset management, liaising and delivering on-going building maintenance and undertaking basic maintenance and repair tasks in person where possible. Demonstrable understanding of health and safety requirements including risk assessments, evacuation of public buildings, safe working practices and legislative requirements. Experience of managing people. Experience of implementing and monitoring policies and procedures. Demonstrable experience of budgeting and quality control. Competency with the use of Microsoft packages in an office environment. A positive approach to communication and to working in a team. A hands-on attitude and preparedness to get 'stuck-in'. A passion for the arts and live performance. An ability to multi-task, work under pressure and a willingness to work a range of hours.

Desirable Attributes

Knowledge of The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre and its programmes of work. A suitable IOSH or ABTT health and safety qualification. Experience of working with box office systems (we use Ticketsolve). Experience of working in a live arts venue. Experience of supervising volunteers. First Aid trained
This job description may be subject to review in consultation with the post holder in the light of the changing needs of The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the position of Operations Manager, please complete the application form found on our website and submit to

recruitment@thespring.co.uk

by 10am on 20th October 2025. Please also complete our anonymous Inclusion and Equality monitoring form.

We reserve the right to appoint before the deadline.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount
Work Location: In person