GENERAL MANAGER (OPERATIONS)

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1 Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED www. GENERAL MANAGER (OPERATIONS) THE ORCHARD THEATRE DARTFORD APPLICATION PACK Registered Office: Fifth Floor, 89 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1DA

2 Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED www. THE ORCHARD THEATRE was officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent on Thursday 14 April 1983 and has since established itself as one of the South East s premier theatre venues. Designed to be flexible to enable it to stage everything from large West End musicals, to drama, orchestral concerts, comedy and hospitality and cabaret events using the flat floor configuration, the venue also included the first specially designed acoustic ceiling in Britain for music, drama and conferences. During the years has welcomed some of the best entertainers including the iconic actor David Essex, English Tenor Alfie Boe, Joan Collins and comedy legends Dawn French, Lenny Henry, Ken Dodd and Norman Wisdom. The theatre also offers first class hospitality, including The Restaurant, which is becoming increasingly popular for pre show dining, where it offers a great ambiance, delicious food and a welcoming team. The programme encompasses big West End musicals, plays, comedy, the annual pantomime (which is always the centre piece of the programme, attracting a big name cast) and dining events created inhouse both in The Restaurant for 100 or the main auditorium for up to 250. The Theatre is building a reputation for launching new productions prior to national tours or West End transfers with recent premieres including Derren Brown s last three tours, Peter James Perfect Murder and Dead Simple, Blockbuster and Peppa Pig. has been operated by HQ Theatres and Hospitality on behalf of Dartford Borough Council since It is the second largest regional theatre operator in the UK, operating ten venues including the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend and the White Rock Theatre in Hastings. The company also operates restaurants, bars and coffee shops, along with corporate and private events and celebrations, both in all HQ Theatres and independently. The company also owns and manages the award-winning Copper Horse Restaurant & Cottages at Seamer near Scarborough and the Tanglewood Restaurant in York. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, 89 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1DA

3 JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION GENERAL MANAGER (Operations) JOB DESCRIPTION REPORTING The General Manager reports directly to the Theatre Director. DIRECT REPORTS Hospitality General Manager (HGM) Technical and Buildings Manager (T&BM) PURPOSE OF THE POST The General Manager (GM) is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) of OTD with overall responsibility for the theatre operations, including Health and Safety, and the strategic leadership, drive and delivery of a first class Front of House and hospitality operation. Via its delegated accountabilities, the Post will ensure the achievement of OTD s business objectives and targets through a shrewd grasp of budgetary control. The GM will also work with the TD on the evolution of the Business Plan for the full range of OTD s activities. The Post-holder will deputise for the Theatre Director in his/her absence and represent OTD as required. ACCOUNTABILITIES Key Accountabilities of the Post: Business Plan and Finance With the TD, development of annual and periodic budgets for the overall operation of OTD. Timely production as required of periodic business forecasts and reports as required. Scrutiny of monthly accounts, to ensure that the performance of OTD operations (including Front of House / Hospitality and Technical) is assessed and monitored and to include investigation of shortfalls or overspends against target with development of agreed measures to rectify variations and secure further growth so that overall budgetary targets are realised. In collaboration as appropriate with direct reports and senior management colleagues, identification of new business opportunities within OTD, including Front of House and Hospitality, and development of business plans and initiatives and targets for the new opportunities, for approval by the TD.

4 Building / Operations To be the Designated Premises Supervisor, ensuring that licensing responsibilities are met, via delegation as appropriate, including local management of the security and good order of OTD premises, so as to safeguard HQT&H s best interests. In respect of all delegated accountabilities, to ensure compliance by HQT&H with all relevant legislation, regulatory and legal obligations. To ensure the venue is a safe operation for staff, visitors and customers by working with the T&BM to ensure timely completion of H&S Audit and Fire Risk Assessment action plans and by insuring internal H&S Committee meetings take place quarterly. Via delegation as appropriate, management of contractual arrangements with contract cleaners, maintenance contractors, and Health and Safety at Work contractors, so as to support agreed financial, business and service targets and to achieve statutory and contractual compliance. In partnership with the T&BM, to ensure that all Front of House, Hospitality and Back of House areas and their décor are maintained to a high, appealing standard and that all equipment is kept in good order and to high standards of hygiene and Health and Safety. Training research and development as appropriate and to keep abreast of relevant industry developments. Adherence to all Group and Theatre Health & Safety at Work procedures, to minimise the risk of injury and accidents, personal and to others. HR Recruitment of all direct reports, in liaison with the Theatre Administrator, so as to ensure their full contribution to the achievement of OTD s business and service targets. In liaison with the Theatre Administrator, the development and management of a venue-specific induction plan for all levels of Front of House / Hospitality / Technical staff, to include setting and monitoring of personal targets. With other senior management colleagues as appropriate, development and management at OTD of HQT&H Staff Performance Management Systems, to ensure that staff are well-motivated, and that they are briefed and trained so as to make maximum individual contribution to the achievement of the company s business objectives, to include a comprehensive development and training plan. Front of House / Hospitality Operation In partnership with the HGM, development and management of all aspects of the Front of House / Hospitality operation to ensure the highest standards of presentation, quality, and perceived value for money. To work with the HGM to drive the Spend Per Head to achieve and exceed agreed targets, optimising retail opportunities and ensuring SPH targets and results are communicated clearly to the team.

5 To lead the development and management of HQT&H s Customer Service policies and practices, to ensure that HQT&H is a leader in the theatre and entertainment industries in customer service, and to ensure full contribution from the customer service operation to the achievement of business objectives and targets. To oversee the accurate costing and pricing of all menus, taking all factors into account. To oversee the development of a varied programme of high quality dining events, developing new commercially viable concepts. To oversee the implementation of the company s Food Safety Management System in accordance with local environmental health requirements. In conjunction with the TD, Marketing Manager and HGM, preparation and execution of a comprehensive annual marketing plan for Front of House and Hospitality. Other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably from time to time be required by the TD. This Job Description is current at the time of writing but in consultation between the post holder and the Theatre Director, may be subject to variation to reflect or anticipate changes in or to the job, so as to meet The Orchard Theatre Dartford s business needs. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The post holder will: a) Ensure all duties are carried out in accordance with departmental and company Health & Safety procedures. b) Dress in accordance with Company uniform policy and wear protective clothing as issued, if applicable. c) Attend meetings as required. d) Undertake any relevant training and development that may be required and keep abreast of developments in his/her field of expertise. e) Carry out any other duties as required from time to time, taking into consideration the grade of the post and the capabilities of the post holder.

6 HOURS OF WORK AND SALARY c. 38,000 per annum 40 hours per week including evenings, weekend and Bank Holiday working to suit the needs of the business. To apply, please send a copy of your CV and an accompanying letter, which sets out clearly your interest in this post and suitability, to: Chris Glover Theatre Director Home Gardens Dartford Kent DA1 1ED Or cglover@ Closing date for applications: Monday 23 rd November 5pm Interviews will be held on 1 st December 2015.