Watersmeet Theatre Manager

Watersmeet Theatre Manager

As the Watersmeet Theatre Manager you will lead the day-to-day running and future development of Watersmeet, ensuring a vibrant programme of theatre, film, hires and events is delivered smoothly and successfully.

We are looking for an experienced arts venue leader with strong theatre programming and commercial insight to join our community-focused organisation.

Three Rivers District in South West Hertfordshire straddles the north west corner of the M25 on the edge of Greater London. The district is a mixture of beautiful countryside, villages and small towns. It is a centre for the film industry with Warner Brothers at Leavesden forming part of a studio cluster along with Elstree and Pinewood.

• 700 historic assets and 22 conservation areas with 77% of the district in the Green Belt
• 1,914 NNDR registered businesses with the economy providing 39,000 jobs
• Very low crime rate
• High business registrations, start‑ups and skilled workforce; high employment, GVA and weekly earnings above average

• Salary of £38,325 - £40,197 per annum, including London Weighting
• 29 days holiday per annum
• Generous employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Flexible working
• Career development opportunities
• Free on-site parking
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Discounted leisure centre membership
• Employee volunteering schemes
• Access to discounted activities and days out

Specifically, you will shape the strategic direction of the venue, overseeing business planning, live theatre and film programming, pantomime delivery and funding opportunities. You will build strong relationships with promoters, producers and regional theatres.

Additionally you will:

• Manage revenue and capital budgets, reporting performance and planning future investment
• Lead, recruit and develop permanent staff, casual staff and volunteers
• Oversee box office, ticket sales, staffing rotas and venue administration
• Manage health and safety compliance and act as Designated Premises Supervisor
• Coordinate capital projects and long-term building improvements
• Act as Duty Manager for events and support wider council initiatives when required

• At least three years experience in a senior management role within an arts or cultural venue
• Experience of live theatre programming and managing a busy venue
• Proven experience managing revenue and capital budgets
• Experience delivering capital projects on time and within budget
• Experience leading and developing staff and volunteers
• Strong negotiation, communication and relationship management skills
• Excellent written and presentation skills
• A strong eye for detail and audience experience
• Commercial awareness and strong organisational skills
• Confidence working within a local government context
• The ability to work flexibly, including unsocial hours when required
• A personal licence, or willingness to obtain one

The closing date for this role is 2nd February 2026.

Webrecruit and Three Rivers District Council are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business, and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.

If you want to join us as the Watersmeet Theatre Manager, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.