Head of Producing and Programming

Head of Producing and Programming

We are looking for a Head of Producing and Programming. This is a strategic role working in the senior management team, contributing to our organisational leadership. In close collaboration with our Artistic Director, you will manage our in-house and co-produced work and be responsible for programming visiting work and artist development. You’ll work with colleagues to align our programme, audience development and community engagement as part of a coherent strategy to grow our audiences, impact and reputation.

Our ideal candidate will be experienced in theatre producing and programming including work at the mid scale. As well as an affinity for working with a wide range of artists and collaborators, you will be confident in setting and managing budgets, negotiating agreements, and juggling complex expectations for resources. You’ll have an eye for opportunities – able to spot a show, audience or artist that could add to our programme and you’ll have a good knowledge of the theatre and performing arts landscape.

Collaborative working is essential: you’ll need to be a trusted partner and enabler with colleagues internally and externally so that we achieve our objectives. You’ll be self-motivated and self-organised and able to meet multiple priorities and deadlines. As the major independent cultural organisation in a large and diverse borough we have a responsibility to lead and champion culture for everyone.

With that in mind, we especially welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in cultural leadership positions.

The purpose of the role is to produce our productions and co-productions from conception to completion, including responsibility for creative teams, partner relationships, budgets and contracts. To lead the programming of visiting work, curating a diverse and successful programme that encompasses theatre, family work, music, comedy, film and more to reach a wide and diverse audience. To manage artist development initiatives and our support for artists locally, nationally and regionally.

Work as part of the Senior Management Team to develop our business planning; and deliver programmes and outcomes to achieve that plan and our artistic, audience and commercial objectives.

The role is based at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton. The typical working week is Monday to Friday with evening and weekend working as required, for which time-off-in-lieu can be taken. We expect all staff to work regularly at the theatre, though the nature of this will vary depending on the exact job role and we have options for hybrid working.

We welcome conversations about flexible working including job-sharing and different working patterns.