Venue Operations Manager

Watford Palace Theatre is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on VENUE OPERATIONS MANAGER to lead the next phase of our audience focused experiences, operations and excellent service at ‘the Palace of Entertainment’, the Palace Theatre in Watford.

The Venue Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Watford Palace Theatre, ensuring that every performance, event and audience experience is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

The postholder will lead the delivery of Front of House and Bar operations, including audience and visitor experience, hospitality and operational logistics.

This is a highly visible role across the organisation and plays a critical part in ensuring that the theatre operates as a welcoming, inclusive and professionally managed venue every day. The role brings together audience experience, hospitality, facilities and operational excellence, helping to shape how our spaces and staff connect, engage with and serve our diverse audiences and visitors.

The Venue Operations Manager will ensure that our hosts, facilities and environments enhance the overall audience and visitor experience, championing excellence and best practice in the way our staff welcome and support our guests. This includes how the building, stages, spaces, and bars are presented, promoted and celebrated.

Ultimately, the role will help create an inclusive, inspiring, representative and entertaining spirit that is embedded across every area of our work, ensuring that Watford Palace Theatre is a place where audiences, artists, visitors, staff and partners feel welcomed, valued and excited to be.

• Experience in a producing theatre or live performance venue
• Experience managing operations within a public venue
• Experience leading a Front of House team
• Experience as a Duty Manager in a public venue
• Strong organisational ability
• Experience managing a team
• Understanding of Health & Safety
• Experience using ticketing/Box Office and EPOS systems
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Flexible approach to weekend and evening working