SOLT and UKT

Role Description – Chief Executive Officer

THE ROLE

Salary: circa £150,000

This is a key strategic, multi-faceted role, leading SOLT/UK Theatre to advocate on behalf of the live theatre sector; leading on change and evolving and sharing good practice. This role offers a really exciting opportunity for a skilled communicator with excellent strategic and change management skills to help secure a successful future for one of the UK’s most economically significant and world leading sectors, the theatre industry.

Under the direction of the Presidents and Boards of SOLT/UK Theatre, the Chief Executive’s role is to lead SOLT/UK Theatre in the development and implementation of their respective and common strategic aims and ambitions, developing an impactful and forward-looking organisation able to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Management

  • Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for a high performing, collaborative team in the setting and delivery of SOLT/UK Theatre’s goals and vision.
  • Work with the boards to set strategy and agree a business plan with objectives, to ensure SOLT/UK Theatre operate effectively and make informed decisions through the provision of timely, accurate and up to date information on relevant issues.
  • Represent and be a strong advocate for the membership.
  • Evolve and improve SOLT/UK Theatre structurally to make us stronger, more influential and fit for the future.
  • Foster a diverse and inclusive culture that attracts, retains and motivates staff.
  • Work collaboratively with the membership and the wider industry to drive genuine change and improvements for Theatre.
  • Develop and implement policies to support the effective management of SOLT/UK Theatre.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of all major Theatre Industry issues.
  • Lead joint initiatives between the two organisations, promoting greater co-operation between SOLT/UK Theatre.

Public Affairs, Internal and External Communications

  • Lead SOLT/UK Theatre in the lobbying of political organisations including government at all levels including local, regional, national, and international; and other relevant parties.
  • Seek to ensure close relationships between SOLT/UK Theatre and media organisations; and act alongside the Presidents of SOLT/UK Theatre as spokesperson for theatre industry matters, positioning British Theatre as a world-leading industry.
  • Promote and market the industry, both in terms of global reputation and income generation.
  • Foster a working relationship with counterparts in other countries with major international theatre sectors, including the Broadway League, TDF and the American Theatre Wing in the US, Live Australia in Australia, and Pearle in Europe.
  • Represent SOLT/UK Theatre on a variety of external boards and working groups to amplify the voice of our sector.
  • To lead the team to deliver the research and data collection necessary to support the advocacy and lobbying work.

Employment Relations

  • Assist in developing, determining, and implementing strategic plans for SOLT/UK Theatre’s long-term relationships with the Industry Unions such as Equity, BECTU and The Musicians’ Union.
  • Work with the Employment Relations team to support and, where appropriate, lead negotiations with all Industry Unions, seeking to ensure the best and most appropriate terms for SOLT/UK Theatre members.
  • Act jointly with the General Secretary of Equity as Secretary of The Theatre Council.

Commercial, Marketing and Financial Affairs

  • Maximise revenues of SOLT/UK Theatre within the parameters of their respective strategic aims and ambitions.
  • Work with the COO to ensure proper and transparent management of SOLT/UK Theatre’s funds and expenditure in accordance with their respective aims, policy decisions, and budgets.
  • Ensure that SOLT and UK Theatre operate at all times to the highest level of financial integrity and budgetary control, complying with all legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Manage the key relationships with major sponsors and partners (including headline partner, Mastercard).

Legal / Security Affairs

  • Ensure that in-house and appropriate external legal services are available to the SOLT/UK Theatre Boards, and to their members; and (via delegation as appropriate) to advise members on legal matters, so far as in-house resources will allow.
  • Advise the SOLT/UK Theatre Boards on appropriate changes to the rules and constitutions of the two organisations, reflecting changing circumstances.
  • Liaise with government and other organisations on matters of security, ensuring relevant information if disseminated to the membership.
  • Ensure members are fully briefed and advised on risk, health and safety and technical matters across the theatre industry, Workforce and well being.
  • Oversee SOLT/UK Theatre’s role as a provider of training for arts professionals operating within the Industry.
  • Advise the Boards on industry and sector initiatives on diversity, inclusion for both workforce and audiences, and drive work in and through SOLT/UK Theatre on these initiatives, ensuring accountability.

Theatre Development Trust

  • To manage the TDT charity, and the distribution of funds according to the strategy agreed with the trustees.

Olivier Awards and Other Major events

  • To set the strategy for and oversee the delivery of the annual Olivier Awards, including liaison with broadcasters, overall responsibility for budgets and managing relationships with sponsors, venues and suppliers.
  • Lead the teams in producing and managing other events, including West End Live, UK Theatre Awards and the annual Theatre Symposium.

SOLT/UK THEATRE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

  • Pension

Contributory defined contribution pension scheme with an employer contribution of 5% and minimum employee contribution of 3%. Auto enrolment but with a choice of providers. (Clerical Medical or NOW:Pensions)

  • Life Cover

Provided from commencement of employment with a benefit of 3 times annual salary.

  • Income Protection

After 26 weeks of continuous sickness absence, cover for a proportion of salary is available for the remainder of further sickness absence up to 2 years from initial payment.

  • Health Cover

Health insurance premium covered by the company.

  • Salary Sacrifice

Available on request for pension / cycle to work.