Head of Programming

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and management of the venue’s programming function. Lead, identify, and deliver on commercial opportunities, ensuring a first-class programme of shows and events.

Business Development: Develop and execute a sales strategy that aligns with the shareholder vision. Cultivate and
maintain relationships with key clients, particularly UK promoters and booking
agents, to increase the number of shows hosted annually.

Commercial Management: Instigate and negotiate a wide spectrum of commercial contracts. Prepare and present updates on commercial activities and new initiatives to the Executive Team and Board.

Performance Management: Set and monitor challenging KPIs, ensuring the programming team operates at the highest level. Regularly report on KPI achievements.

Financial Accountability: Manage budgets effectively, identifying and rectifying any negative variances. Optimize the allocation of staff and financial resources to maintain efficiency and productivity.

Day-to-Day Management: Lead programming efforts to achieve objectives, ensuring effective collaboration across the organisation. Continuously seek new ways to improve processes and service delivery.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• HND or equivalent in business administration, event management, finance, or a related field (degree desirable).

Experience:

• Substantial commercial leadership experience at a senior level in a similar arts or venue organisation.
• Proven track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Experience in analyzing and interpreting management accounts and statistics.
• Skilled in business planning, programming, and scheduling shows and live music events.

Skills:

• Strong collaboration and leadership abilities.
• Excellent customer management, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Proficient in IT, including digital and social  media, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Creative problem-solving and project management skills.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and guidelines.

Other Requirements:

• Awareness of market trends and competitive elements within the industry.
• Flexibility to work unsociable hours.
• No formal affiliation with a political party.

Full information about the role requirements is included in the Head of Programming Information Pack.

Impact:

Success in this role will be measured by meeting and exceeding financial targets, growth in client acquisition and retention, and enhancing Winter Gardens Blackpool’s reputation as a premier venue. This is an opportunity to significantly impact the landscape of event hosting in the UK and Europe.

Role Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive salary and performance-based incentives. Opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a supportive environment.

To Apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role to: [email protected]

 * Note: Due to thehigh volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  Applicants must have the right to work indefinitely in the UK.

Join us at Winter Gardens Blackpool and play a key role in shaping the future of live entertainment in one of the UK’s most iconic venues!

 *** STRICTLY NO AGENCIES ***

To all recruitment agencies: The Company does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Recruitment agencies should not send resumes to our HR team or to any of our employees. We are not responsible for any fees related
to unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.