Head of Operationsexpired
Pleasance Theatre Trust
United Kingdom, London
Posted on: Sept. 05, 2025
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Description:
Job Summary
The Pleasance Theatre Trust is looking for a Head of Operations to be the driving force behind the successful delivery of Pleasance’s multi-site operation at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as our year-round home in London.
Job Description
In Edinburgh, the Head of Operations will be responsible for overseeing 300 staff, managing communications with 260+ performing companies and ensuring that the festival operation provides a first-class experience to over 500,000 attendees. Alongside exceptional people management, they take a strategic lead on financial planning and delivery, ensuring resources are used effectively across the scale of the festival. They place great emphasis on people, building strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders and navigating an often challenging environment through motivational leadership. In particular, they champion those just starting out in the industry through the Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme.
In London, they ensure the theatre operates to a high standard at all times - from the quality of customer service provided to the standard of facilities within the premises. The Head of Operations directly manages the Technical and Guest Services departments (Box Office, Front of House and Bar) and acts as a conduit between all departments - including finance, programming and marketing. They take responsibility for ensuring that clear communication is maintained throughout the organisation, that budgets are carefully monitored, and that all team members have the information and support required to deliver their roles.
The Head of Operations will bring acute attention to detail, with strong financial planning and budget management skills, coupled with a process-driven approach to their work. They oversee the festival and operational budgets across Edinburgh and London, producing and monitoring financial projections and working cross-departmentally to ensure the organisation's significant aspirations are delivered in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
For more information please visit our website and download the Role Pack: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/london-opportunities - pleasance.co.uk/london-opportunities.
Job Requirements
Essential Skills
Experience in a senior management capacity within an arts environment, preferably festivals.
Proven budget management and financial planning experience.
HR knowledge and experience managing recruitment, contracts and staff welfare.
Line management and a supportive leadership style.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Flexibility, patience and good humour.
Desirable Skills
Mental Health First Aider.
First Aid trained.
Experience working on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe or a similar festival context.
Experience running training and development opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
Key areas include:
Edinburgh Operations
Edinburgh Productions
London Office and Premises Management
Human Resources
IT
Diversity and Inclusion
More details available via the Role Pack
How to Apply
You can apply in three ways via [email protected]:
In writing: by emailing your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability to the role to [email protected] with the role title and your name included in the subject line.
Audio: by emailing an .MP3 audio file of your cover letter / suitability to the role. A verbal summary of your relevant experience can be given in place of a CV. Audio should be clear and easy to hear and understand. If the file is large please use a file sharing site such as www.wetransfer.com
Video: by emailing a .MP4 or .MOV video file of your cover letter / suitability to the role. A verbal summary of your relevant experience can be given in place of a CV. There is no dress code for video applications.
Contact name: Laura Schofield
Contact email: [email protected]
Application Deadline:
Sept. 24, 2025
Job Duration:
Open ended
Job/Audition Type:
Full Time
Job Category:
Technical/Show Support
Payment status:
Paid
Job Location:
United Kingdom,
London
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