Head of Producing and Programming
Northern Stage
United Kingdom, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Posted on: Sept. 09, 2025
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Description:
Head of Producing and Programming
About Northern Stage
Northern Stage is the largest producing theatre in the North East of England, at the heart of a rich and diverse creative community stretching from Tweed to Tyne and Tees. We support artists, writers, makers, young people and communities, digital creators and businesses who exist for more than just profit.
Based in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne on the edge of Newcastle University’s city centre campus, we have three stages that enable us to work with an ever-expanding network of artists to share the most entertaining, surprising and imaginative stories from around the world. Our passion for developing northern talent is key to what makes Northern Stage an inspirational and creative place where everyone is welcome.
About the role
Responsible to: Artistic Director
Responsible for: Producer (PT), Programmer (PT), Company Manager, Freelancers
Purpose of the role:
Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Head of Producing is responsible for the oversight, delivery and management of Northern Stage’s programme of produced, presented and artistic projects. You will lead and manage the Artistic Planning team, build a meaningful creative partnership and integrated working relationship with the Artistic Director, and work closely with the Participation team to integrate all of Northern Stage’s creative activity. You will be responsible for developing and managing artistic budgets, working closely with the Deputy Chief Exec to set ambitious yet achievable audience and financial targets.
This role also works in close collaboration with the Chief Executive and sits as a member of the Senior Management Team, alongside the Artistic Director, Deputy Executive Director, Finance Director, Head of Commercial & Operations and Head of Technical.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Senior Leadership
Support the Artistic Director in identifying and generating a programme of work that realises the artistic vision, strategic ambitions and financial goals of Northern Stage, ensuring inclusivity, diversity and sustainability are core elements of our work
Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to inform the development of the Artistic Programme
Proactively seek investors and co-producers, maintain relationships with companies and artists, and create opportunities for new, engaging productions across our three stages
As a member of the Senior Management Team, develop and implement Northern Stage’s business plan, ensuring that the artistic vision is clearly articulated, and the balance is maintained between creative ambitions and financial sustainability
Promote Northern Stage’s place in the theatre ecology, gathering intelligence on arts and audience trends to bring back to Northern Stage to inform its future planning
Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation and the wider sector to innovate and deliver new environmentally sustainable models of producing and touring theatre productions
Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to devise and deliver audience development initiatives
With the Artistic Director and Participation team, set objectives and bring alignment to creative, participation and talent development programmes
Producing & Programming
Lead produce (and support the Producer to line produce) all Northern Stage productions, co-productions and tours, including:
– Leading on the planning, development, negotiation and management of productions, co-productions, tours and transfers in collaboration with the Artistic Director and with oversight from the Chief Executive
-Negotiating, contracting and managing creative teams (including rights, fees, expenses, travel etc)
-Preparing detailed budgets and taking overall production budget responsibility
Take lead responsibility, working closely with SMT, for scheduling and managing the utilisation of performance spaces to facilitate the full range of creative and commercial activity at Northern Stage
Take responsibility, with the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive, for setting Northern Stage’s income targets from the performance programme and for monitoring these targets through good financial management and reporting
Work with the Chief Executive, Artistic Director and Finance Director on all touring and co-production budgets, agreeing terms and conditions for Theatre Tax Relief with co-producers and ensuring the best financial deals are in place for Northern Stage
Support the welfare and needs of visiting artists, companies and creatives and their interaction with the rest of the theatre (e.g. rehearsals, meet & greets, guest lists) and any access needs
Coordinate research and development activity for works under commission or in consideration for future programming, and contribute to the development of the making of work, through support, feedback, advice or practical help as appropriate
Work with the Artistic Director to develop an artistic evaluation methodology and lead the creative evaluation of Northern Stage productions and projects, with support from team members
Lead the Artistic Planning Department
Provide clear and effective line management to the Artistic Planning team
Prepare, monitor, and update budgets throughout the year, including:
Produced budget.
Performance Programme Budget
Artistic Planning
Talent Development
Work with the Artistic Planning team to develop and coordinate artistic planning systems and documents, and ensure good lines of communication and working relationships with all departments
Work with the Head of Marketing to ensure integrated working between artistic and communications/box office teams
Ensure effective internal communication within production teams, with co-producers and within the organisation
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Candidates should have demonstrable experience in:
Experience
Significant experience of producing professional theatre productions at mid-large scale and on tour
Experience of programming theatre and performance events within a venue
Experience of leading, managing and collaborating with teams of artistic and producing staff
Experience of co-production and successful partnership working
Experience of creating, managing, and monitoring production budgets and maintaining financial control
Experience of contracting artists and companies, including use of national union agreements (UK Theatre, BECTU, ITC, Writers Guild etc)
Demonstrable line management experience, including the ability to effectively support the continuing professional development of team members
Skills
Commitment to regional producing theatre and the part it plays in its community
Commitment to diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability
Confident understanding of a wide range of producing processes, including production and project management, budget management and negotiation
Proven ability to solve complex problems and manage multiple projects concurrently.
Ability to think strategically and contribute to leadership across the organisation.
Ability to work under pressure and deliver against deadlines.
Excellent computer literacy (inc. MS Office) and highly developed administrative skills
Excellent written and verbal communication and proven interpersonal skills.
Flexible approach to working, including the ability to work unsociable hours to meet the needs of production
Desirable
Experience working within a producing theatre context
Previous senior role with responsibilities for producing, programming and contracting.
Experience of resource management software, e.g. Yes Plan
TERMS & CONDITIONS
SALARY: £47,500 p/a
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, full time
START DATE: As soon as possible
WORKING HOURS: 37.5 hours per week. Typically Mon-Fri within 8.30am-6.00pm, however this role will require regular evening and weekend work to support delivery of the performance programme.
Northern Stage operates a hybrid working from home policy. Staff may work from home 1 day per week on either Mondays or Fridays subject to the requirements of the role.
LOCATION: Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle NE1 7RH
PENSION: Northern Stage operates a contributory pension scheme (employee 5% / employer 3%)
HOLIDAYS: 28 days per year including bank holidays, rising to 33 days per year after 5 years continuous service at the rate of 1 additional day a year, plus the option to buy up to 5 additional days per year
OTHER BENEFITS
Complimentary or discounted tickets to selected shows (non-transferable and subject to availability)
Employee Assistance Programme which includes online and face-to-face counselling
Flu Jab
Free Eye Test
Holiday Buy
Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
Application Deadline:
Sept. 22, 2025
Job Duration:
Open ended
Job/Audition Type:
Full Time
Job Category:
Technical/Show Support
Payment status:
Paid
Job Location:
United Kingdom,
Newcastle Upon Tyne
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