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Head of Customer Experience and Operations, Derby Theatre

  •  East Midlands
  •  ÂŁ40k-50k
  •  Full time
  •  Closes February 8, 2026
  •  Lauren, Arts Administrator
  •  jobs@derby.ac.uk
  • #Theatre

Description

Job Summary

Join Derby Theatre’s senior management team and play a pivotal role in shaping exceptional visitor experiences. As Head of Customer Experience & Operations, you’ll lead the strategic design and delivery of our audience journey while driving commercial growth through secondary spend.

Job Description

This is a key leadership position ensuring Derby Theatre remains safe, welcoming, and financially sustainable, while championing our vision as a Learning Theatre.

You'll oversee food and drink services, front of house operations, premises, and security-creating an environment where every visitor feels valued and inspired.

You will have demonstrable experience running a commercial trading operation, with a proven ability to drive revenue growth and profitability. Experience in a theatre or arts setting is ideal but what is more important is a can-do attitude to work and an alignment with the values of Derby Theatre: exciting, inclusive, empowering, welcoming and caring.

You will be able to demonstrate leadership skills, and have a record of experience managing and developing customer facing teams.

Head to https://www.derby.ac.uk/jobs/current-vacancies/head-customer-experience-operations/ to read the full job description, person specification and to apply.

Deadline 8th February 11.59pm

Job Requirements

Some essential criteria includes:

Qualifications

  • Holds personal license or has ability to achieve within six months

Experience

  • Demonstrable experience in running commercial trading operations, e.g., catering or retail, including budget preparation, forecasting, and financial reporting, with a proven ability to drive revenue growth and profitability
  • Proven experience of working to and exceeding income targets, with a strong understanding of financial management principles and practices
  • Experience in team and stakeholder leadership across commercial and operational planning
  • Advanced financial and budget management experience, with a working knowledge of complex financial systems and the ability to analyse and interpret financial data to inform strategic decision-making
  • Substantial building/venue management experience, including facilities maintenance

Job Responsibilities

Some responsibilities include:

  1. Develop, evolve and implement Derby Theatre's commercial strategy, identifying new income streams and opportunities.
  2. Lead cross-functional planning to create integrated commercial offers.
  3. Develop, promote and manage catering, conference hires, and other revenue-generating activities, to maximise turnover, gross profit margins, and overall profitability.
  4. Develop business plans and models that support the delivery of the Theatre's Business Plan, providing insightful reports and recommendations for operational improvements and growth.
  5. Monitor and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as yield per visitor, conversion rates, event occupancy and ancillary income per event.
  6. Responsible for achieving agreed revenue targets across retail and hospitality commercial channels
  7. Lead the visitor experience, empowering staff to deliver exceptional standards of customer service to all visitors, including front-of-house, backstage, and staff areas.

How to Apply

Head to the University of Derby webiste to apply.

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