DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
n t r o d u c t i o n
Birmingham Hippodrome is on a mission to enrich the cultural life of the region. Our vision is to create a distinctive, world-class Birmingham cultural scene with the Hippodrome at its heart. We reach over one million people a year through on and off stage programmes of work, digital presence, and performances in Birmingham and beyond; providing that “goosebumps” feeling through memorable and extraordinary experiences.
We are an independent charity, run by a board of voluntary trustees with no regular revenue funding from public sources. We frequently invest in projects alongside Arts Council England and with Birmingham City Council. Generous support is received from the business community through sponsorship and other partnerships; from individuals through donations and memberships; and from grant-making trusts for special programming and infrastructure projects. As a major employer in the region, we play a leading role in the Southside Business Improvement District.
We are looking for people to join us on this journey at a pivotal time in our evolution; recognising our people and network of talented freelancers and volunteers are core to the growth and success of the organisation.
The future of Birmingham Hippodrome is you!
h e D e t a i l s
This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer. The role is 37.5 hours per week and has a salary of £65,000 - £75,000, plus lots of perks!
i s s i o n
O u r V i s i o n & M
Our vision and mission state our purpose and who we want to be in the future.
Vision
A distinctive, world-class Birmingham cultural scene with the Hippodrome at its heart.
Mission
Providing that “goosebumps” feeling through memorable and extraordinary experiences.
Our values are all about who we are, what we believe in and what sits at the very heart of a Hippodrome experience.
Inspiring
We bring individuals, groups and communities together to share those wonderful ‘goosebumps’ moments: emotive, world-class, cultural experiences that ignite imaginations and inspire future generations.
People Focused
We care deeply for our staff, audiences, volunteers, partners, participants and artists and are dedicated to ensuring that any Hippodrome experience is a positive one Our people are the beating heart of Birmingham Hippodrome.
Progressive
We are ambitious for ourselves, our partners and our city region We aim to be the best at what we do, always looking for new ways to advance, improve and evolve whilst being mindful of our rich and vibrant history.
Inclusive
We provide a safe and inclusive space for expression and creativity, priding ourselves on being collaborative and reflective of our city region. Inclusion is integral to everything that we do and is central to our decision-making.
Sustainable
We take care with our actions, safeguarding the long-term sustainability of Birmingham Hippodrome through our work, environmental responsibilities and business practices
To be successful in this role you’ll need to be able to demonstrate the following:
Feels confident enough to make suggestions for how things can be improved to create the best experience for our audiences and wider community
Creates an exciting vision of the future for its visitors, employees, artists and stakeholders
Able to actively promote diversity within the Hippodrome and to change hearts and minds and challenge preconceived ideas.
Respect and value other people’s ideas, experience and perspective to encourage open and considerate conversations
Always considers the impact on People of any change or decision made within the organisation
Proactively seeks to understand current and future trends and external developments to offer insightful thought leadership.
Be open to new ideas and innovation to drive continuous improvement
Thinks ahead strategically (5 years +) to anticipate and be agile to future opportunities and risks
Respects and encourages differences in opinion, creating a culture of positive intent without fear of blame.
Champions a culture of diversity and inclusion, placing it at the heart of all decision making
Demonstrates humility in seeking feedback at the right time from various stakeholders to drive personal development and endeavours to be a role model to others.
Has the self-belief and courage to lead from the top during periods of change, communicating effectively and with humility
Does the right thing - even when no one is looking.
Leads by example and encourages others to do the same in relation to all environmentally friendly practices
Displays personal commitment to the company ’ s values and ethics, promoting integrity and doing the right thing.
Shows up relentlessly with a strong moral code, demonstrating values both in what they do, say and their impacts on others
e R o l e
What does success look like in this role
Role specific
The post holder is responsible for the following functional areas:
Management of property ownership, landlord and tenant and partner occupational matters, working with managing and letting agents in the case of the Southside Building.
Engineering services, including timely preventative and reactive maintenance of building fabric, mechanical and electrical equipment and services as well as the external spaces of the estate, minimising equipment downtime and maximising operational efficiency
Facilities management, including cleaning and security, reception (including stage door and Thorp St Reception) and office management to ensure that regulatory guidance is met and all areas of the estate remain safe, clean and welcoming at all times.
Delivery of IT systems and technology-enabled process change, launching innovative enhancements for our internal and external customers and maximising potential of existing systems.
Delivery of suitable, secure, IT infrastructure, both on premise and in the cloud
Delivery of suitable technical infrastructure and technical production services across site, ensuring industry leading technical delivery of in house and touring productions and events.
The following are the responsibilities across those functional areas:
Team leadership and managing external suppliers
Lead and manage your internal and outsourced teams to achieve high performance standards, providing clarity of purpose and clear prioritisation to ensure an integrated and collaborative approach which adds value.
Monitor supplier performance and ensure high quality procurement and contract management which delivers the organisation’s needs and achieves the best value for money alongside supporting our values Champion continuous improvement
Manage relationships with expert advisors.
Planning and delivery
Ensure that service delivery standards are agreed and met in all your areas, with appropriate monitoring tools and a culture of continuous improvement.
Support the COO and AD & CEO in planning and delivering key building projects, working with external consultants and a wide range of stakeholders to achieve high quality outcomes within agreed timescales and budgets
Ensure that the needs of stakeholders are understood and addressed in planning services, balanced with budget constraints.
Employ best practice project management to develop and run successful projects
Provide user-friendly and cost-effective information and support facilities, such as helpdesk services, training, and easily accessible advice in plain English.
Ensure long term strategies for the maintenance and improvement of building, technical & IT services are developed and maintained.
Communication and co-ordination
Ensure effective communication and clarity on roles and responsibilities between your teams and other departments which overlap
Represent the Hippodrome’s interests with a range of external stakeholders, and coordinate our plans with local interests.
Develop productive working relationships with other partners using our buildings, such as Birmingham Royal Ballet and FABRIC to ensure that all requirements are met, for instance billing and safety arrangements.
Act as main contact with the managing agents and letting agents for the Southside Building to ensure integration with the rest of the operation and maximum income consistent with our strategy and values
Safety, sustainability and compliance
Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to provide statutory and regulatory compliance in your areas
Work closely with the Risk and Compliance Team to ensure that fire safety and security services are fit for purpose, proactively managed and deployed according to a robust risk assessment framework.
Foster strong links with police, local security forums, agencies and neighbours to improve intelligence and co-operation to support crime prevention. Champion the importance of the Protect Duty and ensure implementation of the operational requirements to ensure compliance with it.
Embed an effective health and safety culture and compliant approach, providing a safe environment for all staff, visitors and other users of our buildings, working closely with the H&S Advisor.
Work closely with the Head of Risk and Compliance to move sustainability forwards and create and deliver plans to become carbon neutral. Set targets and monitor performance to ensure that we meet environmental standards and commitments and provide required carbon reporting
Work closely with the Head of Buildings and Facilities to implement and maintain energy efficient systems and practices, including lighting, HVAC and machinery.
Work closely with the Head of Buildings and Facilities to track and report on sustainability metrics, such as energy use, water use, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Ensure regular energy audits are carried out to identify opportunities for reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.
Ensure that information security standards are adhered to Risk management and business continuity
Identify, manage and mitigate all risks associated with the buildings, facilities, infrastructure and services in your areas
Ensure consistent availability of facilities, systems and services with plans to achieve appropriate levels of resilience and resilience and work with the Head of Risk and Compliance to implement effective disaster recovery arrangements which are documented and tested.
Work with the Head of Buildings and Facilities to ensure buildings and operations can withstand climate-related impacts, such as extreme weather events.
Policy, procedure and management systems
Lead the development and maintenance of fit-for-purpose policies and procedures for areas of departmental responsibility and related training and support.
Ensure the use of intelligent data and systems monitoring capabilities to maximise effective and sustainable use of our assets.
Budgetary control and value for money
Develop and manage significant operational and capital budgets, maintaining long-as well as short-term plans to have the best chance of putting funding in place.
Deliver within agreed revenue and capital budgets, while ensuring that sufficient budget is allocated to complying with legal requirements and achieving appropriate health, safety and security standards.
Other
Deputise for the COO as required, which can include chairing key meetings and meeting stakeholders.
Expectations for all Director level roles
Strategy
Establishes organisation’s Goals, Vision and Mission for next 5+ years. Sets strategy for Directorate looking 5+ years ahead.
Able to relate own strategic specialism to the Hippodrome’s wider strategy.
Provides strategic advice to Trustees, plans cost effective strategies, and develops new ideas based on markets/trends/outlook.
Has an overview but relies on HOD to lead on the detail. Will provide advice and guidance to HODS to ensure strategy remains on track
Works with HODs to create departmental strategy.
Identifies and sets required revenue goals for organisation.
Acts as the public face of the organisation and gives interviews to media as required.
Commercial/Scope
Sets targets for area based on achievable potential.
Expert in specific area advising other Directors.
Networking
Builds solid relationships with other Directors to work as a cohesive Senior Leadership Team internally and looks to make external contacts to grow own network to benefit the organisation.
Proven ability to develop sound network of key contacts externally and internally.
Reporting
Provides regular reports and meaningful insights into the data and shares this with other Directors.
Develop reporting tools/mechanisms to monitor progress of overall performance and can make decisive changes if needed
Reports overall progress to Directors and Trustees as required.
Finance
Responsible for setting Directorate budget within agreed limits.
Can sign off expenditure up to amount agreed with COO and in accordance with Trustee schemes of delegation.
Responsible for overall organisation’s/area’s budget and forecasting.
To agree any unplanned expenditure with COO/CEO/Trustee approval.
To ensure the efficient, effective and solvent financial management of the Hippodrome, including presenting relevant budgets and forecasts to the Trustees/CFO/CEO.
People
Proven People Management Skills including effective recruitment, induction of new hires, positive coaching and conducts regular check ins with team, managing performance as required.
Able to influence and negotiate as required and build relationships with people at all levels.
Can inspire and motivate team to achieve great results.
Comfortable having difficult conversations as required.
Coaches direct reports to be effective people leaders, leading by example.
Able to inspire people through times of change
Inspirational leader who inspires, motivates and influences HoDs to work as a team and have a consistent approach.
Maintains a strong working relationship with trustees/other Directors through presentations and reporting.
h e S p e c
What we’re looking for in the ideal employee specifically for this role:-
Requirements
Relevant Experience
CORE: You will meet the majority of these requirements
DESIRABLE: You should meet some of these requirements
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Strong track record of formulating strategic and operational plans and of effective delivery
Experience of planning and delivering significant refurbishment projects
Experience of managing teams and advisors with technical specialist knowledge beyond your own
Experience of, and interest in, managing teams, advisors and freelance workers in a very wide range of roles, with a wide range of skills and knowledge
Experience of tendering and managing outsourced facilities contracts
Interest in, and experience of leading on sustainability improvements and reducing an operation’s carbon footprint
Able to analyse and resolve issues to ensure the Hippodrome survives and thrives
Proven Leadership Skills
Analytical skills to be able to make informed decisions
Sufficient understanding of the legal framework for leasehold properties and related landlord and tenant requirements, such as service charging, to be able to work with expert advisors to manage our requirements
Property and estate management experience in a visitor attraction setting
Experience of managing relationships with local authorities, neighbourhood groups and other local stakeholders
Experience of business process re-engineering and successful implementation of system and procedural change
Experience of various project management methodologies, including for technological development
h e S p e c
Requirements
CORE: You will meet the majority of these requirements
DESIRABLE: You should meet some of these requirements
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Strong communication skills with an ability to understand other people’s points of view and work for mutually beneficial solutions, balanced with an awareness of what is not negotiable (e.g. security or regulatory requirements)
Strong understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation with proven track record of compliance
Track record of managing teams for optimum performance, creating satisfying and productive work environments
Experience of developing collaboration within teams and cross-organisationally
Experience of project management methods for successful building projects
Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage high levels of speculative supplier contact, making sound judgements about which supplier ideas to investigate
Strong knowledge of the principles of cyber security and experience of protecting organisational data
Strong numeracy skills, the ability to formulate and manage within budgets and experience in driving cost efficiency
Interest in new technologies and working practices and strong skills in assessing the right moment to implement them to achieve maximum benefit and minimum risk
h e S p e c
Requirements
Relevant Qualifications
CORE: You will meet the majority of these requirements
DESIRABLE: You should meet some of these requirements
Professionally qualified engineer or building professional or proven competence through practical experience
Advanced Health and Safety
qualifications, such as NEBOSH General Certificate/Diploma and/or Chartered member of IOSH
T h e P e r k s
We are really proud to be able to offer some of the best perks around! We offer a variety of benefits and rewards to our staff - you just need to complete your probationary period first.
Physical
Critical Health Insurance - a sum equal to your annual salary provided in the event of a diagnosis of a critical health condition which prevents you from working.
Cycle to Work Scheme - we buy the bike and/or accessories at full retail price. The balance is then recovered from a reduction in your gross wage. Through salary sacrifice, you can expect to save a minimum of 25%.
Eye care vouchers though Specsavers which includes an eye test and either a select range single vision spectacles when used for VDU use or a voucher amount towards a more expensive pair.
Free flu jab offered onsite to employees or claimed through expenses.
Discounted private medical cover though AXA/Benenden who provide fast track appointment services.
Financial
Annual organisation wide pay reviews.
Enhanced maternity/paternity/sick pay.
Life assurance - a sum equal to twice the employee’s salary is paid to a beneficiary nominated by the member of staff or next of kin.
Enhanced pension offer if you meet the eligibility criteria, after two years ’ service we will match pension contributions up to 6%.
Personal Growth Fund to pay towards the cost of a course/activity that is not job related.
Electric Car Scheme - get a brand new electric car through work as a benefit, paid for through your gross monthly pay, saving on income tax and National Insurance.
Emergency Hardship Loan access to an advance in your salary to support in emergency situations.
Bus and train travel - we purchase the discounted annual travel pass on behalf of the employee then the cost is recouped over normally 12 months via a deduction through payroll.
Discounted car parking.
h e P e r k s
Emotional
Flexible and hybrid working where the role allows and in agreement with your line manager, your work can be carried out in a way that meets both the needs of you and the organisation.
Mental Health First Aiders points of contact for an employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the person to get appropriate help.
Employee Representatives - these are colleagues who represent a specific department(s). They act on behalf of individuals and collectives of the workforce.
Employee Assistance Programme - an external confidential helpline that can be called for free 24/7 and can offer up to 6 sessions of structured telephone calls/face to face meetings.
Inclusion & Anti Racism and Wellbeing working groups made up of employees and volunteers from across the organisation, working on the day to day improvements that needs to take place, truly leading change at Birmingham Hippodrome by presenting new ideas, informing on training, policies and advocacy.
Social
6 weeks holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays.
Staff ticket offers and discounts - subsidised and/or free tickets to watch a show subject to availability and 50% discount on Hippodrome Programmes, alcohol, soft drinks, hot drinks, ice creams, confectionery, food items and 20% off in our onsite restaurant The Circle Lounge.
Green room - a communal space for you to enjoy breaks with your colleagues.
Hippodrome Headliners awards, recognition and celebration for the creative, inspiring, dedicated work of our people nominated by you.
Wellbeing events where you have the space to focus on your wellbeing and get involved in initiatives.
Organisation wide staff events where ideas and information is shared with a chance for a get together with the wider team.
E q u a l i t y & I n c l u s i o n
Our people are the beating heart of Birmingham Hippodrome and we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for expression and creativity and are dedicated to ensuring that any Hippodrome experience is a positive one. Inclusion is integral to everything that we do and is central to our decision-making. We care deeply for our staff, audiences, volunteers and partners, priding ourselves on being collaborative and striving to better reflect our city region.
We are proud that we reside in one of the most diverse cities in the UK; we value the richness that has and will be brought to our organisation through engaging with and the employment of people of different backgrounds.
Birmingham Hippodrome is committed to ensuring that applicants and employees are treated equally irrespective of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, disability, gender reassignment, political or religious belief, or socio-economic class.
The principles of equal opportunity also apply to the way in which our employees treat visitors, clients, customers and suppliers.
Birmingham Hippodrome is committed to a programme of continuous review and action to ensure that our policies remain effective.
Recognising under-representation in our workforce of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people, and those with disabilities, we particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds, identities and experiences.
S a f e g u a r d i n g
At Birmingham Hippodrome we believe that everyone has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
We have a responsibility to do the very best we can to keep children and adults safe, including those at risk as well as our own teams. We will do everything in our power to ensure children and adults who come into contact with Birmingham Hippodrome, in any capacity, are safeguarded; this includes all trustees, staff, volunteers, public and contractors, as well as members of the public.
