Operations Manager Full Time NEW

PURPOSE

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that the scheduling and production of all orchestra events (concerts, rehearsals, tour, run outs, and special events) run smoothly, effectively, and in a financially responsible manner. Provides business leadership for Stage, Lighting, and Audio, Bookings and Marketing and Front of House Operations to ensure that SAPA provides exemplary service to its clients, customers, and patrons.

KEY FUNCTIONS Management:

Provides integrity and/or operational data as appropriate to the General Manager for assimilation and for development of the Department/Section Strategic Plan. Develops with the General Management annual and longer-term objectives for the Operations Department. Establishes with direct reports individual tasks and targets to be achieved within the designated time frames and/or cost/quality parameters. Assists in the preparation of budget for and administers the functions of the department with approval budget. Appraises the extent of task achievement by and the performance and potential supervision of contract staff under immediate supervision. Administers other established human resource, financial, legal, and corporate management policies and procedures and monitors compliance by staff with these policies and procedures.

Operational/Technical/Professional:

Plans and administers all production activities of SAPA, including facility and equipment rental, staging requirements, venue parking, and other logistical arrangements. Prepare the production schedule by working with General Manager and Music Directors to achieve artistic goals while maximizing services for financial benefit and upholding the requirements of the master agreement. Oversees Front of House Operations and ensures effective supervision and safety of patrons and all Front of House, Concession, and staff at performances, hires and events. Assesses and evaluates all ticket sales and event programming for the organization including event programming and ticket sales, providing outstanding customer service to patrons for SAPA events, and financial tracking, reporting, and box office operations at the theatre during events. Drives and oversees business development and an aggressive marketing and sales programme for SAPA. Reviews and assesses the audience development strategy and recommends programmes to heighten the image of the facility and markets its use in a systematic, structured, and creative manner. Oversees the development and implementation of the business development, marketing and promotion activities of the facility including developing budget submissions and follow-through systems and procedures. Participates in performance duty rotation ensuring programs, performances and concerts run on time and all front-of-house production elements are set. Supervises performances and orchestra setup for rehearsals and concerts and coordinates with the Technical Coordinator regarding special setup requirements. Oversees and assesses the quality of a wide variety of coordination and skilled technical tasks in advancing performances and events and ensures technical and logistical needs are properly attended to, including inspecting, testing, and modifying, as required, all equipment prior to performance to ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety codes, including those unique to SAPA. Oversees and assesses productions electrical, sound, and stage setup with house systems and ensure activities are in accordance with relevant policies, procedures, and standards of performance. Manages the provision and quality of assembling and construction of devices to achieve special effects, manages record-keeping, coordinates event setup and operation in the various performance spaces throughout SAPA; and supervises technical staff, students, and/or volunteers. Ensures that all internal stakeholders are present at all services, arriving backstage early to check all preparations, informing relevant personnel or stage technicians of any last-minute changes, and determining actual starting time of concerts and performances. Collaborates with key stakeholders to execute on-site artist logistics during rehearsals and concerts. Develops the performance and orchestra schedules and directory book and prepares any necessary updates for all performances and staff. Updates any changes applicable to relevant websites. Under the direction of the General Manager review and manage fee engagement contracts and technical riders. Supports the General Manager in coordinating activities with relevant personnel, and artistic staff in providing services to all performances and shows.

Oversees all archival recordings, coordinates production requirements, timings, and special needs for broadcasts. Confirms arrangements with recording engineer for any recording of performances and concerts. Oversees the provision of transportation for performers and musicians to concerts as required by the master agreement. Prepares and tracks production budget. Ensures adherence to the production budget and notifies the General Manager in advance of any variances necessary or requested. Prepares budget projections as needed. Maintains appropriate cost controls, reviews for accuracy and code all invoices. Enters production expenses into database. Reports discrepancies to the General Manager and Administrative Coordinator. Previews and schedules all orchestra and other performance services with various venues. Oversees all activities scheduled by marketing, and public relations sections for special events, chamber group, and solo contracting as needed. Coordinates logistical arrangements according to plan and contractual agreements. Executes any other related duties as assigned.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS Internal Liaises with Leadership and Management Teams, Sub Committees of the Board, All Departments. External Liaises with Government Authorities and Regulatory Bodies, External Consultants, Vendors and Suppliers.

PERSON SPECIFICATION Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Performing Arts, Theatre Arts or relevant degree program. Recognized certificate in Project Management is preferred. MBA would be a definite asset. Experience: A minimum of (7) years in a leadership role within an organization. Experience in an operations management position; previous experience in a live theatre organization is preferred. Experience in finance and accounts management, including budgeting, forecasting, monthly financial reporting, and audit compliance. Experience of managing facilities and services for a medium sized organization. Systems implementation, change management experience. Experience in Organizational Performance Management in the public sector Experience in Public Sector Administration

JOB COMPETENCIES: Knowledge & Skills Knowledge of: Performing Arts, Front of House Operations, Marketing Public Relations, Event Management, Project Management, Technical understanding of Light, Stage and Audio requirements in a theatre setting, Theatre Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management. – – – – – – – – – Leadership Communication (oral & written) Conflict Management and Resolution Problem Solving and Analytical Skills Decision Making and Problem Solving Business Acumen Planning and Organizing Relationship Management Technical & Professional Skills KEY ATTRIBUTES: – – – – – – – – Attention to detail, requires being careful and thorough about details, recognizing the impact of decisions. Results oriented, requires establishing and maintaining challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. Ability to use applicable information technology and systems to meet work needs. Ability to analyze and recommend improvements in human resources, collect, and interpret information, apply criteria, and make recommendations. Strong interpersonal skills: ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organization. Ability to motivate, lead, develop and manage a diverse team. Ability to manage a wide range of differing functions within an organization. Ability to remain calm and resolve multiple challenges and/or requests in a dynamic environment. Effective use of project management skills and strong organizational skills to keep yourself and the team accountable for meeting deadlines.

EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE –

Any equivalent combination of qualifications and experience will be considered.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. Work is regularly performed and or supervised in a combination of office and performance stage environments and is often exposed to light and glare. This job operates at irregular hours based on the schedule of the theatre and the incumbent is required to work late and/or work shift, public holidays and weekends based on the theatre schedule.

Applications must be addressed to:

Chairman of the Board

Southern Academy for the Performing Arts

Submit:

• Applications via email to sapavacancies@gov.tt

Applications must include:

Cover Letter
Detailed Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Two (2) professional references
Copies of relevant certificates
A Police Certificate of Good Character (No older than 6 months or in the interim, the official receipt will be accepted.)

DEADLINE:

August 26, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Late applications WILL NOT be considered.

Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged.

For complete Job Description:

Please visit mccd.gov.tt