Operations Manager

About Bernie Grant Arts Centre

The Bernie Grant Arts Centre (BGAC) is a cultural hub for Black creativity and learning in the
heart of Tottenham. A registered charity and combined-arts centre, BGAC supports Black
artists, champions diverse voices, and connects the creative community to wider cultural
networks. Inspired by the vision of the late Bernie Grant MP, the centre features a 200-seat
theatre, rehearsal spaces, 20 creative workspaces, and an outdoor square.
As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), we are committed to
artistic excellence, financial resilience, and serving our vibrant local community.
Overview of the Role
The General Manager is a pivotal senior management role helping to contribute to the
growth, success, and impact of BGAC. The Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in
overseeing the building, overall operations, and human resource functions of the Centre.
The successful candidate will serve as the backbone of the organization, ensuring the
building is safe, compliant, and welcoming, while fostering a high-performing team culture
rooted in the values of the Black arts sector. This is a hands-on position requiring a blend of
strategic operational oversight and “on-the-ground” problem-solving.
This role is full time and would require 4 days on site.
Pro-rata and flexible working within limits will be considered.

Key Responsibilities
Building/Operational Management
● Take overall responsibility for the day to day running, management and reporting of
the venue and ensure it is managed in accordance with the terms of the lease of the
building, statutory legislation, licensing, health and safety, access and any funding
requirements.
○ Premise Licence
○ Land Lease
○ Health & Safety Consultants (Peninsula)
○ Policies
● Take responsibility for the venue in regards to staffing and front of house operations
and ensure it is managed in accordance with the terms of the lease of the building,
statutory legislation, licensing, health and safety, access and any funding
requirements.
● Ensure regular site maintenance checks are implemented, including planning and
implementing an annual maintenance schedule (involving but not limited to
repainting, PAT Testing, alarms testing, fire safety testing, licensing etc) working
closely with the Facilities and Technical Manager.
● Manage contracts for all facilities including IT and digital contracts/ subscriptions
ensuring continuous supply and value for money.
● Ensure high standards are set and maintained for the maintenance, security and
cleanliness and contracts of the building within budget.
● Manage the cleaning staff of the site to ensure the highest possible standard and
manage our waste contractors.
● Maintain good relationships with our neighbours and local community and residents,
keeping them informed where needed.
● Oversee the building’s security & CCTV needs, ensuring all equipment is up to
scratch and overseeing updates/reviews of strategy where needed.
● Identify and work with contractors for regular maintenance work around the building.
● Ensure the accident/incident book and first aid boxes are monitored and maintained
and staff are trained on their use.
● Manage all respective statutory reporting related meetings – eg internal H&S
meetings and building/venue related reporting to the Board and other stakeholders
as required, as well as weekly Operations Meetings.
● Be the key pivot and contact point for the organisation in relation to operational
matters.
● To manage Enterprise Units, leading on annual contracting, day to day management,
regular monthly Tenant meetings, working closely with the Finance Manager
regarding rental payments & related arrears process.
● To be the lead contact for all Enterprise Unit tenants.
● To line manage the Facilities and Technical Manager (FTM) ensuring venue facilities
are maintained with excellent auditing alongside ensuring the FTM delivers on
respective technical and production requirements.
● Be a name licensee for the venue alongside a named person for security call outs
(alongside other named staff and Board Members).
Human Resources
● Responsibility for the recruitment, induction, and training for all staff and volunteers at
BGAC, including management recruitment, induction, drafting contracts, letters of
agreement, organising appraisals and performance management, maintenance of
sickness and holiday records.
● Build, develop and maintain excellent working relationships between staff through
regular communication, team meetings and team development initiatives.
● Devise, implement and communicate appropriate employment policies/procedures in
line with best practice in employment law and equal opportunities to ensure BGAC
operates as a fair employer.
● Organise and monitor annual leave, sick leave records and other personnel data
using Bright HR.
● Lead by example to ensure the intentions and requirements of the BGAC Equality
and Diversity Policy are applied personally and by all staff, volunteers and users.
● Ensure appropriate access arrangements are made for visitors and staff, taking into
account the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act.
● Circulate information as appropriate across departments
Financial administration
● Ensure that departmental budgets for Front of House, and Operations are carefully
managed and any overspends are identified and acted upon in conjunction with the
Director of Operations.
● Manage resources efficiently to ensure BGAC achieves value for money in all
aspects of its work ensuring that all contracts and procurement are regularly
monitored to ensure best value.
● Support the financial functions of the organisation including Xero where needed in
liaison with the Finance Manager.
● Support the Finance Manager in the smooth submission of the organisation’s annual
Audit.
Front of House
● Oversee the rota for Duty Management / Front of House, Cafe, and Tech functions
ensuring the departments are well managed and are both effectively and sufficiently
staffed to ensure a high level of customer service.
● Work with the Director of Operations to provide analysis of the FOH functions.
● Work with the Hires Manager to maximise the income and offer of the catering and
bar operations.
● Provide emergency Box Office/Duty Manager cover as required.
● Manage customer comments and complaints, ensuring the Director of Operations is
informed of action taken.
● Provide group line management for the Duty Management team and ensure regular 6
weekly group meetings with the FOH team.
Administration
● Manage and keep stationery and office supplies up to date, ensuring materials are
cost effective and environmentally sustainable.
● Provide assistance as required, in the delivery of projects and project management
for the Director of Operations.
● Assist with the organisation and delivery of social gatherings.
● Organise important meetings and circulate documents and information as required.
General Responsibilities
● Support the delivery of BGAC’s vision, mission and values
● Collect necessary data to support required reporting procedures to funders and
stakeholders.
● Comply with BGAC’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion, Safeguarding, Health & Safety
and other policies at all times.
● Maintain confidentiality at all times.

1. Experience & Knowledge
Criteria Essential / Desirable
Proven experience in operations, venue, or facilities
management, preferably within the arts, heritage, or
charity sector.
Essential
Solid understanding of Health & Safety legislation,
including risk assessments, fire safety, and building
compliance.
Essential
Experience managing Human Resources functions,
including recruitment, contracting, and performance
management.
Essential
Experience in contract management, including
negotiating with and supervising external contractors and
service providers.
Essential
Knowledge of Premises Licensing and the statutory
requirements of managing a public-facing building.
Desirable
Familiarity with National Portfolio Organisation (NPO)
requirements or working within Arts Council England
frameworks.
Desirable
2. Skills & Abilities
Criteria Essential / Desirable
Financial Literacy: Ability to manage departmental
budgets, analyze spend, and support financial functions
(experience with Xero is a plus).
Essential
Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a
diverse team of staff and volunteers, fostering a
high-performance culture.
Essential
Problem-Solving: A “hands-on” approach with the ability
to remain calm under pressure and resolve operational
issues quickly.
Essential
Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the
ability to communicate effectively with staff, local
residents, and external stakeholders.
Essential
Tech Savvy: Proficient in IT systems, including HR
software (e.g., Bright HR), digital subscriptions, and
general office software.
Essential
3. Personal Attributes & Values
Criteria Essential / Desirable
Commitment to Equity: A deep understanding of and
commitment to the values of the Black arts sector and
the mission of BGAC.
Essential
Customer-Centric: A passion for ensuring a high-quality,
welcoming experience for all visitors and community
members.
Essential
Flexibility: Willingness to work evenings and weekends
as required to support events and act as an emergency
Duty Manager.
Essential
Integrity: High level of discretion and the ability to
maintain confidentiality regarding personnel and
financial data.
Essential

Equal Opportunities
Bernie Grant Arts Centre is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly
welcome applications from Black and Global Majority candidates, as they are
currently under-represented in the leadership of the UK arts workforce. We are
committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities.

Reports to Director of Operations
Contract 2 year fixed-term contract
Hours Full-time (40 hours per week)
Salary £42,000 per annum
Location Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham
Green, London N15 4RX.

If you are interested please email your CV and covering letter to
sunita@berniegrantcentre.co.uk by 6pm on Tuesday 19th May 2026.
Bernie Grant Arts Centre is a registered charity. Registered in England and Wale