Operations Manager

Soul City Arts (SCA) is an arts organisation committed to developing creative programmes with a vision of ‘connecting communities and transforming society through creativity’. 

ABOUT US:

The organisation is founded and led by artist and curator Mohammed Ali MBE, who has built a strong team over the past two decades. We create events and programmes that explore commonalities and shared narratives of people across all faiths and those of differing perspectives. We seek to build hope, pride and confidence within communities enabling them to celebrate themselves and their narratives. We like to help tell the stories of everyday people in extraordinary form.

We are currently a small team of three employees and 3 more regular freelancers with ambitions to grow! 

We are now looking for our next hire - an experienced Operations Manager - to help us support our ambitious plans.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This newly created role will be responsible for defining, shaping and implementing key processes and systems related to programme management, and overall business operations including finance. These processes will enable us to streamline our business and support the needs of our companies programmes and funding requirements.

In addition, this role will be responsible for overseeing our facilities management and internal operations to ensure we are compliant and have H&S at the heart of everything we do.

What you will be responsible for:

• Be responsible for all aspects of the management, development and maintenance of SCA Port Hope building, site and its external premises. 

• Ensure statutory inspections and routine checks on health and safety and security are scheduled, undertaken, accurately recorded and, where appropriate, and reported in a timely fashion. This includes fire and security alarm systems and equipment, any others that are relevant. 

• Liaise with relevant authorities in the management of the site and buildings eg the Environment Agency, Birmingham City Council etc as required. 

• Manage the provision of services eg insurance and utilities, working with the Executive Director to undertake due diligence and secure competitive quotes. 

• Oversee the company’s compliance with all legislative and contractual requirements. 

• Commission and manage relationships with all contractors working within the buildings and external premises, including maintenance as required.

• Plan the delivery of all capital works to the building with the production manager (funding pending) 

• Act as a key-holder and be on call should issues occur out of hours. 

• Ensure procedures and processes are followed to protect the security of the buildings and site. 

• Work with the freelance staff to ensure they have the appropriate training on Health and Safety, First Aid, Manual handling etc. 

• Prepare required reports and recommendations for Team, Board and funders as required. 

• Manage operational contracts such as refuse collection, etc.

• Lead on the organisation’s Health and Safety Strategy, including provision of adequate first aid and fire safety. 

• Oversee and ensure implementation and communication of site and operational risk assessments.

• Ensure compliance with all legal obligations and licensing requirements including: Public Entertainment, Health and Safety, PAT testing etc. 

• Take a lead on SCA environmental responsibility, ensuring SCA seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and we operate as efficiently as possible, including waste disposal, disposal of used areosols, recycling schemes and reporting of such to funders. 

• Advance planning of production schedules in conjunction with the Studio Assistant to ensure that events can be set up in good time.

• Ability to support a variety of configurations of our multi-purpose space with some basic technical knowledge.  Specialist training will be provided.  This will include audio visual display equipment, basic sound systems, setting up multi party Zooms, seating and desk configuration.

ABOUT YOU:

• Experience of managing the maintenance and operation of buildings. 

• Knowledge of safety and workplace legislation and experience of managing and delivering a policy and activity eg risk assessment writing and review. 

• Experience of setting and managing budgets and financial projections to ensure best use of resources through prioritisation and planning. 

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload. 

• Self-motivated, practical and flexible with a positive outlook and can-do attitude. 

• IT literate, with experience in using Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook. 

• Interest and/or experience in technical delivery 

• Willingness to be part of an on-call rota, and to work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.

DESIRABLE SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:

• Health and Safety qualification (IOSH / NCRQ / NEBOSH). 

• Previous experience of managing building management systems. 

• Experience of managing small scale capital projects including financial, operational and health and safety requirements. 

• An understanding of fire safety. 

• An understanding of accident and incident management reporting.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Opportunity to shape and build our internal processes.

• Opportunity to work for an organisation that is committed to serving our community.

• Multiple opportunities to connect, grow, and develop.

• Enhanced annual leave.

• Opportunity to work flexibly.

We’re All About Equal Opportunities:

We know that a successful team is made up of diverse people, able to be their authentic selves. 

Interviews will be guaranteed for all candidates meeting the basic criteria linked to the person specification provided in relevant job description. SCA aims to reflect all of the city of Birmingham’s communities in our workforce and in particular those from a diverse background.

If you believe that you meet the minimum requirements of the role, you are warmly encouraged to apply. In addition, SCA is committed to meeting your access, inclusion, and support needs. Please share with us any access and support needs and reasonable adjustments that will support you during this process and we will work with you to ensure that your support needs are met.

To support us with our monitoring processes, please complete the anonymous equal opportunities form available via our website. 

How to apply:

To apply please submit your CV.

We would also love to find out more about you and why you have applied so please also write (up to 1 page) your answers to the following questions (select 3 questions max):

• Tell us what excites you the most about Soul City Arts?

• Tell us more about you and your interest in this specific role?

• Please provide up to three examples of your experience which you believe best demonstrates your ability to deliver the role for which you have applied?

• Tell us about a recent creative experience that you really enjoyed?

• What does community and inclusion mean to you?

If you prefer, you can record your answers to your selected questions on a video of no more than 4 minutes.

Timescales

Deadline: Monday 15th July 2024.

Interviews: We will conduct informal telephone interviews with you first. In person interviews for shortlisted candidates taking place week commencing Monday 15th July.

Role Commencement: As soon as possible after the offer is made.