Programme & Events Manager

Senior management role supporting the Venue Director and Events Coordinator in delivering the year‑round programme of performances, private hires, conferences and events at The Fire Station, ensuring continuity of programming, planning, admin and event delivery; daytime/office-based with some evenings/weekends; flexible hours available.

Key Responsibiities

Programming and Planning

• Support the Venue Director and Events Coordinator in delivering the existing year-round programme of performances, private hires, conferences and events.
• Programme a range of performances and events (commercial music, comedy, dance, theatre, spoken word, sport) in line with agreed briefs and targets.
• Maintain established relationships with agents, promoters, artists and partner organisations.
• Contribute to ongoing programme planning activities and maintain continuity in processes and partnerships.
• Lead key strategic relationships already in place, including with the University of Sunderland.
• Support the development of private/corporate hire business with the Events Coordinator and Directors.
• Identify opportunities within the current framework to broaden audiences and maximise revenue.

Programme and Event Administration

• Oversee YesPlan diary management alongside the Programme & Events Administrator, ensuring efficient space use.
• Issue available dates to promoters and agents as required.
• Ensure all confirmed event information is accurately entered into YesPlan and that events are correctly set up in Spektrix.
• Maintain and oversee systems for event planning, budgeting, contracting, digital filing and administration.
• Monitor performance against established programme targets and KPIs.

Budget and Finance Administration

• Support ongoing activity budget management with the CEO, Venue Director and Finance Director.
• Raise purchase orders and maintain up-to-date event budgets.
• Work with the Finance Director to provide accurate monthly management accounts.
• Ensure cost-effective delivery of events and maintain efficient show settlement processes.
• Oversee quarterly PRS reporting.
• Manage Certificates of Sponsorship for overseas artists where required.
• Lead the coordination and advancing of scheduled performances and events, line-managing the Events Coordinator and working closely with technical, operational and marketing teams.
• Co-lead the weekly Operations Meeting with the Operations Manager.
• Ensure high levels of client, artist and promoter care.
• Coordinate logistics with promoters, producers, touring companies and private clients.
• Delegate tasks such as riders, accommodation, transport and catering as appropriate.
• Monitor show income and expenditure and complete event settlements promptly.
• Manage petty cash where required.
• Act as event liaison for selected events or brief duty teams as needed.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed, especially for events involving children or vulnerable people.
• Monitor ticket sales and work with Sales, Marketing and Ticket Office teams to optimise revenue.
• Maintain accurate ticket income records in event budgets.
• Support programme print and brochure deadlines.

Staff Development, Training and Communications

• Support the training and development of team members to maintain best practice.
• Contribute positively to team culture and organisational life.
• Undertake required training and uphold Culture Quarter policies (Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity).
• Represent The Fire Station and Culture Quarter at external meetings as required and, on occasion, deputise for the Venue Director.

Other Duties

• Attend internal meetings as required.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks assigned by the Venue Director or CEO.
• Provide effective handover at the end of the fixed-term period to ensure smooth transition.
• Act in accordance with Culture Quarter’s policies, including its Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding Policy and Equality and Diversity Policy.

Key Relationships

Reports to: The Venue Director

Responsible for:

• Casual and freelance event staff

Working in collaboration with:

• Operations Manager
• CRM & Ticket Office Manager / FOH Customer Service team
• Sales & Marketing Director and Coordinator
• Central Finance & Administration Teams

How to Apply

Please read the job specification and criteria carefully. Submit your CV and a covering letter or statement explaining your suitability for the role to:

Please include the job title in the email subject.

Deadline for applications:
Monday 20 April, 9:00am.

Please note: applications submitted without a covering letter will be automatically rejected.