Venue Services Manager

**Job Title:** Venue Services Manager
Transformative Period for a New Era of Theatres
We are embarking on an exciting period of transformation as we prepare to revamp our theatre facilities.The new temporary venue will operate as 'Live at Phive' – a 186-seat performance space situated in PHIVE's Discovery area during the redevelopment of its permanent site, ensuring continuity of cultural activities and community engagement for our City.The Venue Services Manager plays a pivotal leadership role in charge of the Riverside Theatre in PHIVE. This operational linchpin coordinates closely with the PHIVE operations team and Riverside's leadership, business readiness, and corporate services teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage the venue establishment in coordination, project planning, budget tracking, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Define operational workflows, service standards, staffing structures, resource plans in preparation for venue launch.
Ensure regulatory and compliance requirements are satisfied prior to go-live.
Oversee daily operations of all theatre functions.
Coordinate and monitor service delivery across multiple business units and liaise with PHIVE building management, service quality, efficiency, and business performance metrics.
Implement business continuity plans and emergency procedures in alignment with both policies – Riverside and PHIVE.
Manage and develop all revenue and financial operations.
Establish and monitor food, beverage & bar operations.
Oversee and collaborate with the Programming, Business Readiness, and Legal Teams to manage contracting, invoicing, and insurance coverage.
Lead negotiations and relationship management with external hirers, touring producers, and community clients.
Ensure the venue is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, safety, presentation, and functionality at all times.
Ensure signage, amenities, and wayfinding are always accessible and aligned with brand standards.
Oversee FOH operations and ushering services to ensure all standards.
Monitor customer relations and feedback, respond to escalated complaints, and initiate service improvements.
Supervise, coach, and lead an operational team towards achieving desired organisational outcomes.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Tertiary qualifications (minimum Cert IV) or significant demonstrated experience in venue, theatre, or live operations, including leadership roles.
Minimum 7 years of experience in venue, theatre, or live event operations, including leadership roles.
Responsible Service of Alcohol and Food & Beverage management experience in a licensed environment.
Proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and leading high-performance environments, and working in a civic or public space environment.
Demonstrated ability to deliver large-scale operational projects.
Experience in managing revenue streams.
Ability to communicate effectively and navigate complex environments.
Strong understanding of WHS, emergency procedures, accessibility, compliance frameworks, Project Management principles, venue hire, event delivery, commercial contracting, and client service.
Strong Financial Literacy, including budget development, cost management, and commercial reporting.
Sound understanding of business and operational/service delivery principles.
What's on Offer:
This is a Term Contract Opportunity for an initial period of 12 months, with a view to extend if required.
Must be available to work across the spread of hours 7 days per week.
An attractive remuneration package from $138,124 plus 12% Superannuation.
Excellent employee benefits, including attractive leave benefits, learning and development opportunities, health and wellbeing programs.