Operations & Executive Manager
Contract: Permanent, 4 days per week
Salary: £35,000 FTE
Location: Oldham (with flexible and hybrid working options)
About Us
Oldham Coliseum Theatre is on a journey of transformation. We’re reimagining what a producing house can be — not just a building, but a creative campus where artists, audiences, and communities come together.
At this moment of renewal, we’re looking for someone to help hold the centre — a steady, imaginative and kind presence who loves both people and process.
The Role
As Operations & Executive Manager, you’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and Executive Team to make sure the theatre runs smoothly, the team feels supported, and the details of our vision come to life.
This is a hybrid role that blends the strengths of a General Manager with the trusted partnership of an Executive Assistant. Finance is a natural part of this — not the headline, but the steady thread that keeps us anchored. You’ll help coordinate budgets, track spending, manage invoices and contracts, and support our financial reporting cycles.
Beyond the numbers, you’ll hold the organisational rhythm — HR, systems, governance, internal communications and project delivery — all while acting as that calm, intuitive presence the CEO can rely on.
You’ll be the person who makes sure the organisation feels coherent, cared for, and connected as we grow towards reopening.
About You
You’ll have experience in arts administration, operations, or project management, with a good grasp of financial processes and a willingness to learn more. You don’t need to be a finance specialist — just someone who understands the importance of clarity, accuracy, and good communication.
You’re organised, thoughtful, and people-centred. You take pride in building systems that help others thrive. And you understand that detail is part of the art.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support
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Provide high-level support to the Chief Executive, including diary management, briefings, follow-up actions, and stakeholder coordination.
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Prepare papers, presentations, and correspondence.
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Handle sensitive information with discretion and care.
Finance (as part of everyday operations)
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Support budget monitoring and monthly financial updates.
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Oversee the processing of invoices, purchase orders, and contracts.
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Maintain accurate financial records and support funding reports.
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Liaise with finance and payroll partners and auditors as required.
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Support preparation of management information for trustees and funders.
Operations & HR
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Oversee HR administration, onboarding, contracts, and policy updates in liaison with HR partner.
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Oversee internal systems, office management, and day-to-day operational processes.
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Support team wellbeing and internal communications.
Governance & Reporting
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Manage the preparation of board papers, minutes, and reporting cycles.
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Ensure compliance with charity, employment, and funding requirements.
Project & Partnership Support
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Track milestones, deadlines, and dependencies across key organisational projects.
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Coordinate logistics for meetings, events, and creative activity.
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Support partnership delivery and external communications.
Line Management
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Line Management of General Assistant
Our Values
Collaboration
We believe culture is a collective act. We listen, share, and build together — across departments, art forms, and communities.
Creativity
We make space for imagination in every corner of the organisation. Ideas flourish here — whether they start in a rehearsal room, a meeting, or a conversation over coffee.
Care
We lead with kindness. We hold each other thoughtfully, work transparently, and honour the stories and people of Oldham in everything we do.
Why Join Us
This is an extraordinary moment to be part of the Oldham Coliseum story — as we prepare to reopen our theatre and grow a creative campus that connects back-of-house to high street, artists to audiences, and people to place.
If you’re excited by the thought of helping build something bold, generous, and rooted in community, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short statement (up to 2 pages) or a short (max 3 mins) video explaining why you’d like to join us and how your experience aligns with the role.
We would appreciate it if, when applying for a role with us, you complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.
Send applications to recruitment@coliseum.org.uk by 19th Jan.
Interviews will take place during the last couple of weeks of January.
For an informal conversation about the role, email recruitment@coliseum.org.uk and one of the team will come back to you w/c 5th January.