Assistant House Manager (Fixed Term)

Job Description

The Assistant House Manager works closely with the House Manager to ensure the effective management of the Theatre’s front of house operation, ensuring the safety of customers and the delivery of an exemplary level of customer service.

The Assistant House Manager works operationally in the Theatre, duty managing performances and events, including evenings and weekends, and providing support and guidance to ensure that high customer service standards are maintained.

Main Operational Duties

• Assist with all aspects of the day-to-day management of the front of house and auditorium and line manage a team of approximately 30 staff
• Duty manage performances and events throughout all areas of the Theatre and ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Theatre’s front of house services
• Be a visible and accessible point of contact for customers on arrival, during intervals and on departure, in order to foster good relations and to provide support, advice and assistance to customers when required
• Be responsible for the security and safety of audiences, visiting company members and staff, and implement the Theatre’s Health and Safety Policy and Procedures
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels are always provided and complete the weekly payroll paperwork
• Liaise with visiting companies to ascertain merchandise requirements and order, control and ensure accurate sales records are kept
• Ensure strict supervision and control of cash within the Theatre and ensure the end of day/shift paperwork and till reconciliations are accurately completed
• Ensure the safety, security and maintenance of all Theatre property, equipment and stock and complete end-of-month stock takes
• Lead by example and motivate staff to ensure they provide an exceptional level of customer service
• Deputise for the House Manager as and when required

A full and detailed job description is available in the Candidate Information Pack linked below.

Person Specification

The Assistant House Manager will be a versatile, confident and experienced assistant manager. Work experience and responsibilities must be at a similar level to that required in this role. Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and support a large team of staff. They will work closely with the House Manager to manage and develop the Theatre’s front of house service and maximise front of house sales opportunities. They will always act as an ambassador for the Grand Opera House.

Essential Qualifications

• A minimum of NVQ level 3 or third level qualification in a related discipline. Alternatively, an additional two years recent assistant management/ supervisory experience in a customer facing environment will be accepted in lieu of a related formal educational qualification

Essential Experience

• A minimum of one years’ recent assistant management or supervisory experience in a customer facing environment. Recent experience must be in the last five years.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in a customer facing environment within the hospitality sector, including experience of effectively resolving customer service complaints
• Proven experience of promoting and upselling products to maximise and exceed sales targets
• Experience of managing and motivating staff to achieve outstanding sales performance and an exceptional level of customer service
• Experience of line managing staff and experience of induction, training and performance management activities

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with people both internally and externally
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety legislation and the required checks and procedures that need to be in place in a hospitality/theatre environment.
• Excellent planning and organisation skills and the ability to prioritise when required
• Ability to manage and motivate team members and work as part of a management team
• IT proficient with working knowledge of Microsoft 365products, Office, Word and Excel and experience of using till based systems

Terms and Conditions

This vacancy is to cover a period of maternity leave and therefore the role will be offered on a fixed term contract for a period of nine months, working towards a start date in late April 2026.

The Assistant House Manager salary is £31,228 per annum. This is an all-inclusive salary and no overtime will be payable. This role is required 37.5hrs a week, across five shifts within a seven-day week including evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.

Please note that it is expected that initial interviews for this role will be held on Friday 27 March 2026