Executive Director at Tobacco Factory Theatres

Executive Director at Tobacco Factory Theatres

4 min read

Aug. 07, 2026

The following vacancy is being advertised by Tobacco Factory Theatres:

Executive Director

Annual Salary: £50,000 per annum paid monthly in arrears
Contract: Full Time (1.0 FTE); flexible working and part time applicants will be considered.
Hours: 40 hours per week. Evening and weekend work will be required.
Normal place of work: Tobacco Factory Theatres, Raleigh Rd, Bristol, BS3 1TF. We are an office first 'place based' organisation.

Purpose of the role

The Executive Director is responsible for building the organisational capability that enables Tobacco Factory Theatres to thrive. They provide both strategic leadership and hands on delivery across finance, people, operations, governance, commercial development, organisational risk and the stewardship of our spaces, ensuring the organisation has the confidence, resilience and capacity to realise its artistic ambitions and charitable purpose. This role will suit someone who enjoys moving comfortably between strategy and delivery-someone equally at home shaping long term organisational direction and resolving the practical challenges that come with leading a dynamic and ambitious theatre charity.

Areas of responsibility

Provide executive leadership as one of three Directors, contributing to the strategic direction, culture and long term sustainability of Tobacco Factory Theatres.

• Work in partnership with the Artistic Director/CEO and Communications and Fundraising Director to provide collective leadership across the organisation.
• Contribute to the development, delivery and review of the organisation's strategic plans and priorities.
• Lead organisational planning, ensuring strategic priorities are translated into effective operational delivery.
• Provide visible leadership across the organisation, modelling the organisation's values and expected standards of professional practice.
• Develop organisational evaluation, learning and continuous improvement processes.

Lead the organisation's financial management, planning, delivery and stewardship to ensure long term sustainability.

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, TTR claim, forecasts and long term financial planning.
• Monitor organisational financial performance and recommend corrective action where required.
• Prepare and present financial reports, management accounts and financial analysis.
• Lead the annual audit process and statutory financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain effective financial controls, systems and procedures.
• Oversee bank accounts, cashflow, reserves, procurement and contract management.
• Identify and deliver opportunities to strengthen financial performance and organisational resilience.

Commercial Development

Lead the development and delivery of a resilient and progressive business model that supports the organisation's mission and artistic ambitions.

• Develop and implement the organisation's commercial strategy to consistently Identify, develop and deliver new commercial income opportunities.
• Lead commercial negotiations, contracts and partnerships.
• Monitor and improve the performance of venue hire, hospitality, partnerships, international and other earned income activities.
• Work closely with the Heads of Department to maximise commercial performance across the organisation.
• Contribute to cross organisational initiatives that strengthen earned income and organisational sustainability.

People, Culture and Organisational Development

Lead the organisation's people strategy, developing an inclusive, high performing and values led workplace.

• Line manage direct reports, supporting their performance and professional development.
• Lead HR; including workforce planning and organisational development.
• Oversee recruitment cycle from induction, appraisal, performance management and learning and development; reporting themes and actions accordingly.
• Lead on complex employee relations matters where appropriate.
• Ensure employment practices comply with current legislation and organisational policies.

Governance, Compliance and Risk

Lead the organisation's governance, compliance and risk management arrangements.

• As company secretary; support the Board of Trustees and its Committees in the effective discharge of their governance responsibilities ensuring robust governance and compliance systems are embedded across the organisation.
• Lead the development, implementation and review of organisational policies, procedures and delegated authorities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Oversee organisational compliance and ambition across Employment, Health & Safety, Environment, Data Protection, PRS, Licensing and Charity Regulation.
• Maintain and review the organisational risk register, ensuring risks are appropriately managed and reported.
• Commission and manage external professional advisers where appropriate.

Operations and Space

Lead the strategic management of the organisation's operations, spaces and infrastructure.

• Provide strategic oversight of operational delivery across the organisation.
• Lead the long term stewardship of the organisation's spaces, infrastructure and resources.
• Develop and deliver capital maintenance and improvement plans.
• Lead major capital projects as required; supporting the development and delivery of such work.

External Leadership and Partnerships

Develop strategic relationships that strengthen the organisation's sustainability, influence and contribution to the cultural sector.

• Lead organisational planning, applications and reporting for Arts Council England and other strategic stakeholders as required.
• Lead, develop and maintain productive relationships with strategic partners, funders and statutory agencies.
• Support the Artistic Director & CEO in developing strategic partnerships and organisational influence. Represent Tobacco Factory Theatres at meetings, conferences and sector events.
• Develop relationships with commercial partners, consultants and professional advisers.

Applications close Thursday 3rd September at 10AM.