Director

We're seeking a new leader with strategic vision grounded in project management, to take Victoria Baths forward. This is an outstanding opportunity for a mid-career manager in the heritage or events sector to make their mark., You will lead a team of ten current staff and a project sponsor to be appointed and work with the staff, Trustees and volunteers to drive our new strategic objectives and bring our values to life.

You will be responsible for the successful completion of the scoping project by Manchester City Council which is due to start in 2024 and, ultimately, a programme of building improvement works expected to start in 2025 and which are likely to take around five years to complete.

At the same time, Victoria Baths will continue to operate as an events venue, visitor attraction and community resource, generating sufficient income to cover staffing and other operating costs and its community engagement work.

This will undoubtedly be challenging during a period of major building works and it's vital that the Director has the skills and ability to motivate and encourage their team throughout this period.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to see though a transformational building programme and the re-development of a well-loved cultural and community resource. Our new Director is the person who will ensure that Victoria Baths continues to play a key role in the future of the city as well as protecting and promoting an important part of its social history.

In brief, we're looking for someone who will:

• Be responsible for developing, managing and building the reputation of Victoria Baths as a cultural events space, visitor attraction and vital community resource set within an historic building.


• Ensure the successful completion of a major capital building project, within budget and on time.
  
  Knowledge and experience of the management, maintenance and operation of historic buildings, including Victoria Baths - its history and architectural significance.


• Experience of delivering a significant capital building project, working with multiple stakeholders, project managers, consultants and contractors.


• Experience of developing and delivering a strategic plan; preferably for a cultural, arts or heritage organisation.


• Excellent leadership, people management and communication skills.


• Good financial management skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.


• Knowledge and experience of funding streams open to arts, heritage and community projects. Track record of securing funding for projects and core costs.


• Understanding of the importance of heritage, art and culture to local communities, particularly with regard to their wellbeing.
  
  Victoria Baths is a well-loved and beautiful heritage and events venue in Manchester. It opened in 1906 to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Manchester, offering public baths, swimming and recreational and cultural activities.


After it closed in 1993, the Victoria Baths Trust was set up and has worked ever since to protect the buildings, make them accessible, enable the study of our history and keep Victoria Baths at the heart of the cultural life of the city.

Victoria Baths is a place to discover, experience and celebrate. We now have ten employees, led by a Director, responsible for a varied programme of events for the local community and visitors to the city which generate income to help maintain the buildings.

£45,551 a year - Permanent, Full-time, Pulled from the full job description

• Company pension


• Flexitime


• Free parking


• On-site parking


• Sick pay