FINANCE & OPERATIONS MANAGER REPORTING TO: Executive Director LINE MANAGEMENT: Project Co-Ordinator LOCATION: East London CONTRACT: Full time (some evening/weekend work required) SALARY: Competitive BENEFITS: 25 days annual leave statutory bank holidays, Pension contribution Free theatre trips About Intermission Youth Intermission Youth (IY) is a theatre and arts charity that transforms the lives of young people by helping them make positive choices and reach their full potential. Through drama, theatre and film, we support young people aged 11–30 from diverse communities across London. We are a small, fast-paced and ambitious team working across theatre productions, training programmes and community projects. This new Finance and Operations Manager role has been created to strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality programmes and to support our growing activity. Intermission Youth is an award-winning charity, recognised for its pioneering work in transforming young lives through theatre. Our Artistic Director Darren Raymond received the Sam Wanamaker Prize in 2025 for outstanding contributions to Shakespearean theatre, and our young participants have been celebrated with Jack Petchey Achievement Awards. These accolades highlight both the artistic excellence and the life-changing impact of our work. Purpose of the Role The Finance & Operations Manager is a key role within the organisation, working in tandem with the Executive Director and Artistic Director to lead a small but agile team. This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, collaborative finance and operations professional who can bridge the worlds of theatre productions and charitable impact. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance * Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement long-term financial and operational strategies, including horizon scanning and risk management. * Oversee and optimise financial systems (Xero), ensuring compliance with regulations and best practice. * Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. * Develop, review, and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. * Oversee reviews and renewals of organisational insurance policies Financial Management & Oversight * Oversee all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and taxation. * Lead the annual audits, ensuring accuracy and transparency and managing relationships with auditors. * Maintain and manage banking relationships. * Conduct regular variance analysis and recommend corrective actions to the Executive Director and leadership team. * Oversee management of restricted funding. * Develop and implement robust financial controls. Fundraising & Income Generation * Provide financial insights and analysis to support fundraising strategies and donor reporting. Operational Excellence * Ensure best practice in safeguarding, health & safety, data protection * Develop and implement efficient systems and processes to optimise performance across all administrative functions. * Monitor and assess operational activities, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues. * Conduct regular cost analysis and implement cost-saving initiatives. * Oversee HR and payroll functions People & Leadership * Maintain strong relationships with board members, providing comprehensive and insightful quarterly financial reports to foster understanding and engagement. * Line manage staff and oversee freelance team (Producer, Facilitators, Fundraiser). * Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where creativity and care are central. * Ensure safeguarding is at the heart of all youth engagement and performance activity. * Support pathways for alumni into creative and organisational leadership. Person Specification Essential * Professional accounting or finance qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent). * Experience in preparing the annual budget, working closely with budget holders. * High proficiency in using financial software. (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero etc.) * Experience in driving continuous improvement of financial processes and systems. * Strong strategic and financial planning skills. * Experience leading and managing a team. * Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. * Commitment to safeguarding, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Desirable Experience working in a regulated charity environment. Understanding of theatre production processes and operational requirements. Knowledge of youth theatre, applied drama, or arts education. Experience managing capital or venue development projects. Existing networks across the theatre and cultural sector. Apply Now To apply for the Finance & Operations Manager role based in East London (E8), please send a copy of your CV in PDF format by using the apply button provided. Please note: This role does not offer visa sponsorship. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK