Programme & Events Manager (Maternity Cover)
We are looking for an experienced programmer to join the team at The Fire Station – a world‑class live music, performance, events and hospitality venue in Sunderland for a fixed period to cover a maternity leave.
Each year, the Live Events Division at The Fire Station organizes and delivers over 250 live performances including jazz, folk, rock, indie, electronic, classical, Americana/country, pop, comedy, dance and theatre. Collectively, these performances attract audiences of over 100,000 people annually.
The Programme & Events Manager will ensures continuity across programming, planning, administration and event delivery at The Fire Station and other Culture Quarter venues. The postholder will maintain agent, promoter and stakeholder relationships, support ongoing projects and uphold the smooth running of events during the maternity leave period.
This is a senior management role providing support to The Fire Station Venue Director and taking responsibility for specific areas of programming, administration and production. While primarily daytime and office or home based, occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. While some on site working is preferable, remote working may be considered from experienced programmers.
Main responsibilities
Programming and Planning
* Support the Venue Director and Events Coordinator in delivering the existing year round programme of performances, private hires, conferences and events.
* Programme a range of performances and events (commercial music, comedy, dance, theatre, spoken word, sport) in line with agreed briefs and targets.
* Maintain established relationships with agents, promoters, artists and partner organisations.
* Contribute to ongoing programme planning activities and maintain continuity in processes and partnerships.
* Lead key strategic relationships already in place, including with the University of Sunderland.
* Support the development of private/corporate hire business with the Events Coordinator and Directors.
* Identify opportunities within the current framework to broaden audiences and maximise revenue.
Programme and Event Administration
* Oversee YesPlan diary management alongside the Programme & Events Administrator, ensuring efficient space use.
* Issue available dates to promoters and agents as required.
* Ensure all confirmed event information is accurately entered into YesPlan and that events are correctly set up in Spektrix.
* Maintain and oversee systems for event planning, budgeting, contracting, digital filing and administration.
* Monitor performance against established programme targets and KPIs.
Budget and Finance Administration
* Support ongoing activity budget management with the CEO, Venue Director and Finance Director.
* Raise purchase orders and maintain up to date event budgets.
* Work with the Finance Director to provide accurate monthly management accounts.
* Ensure cost effective delivery of events and maintain efficient show settlement processes.
* Oversee quarterly PRS reporting.
* Manage Certificates of Sponsorship for overseas artists where required.
Programme Coordination & Event Delivery
* Lead the coordination and advancing of scheduled performances and events, line‑managing the Events Coordinator and working closely with technical, operational and marketing teams.
* Co‑lead the weekly Operations Meeting with the Operations Manager.
* Ensure high levels of client, artist and promoter care.
* Coordinate logistics with promoters, producers, touring companies and private clients.
* Delegate tasks such as riders, accommodation, transport and catering as appropriate.
* Monitor show income and expenditure and complete event settlements promptly.
* Manage petty cash where required.
* Act as event liaison for selected events or briefly duty teams as needed.
* Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed, especially for events involving children or vulnerable people.
Sales & Marketing
* Monitor ticket sales and work with Sales, Marketing and Ticket Office teams to optimise revenue.
* Maintain accurate ticket income records in event budgets.
* Support programme print and brochure deadlines.
Staff Development, Training and Communications
* Support the training and development of team members to maintain best practice.
* Contribute positively to team culture and organisational life.
* Undertake required training and uphold Culture Quarter policies (Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity).
* Represent The Fire Station and Culture Quarter at external meetings as required and, on occasion, deputise for the Venue Director.
Key Relationships
* Reports to – The Venue Director
Responsible for:
o Event Coordinator (Task based)
o Programme & Events Assistant
o Casual and Freelance event staff
* Working in collaboration with:
o Operations Management
o Technical & Building Manager / Senior Technician / Venue Technician
o CRM & Ticket Office Manager / FOH Customer Service team
o Sales & Marketing Director and Coordinator
o Central Finance & Administration Teams
Person Specification
Key competencies
* Minimum A Level standard of education including GCSE Maths and English C Grade or above. Educated to degree level
* Knowledge and Experience Minimum five years’ experience working in a venue in performing arts event coordination or management.
* Minimum two years performing arts programming experience in a cultural venue.
* Strong working knowledge of performing arts, live music, theatre and dance
* Familiarity with industry-standard deal terms
* Strong negotiating skills with excellent attention to detail.
* Experience balancing cultural and commercial programming
* Experience setting up shows and administering contracts
* Confident handling budgets and producing accurate settlements
* Strong administrative skills and systems fluency
* Experience managing staff
* Experience working with artists, producers, clients and the public
* Ability to interpret contracts, riders, tech specs and schedules
* Understanding of safeguarding protocols
* Experience in similar programming/coordination roles
* Knowledge of UK music, theatre or commercial venue networks
* Experience in mid scale venues
* Knowledge of YesPlan and/or Spektrix
* Understanding of entertainment law
* Experience working with touring artists
* Experience with outdoor performance
* Knowledge of Attitude Is Everything access principles
* Experience working with external partners
* Personal Qualities Passion for music and performing arts
* Flexible, proactive, “can do” approach
* Strong initiative and resourcefulness
* Ability to work under pressure and autonomously
* Excellent written and verbal communication
* Strong organisational and planning skills
* Competent with Word, Excel and Outlook
* Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
* Calm, professional, solutions focused
* Able to manage multiple priorities
* Quick to integrate into an established team and maintain continuity during the maternity cover period
* Committed to raising the profile of the venue within the local community and nationally
* Special requirements – Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.
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