Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Executive Director (ED) Full Time

Closing date – noon, Tues 11 November
Interview date – w/c 08 Dec dates tbc (first stage)
Salary – circa £100-110,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Factory International on this appointment.

Candidates should apply for this role through their website at https://www.saxbam.com/appointment/factory-international/ with job code JBWSA. Then click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter and complete the online equal opportunities monitoring form. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com.

Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Executive Director (ED) Job Pack – download here

The COO/ED is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Artistic Director and Chief Executive and working closely with the Board.

The COO/ED provides strategic and operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring core excellence in finance, operations and people. They will play a key role in driving organisational sustainability, financial performance, and cultural ambition, while supporting the delivery of the organisation’s mission, values, and artistic programme.

This role directly line-manages:

• Finance Director
• Director of People and Culture
• Operations Director
• Business Governance: Governance, reporting, legal, insurance, risk, Executive Support
• Director of Producing & Programme
• Technical Director

According to the sector experience and strengths of the candidate Producing and Technical Departments and/or Business/Governance may or may not sit under this role.

The key responsibilities for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Executive Director (ED) include;

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a key member of the Executive Team, contributing to Factory International’s overall strategy, business planning, and long-term sustainability
• Provide leadership in embedding commercial and financial priorities while upholding the organisation’s cultural and social mission
• Champion inclusion, diversity, and sustainability in all aspects of operations and leadership

Stakeholder & Partnership Development

• Act as a senior ambassador for Factory International with external stakeholders, funders, and partners
• Support the Executive Team in building strong relationships with commercial partners, funders, local authorities, and cultural networks
• Contribute to strategies that grow income, partnerships, and reputation locally, nationally, and internationally

Finance

• Provide strategic oversight of financial management through the Finance Director, ensuring robust systems, controls, and reporting are in place
• Support delivery of commercial and partnership income targets
• Ensure financial transparency, compliance and strategic use of resources

People & Culture

• Provide leadership to the Director of People and Culture, ensuring effective workforce planning, staff development, and wellbeing initiatives
• Champion an inclusive organisational culture where all staff feel valued, respected, and supported
• Embed effective performance management and professional development across all teams

Operations

• Oversee the delivery of facilities, operations, security, audience experience, and health & safety through the Operations Director
• Ensure operational resilience for both day-to-day activity and large-scale events

Business Governance, Legal & Risk

• Oversee business support function covering governance, legal, insurance, risk management, and executive support
• Act as Company Secretary (or support this function) ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice and transparency across the organisation
• Ensure efficient structures, systems, and communication across all business areas

Technical Production & Producing

• Oversee the Technical Director, ensuring world-class standards in technical delivery across theatre, music, and events
• Lead and support the Director of Producing & Programme, ensuring strong planning, delivery, and resourcing of the artistic and commercial programme
• Ensure that both technical and producing teams are fully aligned with organisational priorities and artist and audience expectations

The person specification for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Executive Director (ED) are;

ESSENTIAL

• Significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation with a track record of delivering strong financial strategy and performance at scale
• Experience in managing diverse teams and senior professionals across multiple functions
• Proven ability to lead inclusively, champion diversity, and foster organisational culture
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels
• Understanding and knowledge of governance, risk, compliance, and legal frameworks relevant to cultural and commercial organization

DESIRABLE

• Understanding of producing, technical production, and artistic programme delivery in a live venue context
• Financial Qualification
• Experience working within both not-for-profit and commercial environments
• Experience within arts, culture, live events, or commercial venues
• Strong networks across arts, culture, live music, or creative industries
• Experience of capital projects or significant organisational change
• Familiarity with Manchester and/or regional and national cultural networks

ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver operational excellence
• Collaborative and inclusive leader with a people-centred approach
• Commercially astute, with strong financial literacy
• Calm under pressure, with excellent judgement and problem-solving skills
• Creative and entrepreneurial thinker with commitment to the organisation’s values of equity, inclusivity, and sustainability

When applying please do not rely solely on ChatGPT/AI software for your answers as it may not fully reflect your skills and experience and how they align with this role and we may decide to discount your answer if we believe it is solely generated by AI.

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