RECRUITMENT PACK

FINANCE DIRECTOR

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CONTENTS

Background information

Priorities 2016—2017

The role

Key criteria for success

Key responsibilities

Person specification

Terms

How to apply & Selection process

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PHOTO: SIMON JESSOP

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Old Vic under Artistic Director Matthew Warchus is going through a revolution of creativity and productivity.

This is a pivotal time in The Old Vic’s history as we approach our bicentenary and do all we can to encourage a new love of theatre in those who visit us, as well as offering a refreshing experience to those who keep coming back for more. The Old Vic is a theatre steeped in tradition yet still innovating and making history today through a huge variety of output on and off stage which grabs the imagination of the broadest range of people evidenced by its growing membership base.

Our artistic programme encompasses invigorating new writing; works that engage with a wide social conversation; nurturing new writing, including new musicals, mounting passionate revivals and famous old plays; experimentation with quirky, eye-opening and challenging pieces spanning theatre and dance; and family shows and pantomimes.

In addition, we work with over 10,000 people each year of all ages and backgrounds to unlock creative intelligence through school projects, employability schemes and community engagement. All of this is achieved whilst operating as a not-for-profit organisation supported by sponsors, members and gifts but without a regular subsidy, in an almost 200 year old building with a touch of magic about it.

GROUNDHOG DAY PHOTO: MANUEL HARLAN

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PRIORITIES 2016—2017

Our focus for the Financial Year 2016/17 is on further growing our artistic reputation, developing our audience and sustaining the theatre.

Our first priority is the work on stage and continuing a programme of outstanding productions with a popular, intelligent, surprising and unintimidating signature. For the second year running the Season will include the six types of work Artistic Director Matthew Warchus wants to prioritise and showcase as above. We will also be continuing our Old Vic Voices Off debates and talks and will introduce a series of engaging new monologues.

Going into Season 2 we will also focus on growing and developing our audience to be as widely drawn and as loyal as possible. Giving access to world-class theatre to large numbers of people with as few barriers to access as possible is our goal.

As the year progresses, increasing focus will be placed on preparation for celebrations of The Old Vic’s bicentenary in May 2018. There is no more interesting or exciting time to be working at The Old Vic, whilst we revitalise this building and confirm its place as a crucial and indispensable part of London’s cultural landscape.

NO'S KNIFE PHOTO: MANUEL HARLAN

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THE ROLE

Job title Finance Director

Location The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Reports to Executive Director

Responsible for The Old Vic Finance Team

Purpose & focus The successful candidate will join the Old Vic at a time of transformation for the finance function as it responds to the new challenges raised by the introduction of a new programming model. We are seeking an experienced, confident leader to initially drive changes to the team, building it around a new vision as finance business partner for our operations and to manage a newly created model.

The candidate will be responsible for the overall financial management of The Old Vic group of companies, in partnership with the Executive Director.

The post holder would also be a member of the Executive committee along with the Artistic Director, Executive Director and the Executive Director of Development.

KEY CRITERIA FOR SUCCESSAfter 12 months in post, the successful candidate will have:

— Successfully implemented a range of effective, efficient systems and processes to drive the finance function forward, ensuring it adds maximum value and high quality support to the rest of the organisation on a daily basis.

— Developed departmental KPIs to review and monitor the team’s performance and progress. — Established themselves as a respected and influential member of the finance department and

the Executive and Senior Management teams, with positive, productive working relationships with colleagues across the organisation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES — Overall responsibility for the financial accounting, financial planning and analysis and management

of a team of ten. — Delivering forward looking insight and analysis (via the team) relating to productions and operations. — Maintaining control whilst improving process efficiencies in a dynamic organisation. — Implementing a culture of continuous improvement and project management of process changes

and system implementations. — Developing a service led, business partner culture within Finance. — Establishing a high level of credibility and fostering strong working relationships with external parties

including customers and advisors.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

EXPERIENCE

Essential — People management experience. — Experience of finance transformation projects, process improvement and systems implementation. — A commercial focus with an understanding of working with a charitable foundation. — Familiarity with finance technology trends and a commitment to developing a technology-enabled

and effective finance team.

Desirable — Familiarity working with different finance operating models. — Experience within theatre or ticketing. — Knowledge of theatre production tax credits.

SKILLS

Essential — A desire and an ability to drive change and manage continuous improvement within a highly

ambitious, first class creative environment. — A qualification in ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent. — Exceptional cash forecasting and cash management skills. — Strong stakeholder engagement skills, able to influence and present effectively (verbal and written)

at Executive Board level. — Ability to confidently conduct senior level financial analysis on all assigned projects and communicate

results to the senior leadership team. — High attention to detail including proven ability to manage rapidly-growing organisations and

multiple competing priorities. — Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey technical financial

information to non-financial professionals.

Desirable — An interest in the arts/theatre.

The Old Vic welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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TERMS

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES

— Competitive salary, dependent on experience. — 25 days annual leave entitlement, rising to a maximum of 30 days after five years continuous service

(plus the usual bank holidays). — Company pension scheme. Employee and employer contributions are currently 1% of statutory

qualifying earnings.

NON-CONTRACTUAL BENEFITS INCLUDE

— Complimentary tickets to previews and press night events. — 30% discount at the café and bar. — Cycle to work scheme. — Free eye tests.

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HOW TO APPLY

Please send a CV, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and an Equal Opportunities form (forms downloadable from oldvictheatre.com) to jobs@oldvictheatre.com, quoting your name and the vacancy title in the subject line.

The closing date for applications is 20 November 2016.

SELECTION PROCESSThe applicants with the most relevant experience will be invited to first round interviews with the Executive Director in the week commencing 21st November.

Candidates will meet the Chair of the Board and members of our Finance and Audit Committee at second round interview stage (successful candidates will be advised of dates).

JEKYLL & HYDE PHOTO: MANUEL HARLAN