Company Manager
Reporting to: Head of Artistic Administration
Contract: Part-time, permanent – 180 days per calendar year
Time Commitment: Full-time hours during the Festival Season (April – August), part-time out of Season (September - March)
Location: London during rehearsals, our Longborough offices during the Festival Season, and hybrid working offered out of season. A valid driving licence and access to a car are required due to our rural location
Salary: £25,000 (FTE £36,000)
Annual Leave: FTE 25 days paid holiday per annum plus statutory bank holidays (pro-rated accordingly)
Pension: 3% employer contribution
Application Deadline: Thursday 4th September 2025
First interviews (online): week commencing 8th September 2025
Second interviews (in person at Longborough Festival Opera): week commencing 15th September 2025
About Longborough Festival Opera
LFO is a world-class opera festival based in the heart of the Cotswolds. Each summer, we welcome audiences to our intimate theatre overlooking the Evenlode valley, offering bold, ambitious productions that have gained national and international recognition. We are especially known for our presentation of Wagner’s operas, and alongside the festival, we nurture children and young people through our thriving year-round education programmes.
Founded with a spirit of audacity and creative endeavour, Longborough has grown from humble beginnings into one of the UK’s most exciting opera destinations. With a committed team, a loyal supporter base and a fast-growing reputation for high quality ambitious work, there has never been a more exciting time to join us as we expand our reach, deepen our impact and shape the future of opera in the UK.
Job Description
Working closely with the Head of Artistic Administration and Production Manager, the Company Manager is primarily responsible for administrative, logistical and welfare matters of artists, production and season staff. The role requires a highly flexible, motivated and efficient individual, with a keen interest in our values and who wants an active and responsible role in a friendly and ambitious organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- management and welfare of the performing company, creative teams, children, chaperones and production staff, in respect of accommodation, travel, payments and other requirements, as necessary
- coordinate production staff recruitment and issue contracts
- recruit, line manage and support the seasonal stage management teams
- responsibility for the planning, budgeting, sourcing and management of accommodation for freelance artists, and being a point of contact during the festival season
- schedule and attend seasonal production activities, rehearsals, meetings, coaching, costume fittings etc.
- ensure effective and timely communication to all members of the company
- liaise and facilitate the set-up and management of internal and external venues
- to attend rehearsals and performances, in London and at LFO, as required, including community chorus and youth chorus rehearsals
- co-ordinate and supervise the handling of petty cash, receipts, credit cards and order forms, working within financial policies and procedures
- assisting FOH in arranging first and last night drinks for the company
- to track and book ticket requests for creative and artists
- update and compile season related paperwork: schedules, contact sheets, handbooks, NA lists, etc.
- manage the archiving of files and other materials throughout the season
- contribute to and champion the sustainability activities of company with data recording
- assist with future season planning tasks and activities, when required
Person Specification
Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrable experience in a creative/arts management, coordination or administrative position
- Proven track record in managing multiple tasks at once and meeting deadlines, with a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail
- Experience in tracking expenditure or budget management
- Have a diplomatic and supportive approach to working with others as part of a busy and collaborative team
- Excellent problem-solving capabilities and the ability to stay calm in highly pressured situations
- Up-to-date understanding of existing legislation and best practice in all aspects of production health and safety, including the CDM and management processes
- Familiarity and experience of working with Microsoft Office software
- An interest in live performance and the arts
- A good sense of humour!
To apply
Please electronically submit your CV and a covering letter to:
Remi Smith, Head of Artistic Administration: apply@lfo.org.uk
In the covering letter, please explain your interest in the role and how your skills and experience are suitable for the position, making reference to the person specification.
Please include details of your current work commitments between October 2025 and March 2026 and the details of two references in the submitted information.
When you submit your application, please complete our anonymised equality monitoring form.
Please contact Remi Smith: remi@lfo.org.uk for any questions or to arrange an informal chat about the role/organisation, which can be arranged between 1st September – 3rd September 2025.
Note: This Job Description reflects the current situation. It does not preclude change or development that might be required in the future.
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