Job Title: General Manager
Line Manager: Trustee Board
Remuneration: * £35,000.00 - £38,000.00 Gross Per Annum – Basic Salary
And benefits * 25 Days holiday (in addition to all UK Bank Holidays)
* Contributory Pension
* Life Assurance
Location: Cardiff Bay, Wales or Dublin, Ireland
About the Norwegian Church
The Norwegian Church Arts Centre is one of the landmark buildings situated in Cardiff Bay and has panoramic views over the waterfront. Formerly a Church for Norwegian Sailors, the iconic building dates back to the industrial revolution, when Cardiff Docks was the world's greatest exporter of coal.
A popular destination café and cultural centre, the trustees of the newly formed Norwegian Church Cardiff Bay charity will take over the running of the Church from Cardiff Council in early 2022. In relaunching the Church in its new guise, the trustees are looking for an experienced, energetic General Manager to deliver the future vision of the church.
The Business Plan for the Church focuses on five aspects:
- Heritage – developing displays interpreting the rich history of the Church since its building in 1868 and transfer to the existing site in 1992.
- Arts – reviving the Arts programme - the auditorium has excellent acoustic properties for music events, exhibitions, and the popular craft fairs.
- Community – providing facilities for the inhabitants of Cardiff Bay and working with other local organisations including the primary schools.
- Encouraging Norwegian links with Wales.
- Launching a renewed Café with a Norwegian flavour, which will underpin the finances.
Having secured initial startup funding, the trustees have also secured interest from a number of foundations for potential future programs and from local businesses for possible future joint ventures. Plans for a Norwegian themed café are advanced and professional support has be obtained. The public profile of the Church is strong, and a nascent program of marketing and public fundraising is being developed. The Church has long standing and strong links with local authorities in Cardiff and Norway which the trustees hope to develop into more regular youth and cultural exchange programs. The Church has a strong national profile and attracts tourists from all over Wales and the West Country.
The Role
Working with the trustees, the General Manager will be responsible for the day to day running of the Church, developing fundraising strategies, engaging with local businesses, voluntary
organisations and community groups to establish the Church as a local and national charity with strong international links building on its Nordic heritage.
The role of the General Manager will incorporate both operational management and strategic development, making it an ideal role for the individual who takes pride in taking a hands on approach whilst also working at a strategic level.
Primary Responsibilities
- Act as the public face of the Church, promoting its ethos of cultural awareness, community engagement and inclusion
- Manage the day-to-day operation and finances of the Church, including the café
- Create, and be accountable for annual and strategic budgets
- Recruitment and staff management
- Collaborate with the trustees to; secure funding for and implement arts, heritage and community programs
- Develop the potential of the Church as an events and conference/meeting venue
- Build links with local community organisations, schools and businesses to maximise the awareness of the Church as a resource to support their work
Candidate Key Skills & Requirements
- Experience of setting up and running a small business, charity or managing a multifaceted department in a local authority or business
- Strong financial management skills
- Excellent communications skills
- An understanding of, or interest in, marketing and public fundraising
- Demonstrable ability to deliver projects, within budget and with accountability to external funders for those projects
- The skills and capability to represent the Church to a wide external audience, including donors, local community groups and businesses, politicians and local authority bodies
- The ability to work to deadlines
- A flexible approach to running and managing a business or project
- The ability to manage and inspire staff and volunteers
To apply, please send your CV and covering email to Martin Price at martin@martinprice.com.
Applications should be made before Friday 31st December 2021
