Open call: Market Theatre Foundation chief operations officer in SA

The successful candidate will earn between R82 800 (about $4 500) to R103 500 per month.

Purpose

The successful candidate will lead and direct the operational activities of the MTF with the aim of achieving the strategic objectives, policies and goals established by the CEO and council. He or she will provide direction and leadership and oversee daily operations with regards to the delivery of the organisation’s mandate, in accordance with the strategic plan and annual performance plan of the MTF. Additionally, the candidate will direct and oversee the work of the support services unit head of departments falling under the COO’s portfolio.

Strategic management

• Identify, oversee and manage the design and implementation of operational programmes and projects.
• Oversee the annual strategic and performance planning process.
• Identify and manage key strategic initiatives from conceptualisation to implementation.
• Implement and oversee change management initiatives.
• Contribute to the development/refinement of systems and models that support strategic decision making, e.g. revenue generation models.
• Provide input to wider corporate strategy, policy and decision making.

Annual operational plan

• Document and execute the annual operational plan in accordance with MTF strategic objectives.
• Ensure the translation of strategy and corporate objectives into robust operational delivery.
• Ensure contingency plans are in place to manage unforeseen events.
• Ensure appropriate systems, processes and performance management arrangements are in place to deliver consistent high-quality level of service provision and actively report and monitor achievement.
• Report to council on compliance of operational targets and ensure corrective action plans are in place to address shortfalls.

Financial management

• Prepare and direct annual budget for operations.
• Manage the approved department budget as per the project plans and schedules.
• Authority over agreed budget limits.
• Compile and submit accurate financial data in accordance with prescribed guidelines, standards and formats.
• Ensure that the agreed revenue targets are communicated, managed, and achieved within the prescribed time frames.

Safety and risk management

• Ensure that safety management deliverables are achieved, through accurate delivery of all the activities related to safety performance and quality assurance.
• Ensure quality assurance on the compliance activities performed by the relevant technical departments.
• Oversee and provide input into operational risk management and legal activities.
• Ensure that managers develop and implement controls and processes identify and manage risk.
• Ensure organisational learning and continuous improvement by providing appropriate feedback on potential risk including incidents, audits, and inspections.

Information technology

• Ensure that a relevant Information technology is in place to support the business of the MTF to ensure continuous improvement.
• Implement technology to support the organisation.
• Evaluate IT and electronic data operations.
• Ensure security of data, network access and backup systems.
• Identify problematic areas and implement strategic solutions in time.
• Preserve IT assets, information security and control structures.

Human resource management

• Effectively direct the strategic objectives of human resources in alignment with the MTF strategy and develop the well-being of the organisation through strategic projects and processes.
• Oversee the human capital strategy and framework for MTF in line with broader strategic objectives.
• Establish governance criteria in line with strategic objectives and relevant legislation.
• Oversee departmental operation performance.
• Recruitment and succession planning strategy must be guided by the EE target compliance.
• Make inputs on budget preparation and control the budget, including periodic financial reporting on budget implementation.
• Manage subordinates by allocating work, assessing progress, coaching/training and motivating.
• Provide required training and development to staff to ensure optimal performance.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of human resources/capacity within the department.
• Manage performance of subordinates and implement corrective measures where required.
• Effectively respond to staff queries.
• Oversee the HR generalist.

Front of house management

• Ensure that all aspects of the Front of House Management (FOH) responsibility for the theatre complex, Market Square and the Windybrow Arts Centre are adhered to.
• Ensure the maintenance of high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation of all FOH and service staff.
• Monitor the FOH daily/weekly activity reports.
• Ensure all the necessary regulations and by laws in relation to health and safety, risk management, hygiene, and public entertainment and adhere to.
• Ensure the coordination and management of all FOH staff.
• Ensure the safety of patrons, volunteers and staff through implementation and enforcement of safety and emergency procedures.

People management

• Delegate and empower staff to increase contribution and level of responsibility.
• Implement the performance management system within own area of operation.
• Recognise individuals and teams and provide developmental feedback in accordance with performance management principles.
• Effectively deal with staff discipline.
• Supervise staff (fair, firm, and assertive).
• Handle staff disputes fairly and honestly by following labour law principles and MTF’s policies.
• Identify competencies required and suitable resources for specific tasks.
• Ensure training and development of staff within your own division.
• Monitor team members and measure effectiveness and performance.
• Manage own time as well as time of colleagues and other stakeholders; manage conflict through a participatory transparent approach.
• Empower team members through recognising strengths, encouraging participation in decision making and delegating tasks.

Preferred qualifications, skills, experience

Qualifications

• Minimum: Relevant degree in business administration/project management.
• Ideal: Masters’ in business administration.

Experience

• At least four years’ senior management experience in a key operational role preferably within the arts industry.
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve organisational goals/outcomes.
• 10 years’ related experience, including five years’ plus in managerial role.
• Proven track record in the arts industry.

Person specification knowledge, skills and attributes

Behavioural competencies, performance drivers

• Strategic thinking
• Problem solving
• Critical judgement
• Interactive communication
• Creativity and innovation
• Partnering
• Relationship building
• Teamwork
• Work ethics and values
• Stress management
• Self confidence

Technical competencies/professional expertise

• Financial budgeting, planning and reporting
• Project management
• Legislation, policies, procedures and standards
• Human resources management specific aspects (handling).
• Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Preferential Procurement Policy Framework act (PPPFA) and Treasury regulations.
• Knowledge of the arts and corporate governance issues.
• Knowledge of risk assessment techniques.

Leadership competency requirements

• Results management
• Leading and managing change
• Planning and organising
• Team leadership

Interested persons who meet the requirements are invited to send a concise CV to the human resources department via e-mail to [email protected] before 12 July.

Ensure to indicate the reference number (COO 01/2024) of the post. ITC and criminal checks will be conducted and where applicable, candidates will be subjected to an assessment test.

All enquiries should be directed to Refiloe Chesane via telephone on 011 832 1641 ext. 221.

View the original call here.