General Manager

The Play House is a Birmingham-based theatre-in-education charity. Since 1986 we have brought participatory theatre into primary schools across the city, particularly in lower socio-economic areas. For many of the children we work with, our productions and workshops are their first encounter with live theatre. Many of the schools we partner with describe our practice as core to their curriculum rather than an add-on.
We are recruiting a General Manager to lead the company alongside our Artistic Director through its next phase. This is a senior role in a small organisation: a partner to the AD in running the charity with confidence.
The company comes to this recruitment in good shape. Forty years of work has built distinctive practice and a strong reputation. We have reserves that allow us to plan rather than fire-fight, and a clear sense of direction alongside genuine openness for the new team to shape the next phase together.
We are looking for someone organised, capable and committed. Specific experience of arts or charity management is welcome but not essential. We would be just as glad to hear from skilled operational leaders in education, the wider third sector, or any setting where running a complex organisation well is what you do. The ability and the desire to take on the challenges of supporting theatre-in-education matter more than any specific track record.
The role is 37 hours per week, permanent, salary £38,000, with 30 days annual leave plus bank and public holidays. Based at the Action for Children Centre, Ladywood, Birmingham. Anticipated start 1 September 2026, or by agreement.
Closing date: 15th June 2026. Interviews: w/c 29th June 2026.