Director of Estates Candidate Information Pack
ABOUT US The National Theatre’s mission is to make world-class theatre, for everyone. The National Theatre creates and shares unforgettable stories with audiences across the UK and around the world. On its own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home, it strives to be accessible, inclusive and sustainable. The National Theatre empowers artists and craftspeople to make world-leading work, investing in talent and developing new productions with a wide range of theatre companies at its New Work Department. Our nation thrives on fresh talent and new ideas, so the National Theatre works with young people and teachers right across the UK through performance, writing and technical programmes to ignite the creativity of the next generation. Together with communities, the National Theatre creates ambitious works of participatory theatre in deep partnerships that unite theatres and local organisations – showing that nothing brings us together like theatre. For more information, please visit nationaltheatre.org.uk
DIVERSITY As the National Theatre we have to be a theatre for everyone, where inclusivity and accessibility are paramount. This begins with the work on our stages and our responsibility to tell stories that represent the whole country, that resonate with the wider national conversation and from a broad and diverse range of voices. Setting a culture where there is more representation in the work force, on the stage and in our programming and where staff and freelancers can succeed and thrive has been a central plank of our vision for the National Theatre. Our ambition is to achieve greater diversity in the areas of gender, race, disability, sexuality, socio-economic background faith and age.
OUR ESTATE
The National Theatre is a Grade 2* listed building and perhaps the UK’s pre-eminent 20th-century example of Brutalist architecture, using a limited material palette used to maximum architectural effect. The primary material elements are the concrete structural members – walls, columns, balustrades and parapets. A crucial and innovative part of the structural design is the use of post- tensioning technology, which was used to reduce movement and cracking and to provide adequate strength within constricted parts of the structural envelope. Parapets and balustrades are all in-situ post-tensioned construction, and the stability of the entire stratified administration wing is reliant upon the main body of the building through post-tensioning. The concrete was almost entirely cast in-situ with an extremely high level of workmanship. The most striking treatment of the concrete is the board- marking used throughout the front of house areas internally and externally – whose horizontally textured surface is contrasted with the smooth finish of the coffered soffits. A pale grey calcium silicate brick is used to differentiate the structure of the back of house workshops, which house one of the largest remaining factories in central London.
The building has a floor coverage of over 57,000 sq.m. with a basement car park, substantial public foyer spaces, three auditoria, rehearsal rooms, office spaces and a complex of backstage spaces for technical resources and support areas, alongside costume making and construction workshops. All designed to make the NT self- sufficient in the theatre making process. The last major refurbishment, NT Future, completed in 2016 was designed by Haworth Tompkins Architects, following the 2009 Conservation Management Plan, which sets out conservation principles and guidance for any changes to the building.
The National’s three theatres have distinct spatial characteristics; the Olivier is a large open stage auditorium, based on the theatre at Epidaurus in Greece, and seats 1150. The Lyttelton is a proscenium theatre, seating 890, and the Dorfman, a studio theatre space with flexible seating up to 500. The two large spaces were designed with significant technical stage equipment; stage elevators and revolves and scenic powered flying, some of which is still in use, and modernised or replaced. The National’s main building uses Tri-Generation M&E Systems to provide heating and cooling. Energy efficient gas boilers, a Combined Heat and Power Plant, Absorption Chiller and evaporative cooling towers make up these systems. We abstract a portion of our mains water from the local aquifer passing it through a RO treatment Plant. Through innovation and improved control, we have improved our energy rating from G in 2011 to B in 2019. We have two other sites; The NT Studio is next to the Old Vic in The Cut. Built originally as the NT’s construction workshops, it now houses our New Work department, with rehearsal and writers’ spaces and the NT’s archive, and is Grade 2 listed. The Hire Department Stores contain all the costumes and props from National Theatre productions for recycling into new productions and operates as a successful commercial enterprise. The department is based in two leased properties within Kennington Park Business Centre. The two properties total 17870 sq. m. (1000 sq. m. Costume and 787 sq. m. props). Together the facilities enable the organisation to deliver a complex and busy production schedule of circa 20 productions a year across the NTs three stages, supporting the work of circa 1,000 staff and 1,000 artists and creative people to present theatre, and welcoming circa 700,000 audience members plus many more hundreds of thousands of non-audience customers each year to enjoy our building, our external spaces and their facilities. The NT has committed to being carbon neutral by 2030.
THE ROLE Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Responsible for: Head of Facilities, Head of Major Projects, Head of Building Design and Sustainability, Head of Safety, Head of Security, Head of Support Services We are looking for a dynamic, energetic new Director of Estates to bring together all building, facilities and support related functions under one directorate to (1) provide the strategic leadership and effective management to these areas, (2) create a new Estate Development and Management Strategy to deliver a progressive and sustainable building and related support infrastructure that delivers to the National Theatre’s strategic aims, (3) lead on environmental sustainability including reaching our net zero carbon emissions target by 2030 and (4) lead on external stakeholder relationship management and advocacy including with Lambeth Council, the Mayor and the GLA. In developing the new Estate Development and Management Strategy you will ensure resources are effectively allocated and recognise the significant impact the National Theatre’s iconic South Bank building has on the experience of audience members, visitors, staff, freelancers and the 30 million people that simply pass by along the South Bank each year. Sitting on the Senior Management Team and reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will have direct responsibility for five teams – Facilities, Major Projects, Safety, Security and Support Services, providing strategic leadership and management to these teams. You will oversee the development and delivery of a 20-year capital development plan, to maximise the customer experience through the enjoyment of world class facilities and ensure best in class facilities to support all the NT’s activities. You will drive and coordinate a fit for purpose approach to planned and reactive maintenance, security, safety, project and facilities management. Developing strong relationships internally and externally to ensure strategies are aligned across all operational business areas, you will identify improvements and continuously improve methods of delivery. The teams that make up the Estates department strive to ensure that the National Theatre’s South Bank building is maintained in a manner that enables the artistic vision of the National Theatre to be delivered. The pressures of a such a creative, adventurous and ambitious organisation need to be balanced with the need for safety, security and legal compliance in all aspects of the service we deliver. The Director of Estates will be expected to strike that balance. As a member of the Senior Management Team you will be expected to contribute to the strategic development and sound management of the
organisation in collaboration with other SMT members. KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Leadership and Strategic Planning • Building Development and Management Strategy - Oversee the evolution and implementation of a Building Development and Management Strategy to deliver an ambitious, efficient, innovative and environmentally sustainable operation. • Lead the sustainability agenda across the organisation to support the National Theatre’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Annually review targets, agree actions, monitor performance and ensure conformity to our environmental policy and commitments. • External Stakeholder Management and Advocacy - Represent the NT’s interests with a range of external stakeholders ensuring that services and projects delivered in the local area are complementary to the National Theatre’s wider strategies. Acting as the principal interface with a range of external stakeholders including Lambeth Council, the Mayor and the GLA, Historic England, cultural bodies and cultural neighbours, many with a vested and long-standing interest in the NT, its activities and its Grade II listed building status. • Internal coordination and communication – the National Theatre is a large, complex site with a variety of unique and sometimes opposing requirements/needs covering the public and cultural activity, commercial activity, our food and drink partner and others. Effective coordination, consultation, liaison and communication with different areas of the organisation is essential to determining and delivering optimised outcomes. • Team management - Lead and motivate your teams to achieve their potential, providing clarity of purpose and clear prioritisation to ensure a collaborative value add approach. Champion continuous improvement and process enhancement. • Foster a positive, supportive and inclusive approach to all Estates, Facilities and Support Services, ensuring a responsive environment for staff, freelancers, contractors, audiences and customers with appropriate measurements and reporting in place. • Financial Management - Overall responsibility for managing a significant operating and capital budget and plan, ensuring resources are proactively and efficiently allocated relative to priorities, ongoing needs and requirements are clearly articulated alongside well-developed business plans. • Risk Management - Identify, manage and mitigate all risks associated with any aspect of the National Theatre’s buildings.
Building Management • Lead the development of the Building Development and Maintenance Strategy, to develop a long-term building management plan that identifies key building projects and expenditure over a 20-year period. • Procurement - Oversee the procurement of contracts and services. Ensure value for money, innovation and environmental sustainability is at the heart of key decisions. • Regulatory compliance including planning and licensing - Ensure appropriate policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed to provide statutory and regulatory compliance, recognising we are in a conservation area with a Grade II* listed building and home to a vast array of activities. • Maintenance - Oversee the delivery of long-term, planned preventative and reactive maintenance projects, with accountability for delivering high quality outcomes within agreed timescales and budgets. • Major Projects – Oversee the planning, budgeting and statutory requirements for any major projects required at the NT. Ensure that there is a transparent process for tendering and that due diligence is carried out on contractors before final appointment. Oversee the delivery of all major projects with accountability for delivering high quality outcomes within agreed timescales and budgets. • Operational Plan - Ensure that long term maintenance is integrated and compliments the wider building development strategy. • Satellite buildings – Oversee management and maintenance of The Studio and the Costume and Props Hire stores as part of the overall maintenance and operational plan ensuring these buildings are as well cared for as the South Bank. • Planning – Ensure that any Planning Approvals are sought and approved in sufficient time and that all internal stakeholders are aware of planning requirements. Safety • Safety Provision Management – Support the Safety team to (1) create a strategic, proactive and comprehensive approach to the management of risk and compliance in terms of the legislative framework and best practise and (2) promote and embed an effective and positive health and safety culture and provide a safe environment for all staff, freelancers and visitors. • Leadership - Ensure the National Theatre safety measures follow best practise and the most up to date strategies and support the sharing of our experience and learnings with the sector as appropriate. Security • Security Provision Management - Ensure Security Services are fit for purpose, proactively managed and deployed according to a robust risk assessment framework. Support the Head of Security in fostering strong links with police, local security forums, agencies and neighbours improving intelligence and co-operation to support crime prevention. Support Protect Duty and ensure the NT complies with it.
• Contract Management – Support the Head of Security in managing the outsourced security contract. Ensure the contract is proactively managed so that it is user focused and value for money. • Leadership – Ensure the National Theatre security measures follow best practise and the most up to date strategies and support the sharing of our experience and learnings with the sector as appropriate. Support the security team to receive continuous training to enable them to provide a safe and warm welcome to all staff and visitors. Support Services • Contract Management – Support the Head of Support services in managing the outsourced services that include printing and waste disposal. Ensure the contract is proactively managed so that it is user focused and value for money. • Housekeeping - Oversee the organisational strategy and delivery of cleaning and hygiene to ensure any regulatory guidance is met and all areas of the estate are safe, clean and welcoming at all times. • Service delivery – Ensure that the Support Services team continues to deliver an excellent service to the National Theatre with their services evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs of their internal customers. Asset Management & Business Continuity Management • Asset Management - ensure effective and sustainable use of the National Theatre’s physical assets with intelligent data and systems monitoring capabilities. • Business Continuity Management - ensure fully documented relevant 24/7 emergency and disaster recovery arrangements are in place and are communicated and regularly rehearsed with colleagues. • Major Incident Plan - ensure fully documented relevant 24/7 major incident plans are in place and are communicated and regularly rehearsed with colleagues.
PERSON SPECIFICATION The person appointed to this role will need to demonstrate a breadth of skills, knowledge and experience: • An experienced, high calibre Building Management or Estates professional with demonstrable experience within a leadership role in a large or multi-site organisation, and a proven ability to combine both strategic and operational leadership and drive performance and innovation. • Professionally qualified engineer/ building professional, or proven competence through practical experience. • Experience and enthusiasm for leading the sustainability agenda within Estates and of reducing the environmental impact of a large and/or multi-site building. • Experience of advocacy and stewardship of relationships with local council, neighbourhood groups and other key stakeholders. • Proven track record of compliance with and understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation. • Able to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the role that diversity and inclusion play in the activities of the National Theatre as a whole and in the work of this particular job. The person appointed to this role is likely to be able to demonstrate the following desirable skills and experience: • Chartered Surveyor and/or recognised facilities management qualification with client-side experience. • Property and estate management experience related to a high footfall visitor attraction with mixed commercial and event offering. • Experience of managing significant refurbishment programmes. • Customer Services Experience in order to understand the core aim of the building’s output. The successful candidate will evidence the following personal attributes: • Highly motivated, independent thinker able to exercise sound judgement and get things done. • Excellent interpersonal skills and the emotional intelligence to negotiate, evaluate and manage a range of priorities and stakeholders. • Able to take a big picture view and contribute to an executive team outside of your own specialism, embracing change and leading by example. • A positive, inclusive and collegial leadership style with the ability to inspire, coach and motivate others to deliver excellent and efficient services.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
SALARY: Circa £80,000 dependent on experience LOCATION:
The role will be based at the National Theatre’s home on the South Bank in London. We currently have a hybrid working policy with an expectation you will be office 3 days per week. BENEFITS: • Complimentary staff tickets for shows and National Theatre Talks & Events, subject to availability and policy • Discounts in the National Theatre’s bars, cafes, restaurants and bookshop and in local businesses (from Wagamama to local childcare providers & gyms on and around the South Bank) • Interest-free season ticket and cycle-scheme loan • Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST • 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), pro rata, increasing with length of service • In-house Training & Development Programme including a free e-learning platform • An Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders scheme and an in-house Wellbeing • Programme including monthly talks and events • Buddy scheme for New Starters • On-site staff canteen and bar • Staff networks including the Ethnically Diverse network, LGBTQ+ network and Women’s network • The National Theatre is also a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
HOW TO APPLY & INTERVIEW
PROCESS Accessibility and adjustments
We welcome all applicants and are keen to ensure our employees reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic, disabled, LGBTQ+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those with lived experience of discrimination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with Michael Hewlett or Ben Duffill of The Management Recruitment Group. Ben Duffill M: 07976 125 010 E: ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk Michael Hewlett M: 07972 579 938 E: michael.hewlett@mrgpeople.co.uk Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and supporting cover letter. Applications should be sent to michael.hewlett@mrgpeople.co.uk The Closing date for appliations is Sunday 18th September 2022.
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