As General Manager, you will be the senior leader of Chiswick Cinema, accountable for its financial performance, strategic direction, operational excellence and community positioning. You will shape and deliver a clear business plan to achieve or exceed budgeted EBITDA, grow secondary income (bar, events, hires and membership), and strengthen the cinema’s reputation as a premium cultural destination.
This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring strong venue management, retail/hospitality expertise and entrepreneurial drive. You will combine strategic thinking with operational grip, ensuring a first‑class customer experience while building sustainable commercial growth. You will line manage the Programme & Marketing Manager, FOH Manager and Venue Administrator, creating a high‑performing leadership team aligned to Trafalgar’s values and objectives. The General Manager reports to the Regional Director and has wide‑ranging relationships with others across Trafalgar Entertainment. Chiswick Cinema are seeking a commercially driven and operationally confident venue leader with strong hospitality and retail expertise.
Responsibilities
- Own the cinema’s annual business plan, forecasts and long‑term strategy, delivering or exceeding EBITDA and revenue targets.
- Monitor KPIs including Spend Per Head, labour cost ratios, membership growth and retail performance; take decisive corrective action where required.
- Drive profitability across all revenue streams: box office, membership, bar & retail, private hires and events.
- Develop and implement new commercial opportunities, including corporate hires, community partnerships, premium experiences and alternative content.
- Maintain strong financial controls, accurate forecasting and timely reporting in collaboration with central finance.
- Optimise labour models to ensure efficiency and service excellence.
Programme, Product & Marketing
- Work closely with the Programme & Marketing Manager to curate a commercially effective and locally resonant programme.
- Ensure contracts for film bookings, events and hires are executed accurately and in line with company policy.
- Champion data‑led marketing and membership strategies to grow loyalty, frequency and yield.
- Drive in‑venue marketing standards and premium brand presentation.
- Identify event‑led growth opportunities (Q&As, festivals, private screenings, corporate partnerships, hospitality‑led events).
Retail & Guest Experience
- Lead and evolve the bar and hospitality offer to maximise secondary spend and reinforce the premium positioning of the venue.
- Ensure exceptional customer experience at every touchpoint, from booking to departure.
- Maintain rigorous standards of presentation, cleanliness and service.
- Introduce upselling strategies, product innovation and pricing optimisation to grow revenue per head.
People & Culture
- Lead, inspire and develop a capable, motivated leadership team and wider workforce.
- Set clear objectives and performance measures aligned to business targets.
- Embed Trafalgar’s values, fostering an inclusive, respectful and high‑performance culture.
- Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, training and succession development.
- Build a talent pipeline and support internal progression where possible.
Operations, Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with licensing, health & safety, employment legislation and company policies.
- Oversee building maintenance, contractor management and statutory compliance.
- Maintain robust operational processes, payroll controls and administrative standards.
- Act as the senior escalation point for operational, HR or customer matters.
Partnerships, Community & Group Collaboration
- Position Chiswick Cinema at the heart of its community through proactive engagement with local businesses, schools, arts organisations and stakeholders.
- Develop relationships with corporate clients and community groups to drive private hire and event income.
- Act as an ambassador for both Chiswick Cinema and Trafalgar Entertainment.
- Collaborate with central TE teams to maximise shared opportunities and cross‑business initiatives. TCL General Manager Mar 26
Skills and Experience
- An experienced General Manager, Venue Manager or senior operations leader within cinema, hospitality, retail or live entertainment.
- Commercially astute, financially literate and confident managing budgets and P&L performance.
- Entrepreneurial and proactive, with a track record of developing new revenue streams.
- Experienced in managing premium customer experiences and high‑performing teams.
- Skilled at balancing strategic oversight with operational detail.
- A confident communicator, able to influence stakeholders internally and externally.
- Organised, resilient and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment.
- Experience within independent or boutique cinema operations.
- Strong retail or bar/hospitality background with evidence of revenue growth.
- Knowledge of cinema management systems (e.g. Indy).
- Experience managing membership or loyalty schemes. xwzovoh
- Relevant management or H&S qualifications.
The closing date for this position is 29/03/2026 at 23:59
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