Cultural Hires Manager

ABOUT SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL

One of the grandest former civic buildings in London with a rich and varied history, Shoreditch Town Hall has established itself in the last decade as a leading cultural venue, live events space and community destination. Our landmark Grade II listed building houses spaces which range from an expansive and versatile 750 seat auditorium, The assembly Hall, to a flexible warren of spaces in our basement, The Ditch. Shoreditch Town Hall’s core team is a tight knit, dedicated and multi-skilled group of 13 who are supported by around 50 casual staff and a loyal and highly skilled Board of Trustees.

No day is ever the same at Shoreditch Town Hall, ensuring a vibrant and stimulating working environment that challenges and rewards in equal measure. 2026 promises to be an exciting year with our world-class curated cultural programme including our annual Summer in the Ditch queer cabaret and celebrations around our 160th anniversary, as well as the return of several high profile events such as SXSW London and KIN’s Christmas Party season.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Hires Manager is a part time, fixed term role. The successful candidate will fit into a busy existing team and will be responsible for delivering, managing, and developing venue hire activity at Shoreditch Town Hall. This role oversees predominantly cultural hires plus some commercial hires, from initial inquiry and contracting through to event delivery and reconciliation.

The postholder will build strong, positive relationships with a broad range of clients: artistic companies rehearsing new work, producers bringing live performance, commercial partners delivering brand launches or conferences, film and TV productions seeking location space, and community organisations seeking an accessible, welcoming space. This is a key income generating role for the organisation.

The Cultural Hires Manager will work with the Head of Events to meet revenue targets, ensure excellent client service, and maintain high operational standards across all hires.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

Venue Hire Management

• Support the Head of Events to actively engage in increasing revenue and usage of Shoreditch Town Hall through venue hires, ensuring that systems are in place so that all bookers receive the best possible experience and excellent level of service.
• Lead the end-to-end management of an allocation of our venue hire enquiries, bookings, and contracts.
• Integrate with the team and balance diary management across all spaces for cultural programming, hires, and operational needs.
• Prepare and issue quotes, hire contracts and invoices ensuring accurate and timely communication.
• Conduct site visits, tours, and client meetings to promote the building and secure bookings.
• Address and manage any complaints or feedback from hirers as required, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and professionally.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain a strong working relationship with a wide range of clients, from single performers, artistic companies and independent producers to corporate teams and location managers.
• Act as the main point of contact for some of our hirers throughout the planning and delivery of their event, rehearsal, shoot, or project.
• Provide a positive, responsive, and solutions focused service that reflects the values of Shoreditch Town Hall.
• Carry out post quote or post event evaluation.

Event Delivery & Coordination

• Work closely with the Technical & Operations teams to ensure hires are appropriately staffed, resourced, and supported.
• Prepare event briefs and handovers, ensuring smooth communication between departments.
• Work with our Duty Management team to support onsite delivery where required, ensuring health & safety, access, and building regulations are adhered to.
• Monitor the quality of client experience and implement improvements where needed.

Financial Management

• Work with the Head of Events to achieve and monitor venue hire income targets.
• Prepare quotations, costings, and post-event settlements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED)

• Maximise ancillary income through F&B sales/commission, as well as box office and merchandise commissions where relevant.
• Contribute to annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• To undertake financial duties, including raising invoices, generating final sales and merchandise settlements, calculating re-charges, and so on.

Client Development

• Identify new markets, audiences, and revenue opportunities for venue hire.
• Contribute to marketing strategies for cultural and commercial hires, including copywriting and content creation if required.
• Maintain strong awareness of industry trends in events, rehearsal hire, filming, and brand activations.
• Cultivate repeat business and long-term client relationships.

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure all necessary paperwork is received from venue hirers prior to a hire including public liability insurance documentation, damages deposits and full payment, risk assessments, method statements and event plans.
• Ensure all hires comply with licensing, insurance, health & safety, safeguarding, and access requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation, CRM data, and digital records. Review and update hire policies, pricing, and procedures.

General

• To promote and maintain the highest standard of customer service.
• To publicly represent Shoreditch Town Hall in a prepared and professional manner.
• To work unsocial hours as required.
• To carry out reception cover where necessary.
• To maintain confidentiality.
• To undertake any other duties which may be reasonably requested to ensure the smooth running of Shoreditch Town Hall.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Experience managing venue hires or events within an arts, cultural, or commercial venue.
• Experience working with a variety of people e.g. producers, artists, agents and community leaders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple bookings simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a client centred approach.
• Confidence negotiating contracts, costings, and logistics.
• Ability to work calmly and professionally in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of technical and operational requirements for events, rehearsals, and filming.
• Strong administrative accuracy and attention to detail.
• A proactive, solutions-driven mindset and the ability to take initiative.

Desirable

• Experience working with film/TV location managers, rehearsal producers, or brand-event agencies.
• Knowledge of heritage buildings or venues with multiple flexible spaces.
• An interest in contemporary performance and the wider cultural sector.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTION TIPS

TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND YOUR UPDATED CV AND COVER LETTER TO george.belle@hackney.gov.uk  

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CV CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

1. What you are applying for and why.
2. Why do you want to work for Shoreditch Town Hall?
3. What qualifications do you already hold that are relevant to the Cultural Hires Manager?
4. What SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and EXPERTISE do you have that are relevant for this role? (please refer to the candidate requirements listed above).
5. What personal qualities do you have that will be useful for this role?

Once you have been contacted and screened by the team you will be required to complete equality and diversity form.

Hours: 3 days (22.5 hours) per week to include evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays where necessary. This role is a venue based with guide office hours of 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday.