Operations Manager – Regent Theatre

Operations Manager – Regent Theatre The Regent Theatre is more than just a cinema - it’s a community hub, event space, café, live performance venue, and an important part of Hokitika’s social and cultural life.

We are looking for an experienced, practical, and motivated Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the Regent Theatre & Café.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can juggle multiple priorities, and enjoys working with people. From coordinating events and supporting staff to improving operational performance and ensuring excellent customer experiences, no two days will look the same.

About the Role You will oversee the daily operations of the theatre and café, supporting staff and volunteers while ensuring smooth delivery across film screenings, events, hospitality, and venue hire.

This is a working management role and will include hands-on involvement within the café, including food preparation and cooking when required.

The role includes:

• Leading and supervising staff and volunteers
• Managing rosters and daily workflow
• Overseeing café operations and service standards
• Food preparation and cooking as required
• Overseeing stock control, purchasing, inventory management, and stocktakes
• Supporting events, functions, and community use of the venue
• Promoting the theatre, café, events, and venue hire opportunities
• Assisting with marketing initiatives, social media content, and community engagement
• Liaising with event organisers, suppliers, community groups, sponsors, and external stakeholders
• Identifying opportunities to increase patronage, venue use, and community participation
• Monitoring operational performance, wages, and costs
• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, food safety, and liquor licensing requirements
• Maintaining a welcoming, professional environment for customers and the community

What We’re Looking For We are seeking someone who:

• Has strong leadership and communication skills
• Is highly organised and practical
• Can confidently manage multiple moving parts
• Is comfortable working in a commercial kitchen environment
• Has cooking or café experience
• Has experience or confidence in marketing, promotion, or community engagement
• Understands operational performance and cost management
• Remains calm under pressure
• Has a community-minded approach and enjoys being part of a team
• Is willing to work evenings, weekends, and events as required

Experience in hospitality, venue management, operations, events, or team leadership would be highly regarded.

Hours & Days of Work This is a full-time position with a roster that will vary depending on operational requirements, events, and theatre programming.

The role will include a mixture of daytime, evening, and weekend work, including public holidays where required. Flexibility is essential, as hours may change depending on scheduled events, functions, film screenings, and venue activity.

As this is a working management role, the Operations Manager is expected to be hands-on across all areas of the business and available to support operations during peak periods and key events.

Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to play a key role in one of Hokitika’s most valued community spaces. You will help shape the daily experience for locals and visitors alike while helping grow the profile and future of the Regent Theatre within the community.

You will work alongside a passionate committee, staff, volunteers, performers, community groups, and external stakeholders to help deliver a vibrant and welcoming venue the community can continue to be proud of.

If you are someone who enjoys leadership, thrives on variety, and wants to contribute to the future of a well-loved community venue, we would love to hear from you.

Applications can be sent to president@hokitikaregent.com