Venue Operations & Training Lead

Cinema, Live Performance & Events | New Build

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | 12-Month Fixed-Term Appointment

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced entertainment and venue operations professional to help establish a major new cinema, live performance and events destination in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The new Cinema & Performing Arts Centre (CPA) will bring together premium cinemas, live theatre, performing arts, events, hospitality and food and beverage within a purpose-built entertainment complex.

We are seeking an experienced industry professional who can bring their knowledge and expertise to a developing market, with a particular focus on training, mentoring and building the capabilities of a newly recruited local management and operational team.

The Role:

Unlike a conventional permanent operations position, this is a 12-month specialist appointment focused on knowledge transfer, training and operational capability development.

Working alongside an experienced international cinema and development team, your primary objective will be to establish the systems, skills and operational standards required for the venue to operate independently.

You will work closely with the appointed General Manager, department managers, supervisors and operational staff, progressively transferring your knowledge and experience to establish a capable, self-sufficient local team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a structured operational training and capability-development programme.
• Mentor and coach the General Manager and senior management team in all aspects of venue operations.
• Establish operating procedures, service standards, safety protocols and management systems.
• Transfer practical expertise in live performance, theatre and event operations, including production coordination, front-of-house, ticketing and event delivery.
• Support the recruitment, induction and development of supervisors and operational staff.
• Guide the management team through commissioning, operational simulations, soft opening and launch.
• Establish competency benchmarks and progressively transfer operational responsibility to the permanent management team.

Success will be measured not simply by a successful opening, but by the capability of the local management team to independently operate and develop the business following completion of the assignment.

About You:

We are particularly interested in candidates with substantial theatre, live performance and events venue experiencewho enjoy developing people and sharing their industry knowledge.

You will ideally bring:

• Significant senior operational experience in theatres, performing arts centres or major entertainment and events venues.
• Strong practical knowledge of live production, venue operations, technical coordination and audience management.
• Demonstrated experience training, mentoring and developing management teams.
• Experience opening, mobilising or establishing new entertainment venues.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• A patient, adaptable and hands-on approach to developing people in an emerging market.

Cinema experience is advantageous but not essential. Specialist cinema expertise will be provided by the existing leadership team.

Experience working in Papua New Guinea, the Pacific or other developing markets would be highly regarded.

The Opportunity:

This is a 12-month, Port Moresby-based appointment, spanning pre-opening mobilisation, commissioning, opening and the initial operating period.

The opportunity will appeal to an experienced industry professional who gains satisfaction from building teams, developing local talent and leaving behind a sustainable operating business.

• An attractive remuneration package, commensurate with experience, will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Relocation and accommodation assistance may be available where required.