NED 1 - Commercial

Description

At the heart of the East of England's cultural landscape, Norwich Theatre is a powerhouse of performance, innovation, and sustainability: shaping the stage locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Norwich Theatre is a model of what culture can do—delivering economic impact, social value and growth—helping recharge the nation.

Having exceeded the goals of its transformative strategy, Norwich Theatre is preparing its next chapter, ambitiously focused on growth and expanding our charitable mission for the future. As a regional pioneer of the self-subsidy model and with rising audiences, it is setting the stage for the region’s creative future and inviting others to help shape it.

We are looking to appoint a Non-Executive Director with a strong commercial background, ideally an experienced business leader or entrepreneur with a demonstrable track record of strategic growth and innovation. This individual will bring insight into commercial development, new income models, and entrepreneurial thinking that can support our long-term resilience and ambition.

If you are commercially minded, passionate about growth, and driven by purpose, we invite you to be part of our journey.

As a Non-Executive Director, you will embody the values of Norwich Theatre by actively participating in meetings, advocating for the organisation externally, and engaging with its programmes and people. You will uphold the Seven Nolan Principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

We’re seeking a dynamic and strategic individual with:

• Executive-level commercial leadership or strategic experience in high-growth or entrepreneurial environments.
• Proven success in joint ventures, partnerships, and commercial innovation within mission-led organisations.
• A strategic mindset with creativity, pragmatism, and a drive for growth.
• Experience in commercial partnerships, including procurement, legal negotiations, M&A, or investment management.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style and a strong interest in contributing meaningfully to governance.
• Passion for Norwich Theatre’s mission and a commitment to its success.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise and insight to an organisation that inspires, challenges, and connects communities through impactful creative experiences.

A personal connection to the arts or to Norwich/Norfolk is desirable, as is a willingness to act as a sounding board and strategic partner to the executive team. While London-based candidates are welcome, we particularly value individuals who can engage regularly in person or have a meaningful connection to the region.

Theatres should be places which reflect and embrace the diversity of the world we live in, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you would like a confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson: 

Oliver Startup, Researcher: oliver.startup@gatenbysanderson.com

Rebekah Herz-Bauman, Partner: rebekah.herz-bauman@gatenbysanderson.com

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