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Head of Programming
Independent Cinema Office
40,000 per year
Sheffield
Full-time
12th October 2025

Head of Programming

Showroom Cinema

Sheffield

Salary: £40,000

Showroom Cinema is seeking a Head of Programming to deliver leadership through the programming strategy for the cinema. This is alongside overseeing talent and skills development activity and supporting initiatives for the film and screen sector.

Showroom Cinema is seeking a Head of Programming to deliver leadership through the programming strategy for the cinema. This is alongside overseeing talent and skills development activity and supporting initiatives for the film and screen sector.

This is a unique opportunity to head the programming strategy for a major independent cinema and provide cultural leadership across a multi-faceted organisation. The role is a member of our Senior Management Team and works closely with the Chief Executive on the development and delivery of cultural and financial targets.

A significant amount of activity will be in response to British Film Institute (BFI) funded programmes, particularly in relation to audiences, and the post holder will be a lead for this and other stakeholder relationships. Through our role as a Film Hub lead Organisation, the post holder also contributes cultural leadership to Film Hub North.

Role details
  • Full-time
  • Permanent
  • Occasional weekend and evening work may be required
  • For more details and to apply, visit the Showroom Cinema jobs page.
Role responsibilities

Programme Development and Cultural Leadership

  • Developing the strategy and partnerships required to deliver an excellent and unique cinema programme for people in Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
  • Ensuring the cinema’s cultural and community programmes are inclusive and reflective of the audiences of the city.
  • Overseeing the delivery of the cinema programme of first-run films including weekly holdovers.
  • Initiating a year-round programme of film seasons, retrospectives, festivals, and unique events, capitalising on the Showroom’s ability to screen in multiple formats.
  • Executive Producing in-house film festivals, leading growth of existing initiatives and development of new programmes.
  • Supporting key partner festivals and industry events delivered by associate promoters. Current key partner events include the Sheffield Film Festival, Sheffield Adventure Film Festival, Sheffield DocFest, Celluloid Screams and the Children’s Media Conference, however this list is not exhaustive, and the role entails developing new and beneficial partnerships in addition to supporting key events.
  • Supporting the work of Film Hub North (led by Showroom in conjunction with HOME, Manchester) through advice and creative insight.
  • Representing Showroom nationally and internationally, able to speak to industry and public audiences to secure the reputation of the organisation.

Talent Development

  • Collaborating with the Chief Executive and Creative Skills Manager to conceive and oversee talent development, education and sector support activity.
  • Exploring digital platforms in relation to the dissemination of cultural and learning content.

Programme Operations

  • Working closely with the Marketing Team on audience development strategy and community engagement, taking a data-driven approach.
  • Ensuring the technically proficient screening of the film programme and working with the Technical Manager on capital development needs for the cinema.
  • Working with the Head of Operations to deliver the best customer experience to patrons of the cinema.

Finance and fundraising

  • Applying for relevant funding from the BFI and other appropriate sources.
  • Creating budgets, agreeing targets and managing financial reporting to funders, in conjunction with the Finance Team.
  • Ensuring that monitoring, evaluation and reporting to funders and the Board is completed thoroughly, accurately and in a timely fashion.

People Management and Organisational Values

  • Coaching and supporting direct reports, leading by example and identifying training and development opportunities (formal and informal).
  • Working collegially with Showroom and Work Station colleagues to provide support and expertise, and maximise beneficial relationships.
  • Adopting and exercising the values of the charity
Person specifications

Essential

  • A good understanding of, and demonstrable passion for, film culture and film curation, with experience of developing and producing successful cinema seasons and retrospectives for public audiences.
  • Direct experience and understanding of first run booking and cinema programme management.
  • Knowledge of audience development and community engagement strategies related to cultural programming.
  • Proven commitment to diversity and inclusion within cultural or educational activity.
  • Experience of working at management level within an organization including the delivery of budgets, working to targets, business planning and line managing a team.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including making presentations and hosting events.
  • Proven track record in developing partnerships and managing stakeholder relationships.
  • Knowledge of fundraising, skills in bid writing and the ability to complete evaluation within complex reporting frameworks.
  • Proficient in managing data, using box office systems and film scheduling software.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the UK film industry in relation to production and talent development.
  • Experience of working on BFI-funded programmes and reporting to stakeholders.
  • Experience of matrix management of teams.
How to apply

For more details and to apply, visit the Showroom Cinema jobs page.

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The closing date for this position is 12/10/2025 at 23:59