Director of Producing (0.6 FTE)

Join tiata fahodzi as the new Director of Producing to translate fearless British African stories from idea to stage.

• Location: Watford
• Salary: £50,000 FTE (£30,000 pro rata)
• Closing date: Rolling applications

Who we are

Founded in 1997, tiata fahodzi is the UK’s leading British African heritage contemporary theatre company. We make work that is fearless and contemporary, celebrating characters and audiences defined not by their diversity but by their humanity. Our stories are rooted in the British African experience. They are told through modern, innovative production that speaks to Britain as it is today, with its languages, its cultures, its contradictions and its possibilities.

We believe in dialogue between artists, communities and audiences as the engine of great theatre. We nurture emerging talent through PLAYLAB, our annual programme supporting six British African heritage artists, funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. Our productions have toured nationally and internationally to critical acclaim; Black Love received a Writers’ Guild Award and five-star reviews, while cheeky little brown premiered at Bristol Old Vic before being filmed and distributed digitally. Through our Black Earth strand, we explore climate justice through the lens of Black British and African heritage experience.

Confirmed as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation for 2023–27, we are building on 25 years of trailblazing work in British theatre – and we have no intention of slowing down.

About the role

The Director of Producing is tiata fahodzi’s senior lead for translating the Artistic Director’s vision into ambitious, high-quality and financially sustainable productions. Working closely with the Artistic Director/CEO and the newly created Director of Strategy, you will hold strategic oversight of the full creative programme from initial idea through to realisation. This is a part-time (0.6 FTE) permanent role with real strategic influence at the heart of a growing organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of productions — from R&D and commissioning through to touring and remounts — ensuring each is delivered on time and within budget.
• Lead all venue and co-producer deal negotiations, managing agreements and protecting tiata fahodzi’s intellectual property throughout.
• Develop long-term co-producing and co-commissioning partnerships across the subsidised and commercial sectors.
• Recruit, manage and support freelance producers and production staff, embedding safeguarding, health and safety and environmental standards across all productions.
• Collaborate with the Development Lead to identify and pursue funding opportunities that realise the artistic programme.
• Work with the Director of Strategy and the Marketing team to set ambitious sales targets and drive impactful audience engagement.

Who we are looking for

You’ll be a theatre producer with a strong track record at a senior level, comfortable working both strategically and collaboratively within a values-led organisation. You’ll have a solid knowledge of the subsidised sector, well-established industry networks and the ability to translate creative ambition into well-managed, well-connected productions.

You will bring:

• Proven experience delivering theatre productions from concept to stage, across commissioning, R&D, touring and co-productions.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget-setting, cash flow oversight and working knowledge of Theatre Tax Relief.
• A track record of negotiating creative contracts, co-producer agreements, and IP and licensing frameworks.
• Experience leading and managing creative teams with a consistent commitment to health and safety, safeguarding and inclusion.
• A record of successful fundraising and income generation from diverse sources.
• Established networks across the subsidised theatre sector and have a solid understanding of audience engagement and community impact.

It would be a bonus if you:

• Bring first-hand knowledge of the communities, artists or audiences tiata fahodzi serves.
• Have experience in commercial performing arts production, international touring or artist development programmes.
• Are familiar with Arts Council England NPO requirements and the Theatre Green Book.

To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the job pack.

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:

Josh Larkin | josh@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07950 729373