Opportunities

Do you want a job where you can make an impact, think creatively and support the community? 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in our inspiring social enterprise. 

The Horton is a brand new venue for creative arts, heritage and events, in a renovated former chapel. It is run by a charity set up by people in Epsom determined to see the listed building saved from dereliction and brought back to life as a valuable social and cultural asset for the whole community. 

Reporting to: Centre Manager 

Responsible for: chef, casual café-bar staff 

Location: The Horton Arts Centre, Epsom 

Hours: 40 per week Tuesday to Saturday including regular evenings for events.  
(Part-time/job share may be considered) 

Salary: £28,000-30,000

The Horton’s Café-Bar is an integral part of the whole venue. It offers excellent quality food and drink and a friendly welcome – and the five star Google reviews show how much our visitors love it. 

As Hospitality Manager, you will be the heart-beat of the café-bar operation, championing the values of the project whilst ensuring the sustainability of its business model.  

You will work with the launch team to move from 3-day week to 5-day opening planned in October (Tuesday to Saturday) and be able to develop your ideas for the venue. 

The Horton has a licence from 8am to 10.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 8am to 11.30pm Friday and Saturday but will not be open to these maximum times initially. 

For a person with the right experience, we may be able to accommodate a part-time role or job-share. 

Job description  

To be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Café at The Horton, as well as working to deliver the sales targets and profitability of all catering and hospitality activity at The Horton.  

The role also involves supporting the Centre Manager in growing the business opportunities in both corporate and private venue hire.  

The aim of the Café and Hospitality Manager is to ensure the delivery of the best possible welcome for customers to the Café-Bar. 

The post holder will also have a role in dealing with the various administrative aspects of the café and hospitality function including, cashing up, ordering, keeping records for invoicing and payments, EPOS till system maintenance and back- office system.  

The Hospitality Manager may occasionally be expected to act as Duty Manager for events with key-holder responsibility for locking up the venue.  

Principal duties – operational  

• Delivering a high quality and professional service for all customers and lead an exceptional service culture within the Café team.  
• Ensuring menu items have been prepared as agreed, in accordance with food safety, hygiene and allergens best practice. 
• Day to day management of the department including stock control and cash handling, arranging and receiving deliveries.  
• Being a hands-on member of the team, both front and back of house.  

• Maintaining consistently high standards of presentation of the Café.  
• Taking responsibility for the delivery of hospitality events for groups, and functions, ensuring that these are catered for in-house and to the highest possible standard.  
• Creating quotes and menus for hospitality requirements of hirers. 
• Taking responsibility for the delivery of hospitality events for groups, and functions, ensuring that these are to the highest possible standard.  
• Regularly reviewing the performance of the Café against customer feedback and agreeing, where necessary, a plan of action with the Centre Manager.  

• Working with the Centre Manager to identify opportunities to develop the business and raise funds for the charity.  
• Supporting the staff team to grow the business opportunities in both corporate and private venue hire.  
• Leading the recruitment, training and development of Café staff according The Horton’s values and processes.  
• Managing the efficient and effective deployment of staff, helping to support other departments where necessary;  
• Producing the Café-Bar rota on a weekly basis. 

• Ensuring that the Café operation complies with all relevant legislation and policies in relation to food hygiene, COSHH and Health and Safety, ensuring that risk to the staff, public and contractors is minimised.  
• Completing all administrative procedures including, cashing up, banking, invoicing, ordering, EPOS till system and back-office system maintenance.  
• Working with local suppliers to develop a seasonal, sustainably produced menu and hospitality menu which maximises the available preparation and counter space, minimises waste and achieves the maximum possible margin.  
• Establishing good working relationships with local suppliers, enabling an efficient, effective, and sustainable procurement process. 
• Ensuring that the café team follow procedures for reducing energy consumption and correct recycling and disposal of waste.  

• Taking part in the Duty Management rota for The Horton, responding to emergencies, incidents and customer complaints as required.  

Principal duties – finance  

• Being responsible for achieving targets in order to maximise income and profitability so that it can be reinvested to further The Horton’s charitable objects.  
• Overseeing the operational budget for the department, assisting the Centre Manager in the setting of the annual budget, and ensuring that costs are minimised on a day-to-day basis.  
• Maintaining accurate records of costs and expenditure as required by the Finance Coordinator and Centre Manager. 

Principal duties  – other  

• Undertaking such other duties as may reasonably be required.  
• Exercising discretion and respect the need for confidentiality at all times.  
• Maintaining The Horton’s high standards and reputation at all times.  
• Act as occasional venue duty manager for events, with responsibility as one of the key holders. 

Benefits  

Defined contribution pension scheme 

28 days holidays pro rata including bank holidays   

Staff discount in café. 

Free parking 

Please send your CV and a covering email to [email protected]

Start date: October 2022

Freelance Technicians, The Horton

£15 per hour;
Min four-hour call 

As we begin planning for performances and events at The Horton, we are seeking technicians to form our pool of freelancers to fit up and run sound and lighting for live music, theatre and dance performances, talks and events.

Events requiring technical support start in April 2022 and are one-night events paid on an hourly basis. Shifts will be ad hoc, with increasing opportunities as The Horton builds up to a regular programme of events in 2022. 

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a new growing arts centre in Surrey. Please read our technical specification for details of the equipment we currently own.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Programme and operate our Jands Stage CL Compact Lighting Console lighting desk
• Operate our Yamaha QL1 sound desk with four radio mics 
• Working solo in both lighting and sound.
• Working alongside a range of artists
• Maintaining the condition of the lighting and sound equipment and ensuring safe storage when not in use
• Assisting on the delivery of projects as required/when available
• Performing maintenance on all sound and lighting equipment and/or reporting faults and damage when needed
• Developing and maintaining professional relationships with colleagues and artist of The Horton and any suppliers we use
• Help to identify and undertake any training deemed necessary by The Horton and applying it in the workplace
• To comply with all policies The Horton share with you in relation to Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety and Evacuation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Ability to work and collaborate with visiting artists
• Ability to work independently 
• Previous experience with rigging a small digital lighting & digital sound set-up, fitting up from flight case to operation
• Previous experience using radio mics – fitting and operating
• Excellent punctuality and organisational skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• An understanding of stagecraft and theatre traditions

Desirable:

• Video/projection experience would be beneficial too but not a requirement for the post
• Experience mentoring future theatre professionals
• IT and networking skills
• Industry certification in Working at Height, Health & Safety and/or Electrical standards. 

Please send your CV and a covering email to [email protected]

The first opportunity will be late April 2022 with a training and induction session prior to this.

There is no closing date as we will continue to recruit until the pool is sufficient for our programme.

Roles: Casual Bar Worker

Hours: Ad-hoc part-time. Tuesday – Saturday flexible availability, evening bar shifts. 

Wage: Dependent on age and experience. Must be 18+

Want to be part of our growing team at The Horton Arts Centre?

The Horton is an award-winning new venue for creative arts, heritage and events. It was set up by people in Epsom determined to see the listed building saved from dereliction and brought back to life as a valuable social and cultural asset for the whole community.

We have begun opening our doors to the public and are looking for a barista/café worker to join us in our ongoing journey. Experience is preferred but we can offer on-site training as well as CIEH-approved courses to develop your skills and knowledge base.

Things you will need:

• Good timekeeping
• A passion for people
• A friendly disposition
• A customer-focused mindset
• An honest, dedicated, and hardworking approach
• Enthusiasm and pride in achieving good results
• To be adaptable with a sense of humour.
• Ability to maintain excellent levels of cleanliness.
• To work well as part of a team.
• Be motivated to keep learning.
• Take pride in high standards, ensuring that health and safety procedures are properly followed.
• An interest in the creative arts and culture.

Read more about our vision and the values we expect our staff and volunteers to uphold.

What we can offer you:

• Flexible hours.
• Paid holiday (pro rata).
• A supportive, inclusive environment.
• A clear induction programme with structured development and opportunities.
• Attractive workplace. 
• Involvement in events and activities.
• 10% discount on food and drink.
• The Horton is a registered charity so you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution is making a real difference in the local community.

To apply
Please send your full CV and cover letter to [email protected] setting out why you have applied for this exciting opportunity and what qualities you feel you’ll bring to the role.

Please only apply to this position if you are eligible to live and work in the UK. 

Note that The Horton is a Grade II listed building and there are three steps between the kitchen and servery.

All public areas of The Horton are fully accessible. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ‘front-of house’  team, where your time and skills will be highly valued.

We are looking for a number of Box Office Assistants to provide a friendly and helpful welcome on behalf of The Horton, selling tickets and supporting administration of the venue.

You would need to be able to commit to at least one regular half-day every week.  Ad hoc evening sessions,  before performances and during the interval, would be shared between all box office volunteers to suit their availability and interests.

Role Description

• To act as the reception for the venue, ensuring the Box Office provides a professional and welcoming service for all visitors including artists, hirers and public.
• To answer the telephone and act as first point of contact for general enquiries.
• To deal with any customer service issues that may occur, either in person, on the phone or via email, in a professional manner, handing over to staff members as required.
• To ensure a thorough knowledge of upcoming events at The Horton and the building’s heritage, to enable the Box Office to give the best possible customer service.
• To operate the computerised box office system and online sales technology. (Training will be given.)
• To ensure the ticketing systems records are maintained and accurate.
• To support the administration of the venue, ensuring information is up-to-date and well organised.
• To be responsible for cash and card transactions made by the Box Office.
• Liaise with staff members and other Box Office volunteers to ensure essential information is passed on and good communication is maintained at all times.
• To keep a log of any visitor access requirements including disabled visitors to the mezzanine who would require support to evacuate the building in an emergency.
• Ensure leaflet displays and merchandise areas are tidy and well-stocked.
• To keep up-to-date on current Box Office practices and attend any appropriate training sessions related to your role.
• Carry out all tasks in the spirit of The Horton’s values of tolerance, welcoming diversity and including everyone.

Personal Qualities and Experience

• A friendly and approachable personality with good communication and telephone skills.
• Passionate about good customer service.
• Must be confident in working independently and under pressure (e.g. managing a queue of people)
• Good computer skills.
• Previous experience of cash handling /financial procedures.
• Enthusiasm for the creative arts, live performance and culture in general.
• Confidence in promoting events and activities to visitors.
• Previous work or volunteering dealing directly with members of the public.

As a role with some responsibility for finance, you may be required to complete a Criminal Records (DBS) check.

To apply
Please send a brief CV and cover letter to [email protected] setting out why you are interested in this volunteer position and what qualities you feel you could bring to the role.
Please also state if there are specific days of the week that you would be available or whether this is flexible.

Please note – this application process is for Box Office Volunteers only. 

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, have fun and know that your contribution is of real value to the community.
And it’s the perfect time to get involved forming a new team of enthusiastic people.

As an independent charity, The Horton relies on volunteer support to make great things happen. Our volunteers can choose the hours that suit their lifestyle and interests.

Roles include: visitor assistant, event steward, hospitality assistant, arts workshop support, box office, small D.I.Y jobs and will soon be expanding to add gardening.

To express your interest, please complete this form and we will get back to you as soon as we can. It is a very busy time at The Horton so this may may not be straight away.

If you are interested in volunteering in the Box Office, please see the separate application form in the section above.

All volunteers are expected to carry out tasks in the spirit of The Horton’s values of tolerance, welcoming diversity and including everyone. Read about our Vision & Values to find out more.

THANK YOU

Salary: £18,000 to £21,000 per annum (pro-rata) depending on skills and experience

Hours: 16 per week (part-time) including some Saturdays and some evenings.

Holiday: 28 days per year, including bank holidays. (pro-rata)

Start date: September 2022

Closing date: 31st August 2022

This is a great opportunity to play an important role in maintaining a beautiful listed building and grounds for the benefit of the community.

The Horton is a brand new venue for creative arts, heritage and events, in a renovated former chapel. It was set up by people in Epsom determined to see the listed building saved from dereliction and brought back to life as a valuable social and cultural asset for the whole community.

The Facilities Coordinator will play an essential role in the smooth running of The Horton’s operations on a day-to day basis. The role has responsibility for the on-going maintenance of a listed heritage building, grounds and equipment to a high standard.

As a keyholder-responder, the person holding this role is required to live a maximum of 20 minutes’ journey away from The Horton.

The Facilities Coordinator communicates with a range of people including the public, contractors, artists, performers and other staff. They may sometimes supervise volunteers. 

The role will require a flexible approach to ensure that tasks can be carried out when required. This will include some Saturdays and some evenings.

Please note that this is a part-time role and the salary paid will be a percentage of the full-time 40 hours equivalent. (Pro-Rata).

Key responsibilities:

Internal Maintenance

• Create and maintain an up-to-date log of maintenance tasks.
• Carry out simple maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters and replacing light bulbs.
• Arrange timely visits from specialist maintenance contractors.
• Conduct safety checks including fire alarm, water and emergency lighting.
  Inspect and report all defects and damage.
• Arrange PAT testing of equipment.
  Undertake minor repairs to fixtures and fittings.
• Ensure there is an adequate supply of hygiene consumables, e.g. toilet roll, paper towels, cleaning products.
  Order and take delivery of materials and supplies.
• Monitor performance of cleaning contractor and make sure all areas are kept clean at other times.

External Maintenance

• Maintain cleanliness and general tidiness of external areas.
• Empty litter bins.
• Manage recycling for The Horton.
• Clean and clear all drains and gullies to ensure effective and healthy operation.
• Inspect fences, gates, walls, steps, lights, etc. Report/repair defects as appropriate.
• Keep entrance to The Horton clean and clear of obstructions.
• Undertake simple gardening tasks – weeding, hedge trimming etc.
• Arrange timely visits from grounds contractors.

Security

• Carry out security procedures.
• Respond to intruder alarm call-out
  Open and close the premises on a rota, as required.
• Ensure hirers follow procedures and take action where there is a failure to do so.

Manual handling

• Setting up chairs, tables and equipment for activities.
• Supporting the technician in setting up staging and equipment for performances, if required.
• Having due regard to current Health & Safety and Lifting & Handling regulations.

Other

• Making suggestions to improve the visitor experience where appropriate.
• Upholding The Horton’s values of tolerance, including everyone, and welcoming diversity.
• Work with The Horton team to ensure an excellent experience for all visitors.
• Attend personal development and training, as required.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required.

Person Specification

Essential knowledge, skills and experience

Basic maintenance of buildings and associated plants and systems.

General cleaning and security duties.

DIY and practical skills.

Experience of checking the work of others.
Good organisational, planning and scheduling skills. 

Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on tasks.

Experience working cooperatively with internal teams and external partners.

Ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage time to work on multiple tasks.

A positive, ‘can do’ personality.

Desirable

Qualification in a trade – electrical, plumbing etc.,
Experience in a similar role managing a building.

Enthusiasm for arts, music and heritage.

First aider

Experience of volunteering or working with volunteers

To apply

Please send your full CV and cover letter/email  explaining why you have applied for this job and how you meet the requirements of the role.

Please email it to [email protected]  or drop it off at The Horton,

You will be required to have a DBS (Criminal Record) check for this role.

As we begin planning for performances and events at The Horton, we are seeking expressions of interest from Duty Managers who would like to join our roster of freelancers.

Applicants need to have experience of event management, being in sole charge of a venue and should hold a Personal Licence.

Shifts will initially be ad hoc, with increasing opportunities as The Horton builds up to a regular programme of events during 2022.

Please send your CV and a covering email to [email protected]

There is no closing date for this opportunity.

Due to an extremely high number of expressions of interest, we are temporarily closing this opportunity until the team have had time to review those submitted.

Thank you.