Senior Manager: Programming

PERMANENT POSITION
SENIOR MANAGER: PROGRAMMING
The Joburg City Theatres (JCT), an entity of the City of Johannesburg that stimulates and
operates Joburg Theatre, Roodepoort Theatre and Soweto Theatre to provide the integrated
management of theatre is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Manager Programming to
join the JCT team.
Department : Client Services - Soweto Theatre
Designation : Senior Manager: Programming
Vacancy Reference : Ref No: SMP/ST/07/2026
Remuneration : R58,324.06 (Basic Salary, excluding Benefits)
Location : 2601 Bolani Rd, Jabulani, Soweto
Minimum requirements
• Bachelor's degree (NQF Level 7) in Performing Arts, Arts Management, Theatre
Production, Business Management or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in theatre production, arts programming, performing arts
management or event management in the entertainment industry, including 5 years in a
middle-management role.
• Proven experience in production planning, budgeting, project management, contract
administration and stakeholder engagement.
• Sound knowledge of the South African performing arts sector, audience development,
commercial programming or event management in the entertainment industry.
• Strong leadership, financial management, communication and relationship management
skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management systems.
Primary Function
The Senior Manager: Programming is responsible for leading the planning, development,
implementation and delivery of Soweto Theatre’s artistic programme in support of the Joburg City
Theatres’ strategic, artistic and commercial objectives. The role oversees the full production
lifecycle, from programme development and budgeting to production delivery and post-production
evaluation, while ensuring compliance with the applicable legislative framework, governance
requirements and organisational policies.
Key Performance Areas:
• Develop and implement an annual artistic and programming plan aligned to the
organisational Strategy, Business Plan and Artistic Policy.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage a diverse programme of productions, festivals, touring
productions, and special events that support audience development, transformation, and
revenue growth.
• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of theatre productions from concept to
closing, ensuring quality, budget and schedule compliance.
• Develop and monitor production budgets, financial forecasts and revenue performance,
implementing corrective action where required.
• Coordinate production schedules, creative teams, artists, technical departments and
operational stakeholders to ensure seamless programme delivery.
• Oversee the acquisition of production rights, licensing and contractual processes in
accordance with organisational policies and delegated authority.
• Work closely with Marketing to develop ticket pricing recommendations, audience
development initiatives and promotional campaigns that maximise attendance and
revenue.
• Monitor ticket sales, production performance and audience trends, using data and market
insights to inform programming decisions.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with producers, artists, promoters, funding
partners and industry stakeholders to expand programming opportunities.
• Manage Performing Arts Residencies, developmental programmes and strategic
partnerships that support talent development and the growth of the performing arts sector.
• Ensure compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Supply Chain
Management policies, labour legislation, health and safety requirements, copyright
legislation and all organisational governance frameworks.
• Prepare management reports, evaluate programme performance and recommend
continuous improvements to enhance artistic excellence, operational efficiency and
financial sustainability.
• Stay abreast of local and international performing arts trends and identify innovative
opportunities that strengthen Soweto Theatre’s position as a leading performing arts
institution.
Leading Competencies
• Visionary leadership - Develops and implements a compelling artistic and programming
vision aligned with organisational strategy.
• Innovation and creativity - Identifies new programming opportunities, introduces
innovative concepts, and responds to changing audience preferences.
• Strategic partnership management - Builds and maintains relationships with artists,
producers, sponsors, government departments, and other stakeholders.
• Change leadership - Leads organisational and programme changes effectively while
managing stakeholder expectations.
• Talent development and coaching - Develops, mentors, and empowers staff to achieve
high performance.
• Commercial and business acumen - Balances artistic excellence with financial
sustainability and revenue generation.
• Negotiation and influencing - Successfully negotiates with artists, promoters, sponsors,
and strategic partners.
• Risk management- Identifies and mitigates operational, financial, legal, and reputational
risks associated with programming.
• Performance management - Sets measurable objectives, monitors performance, and
ensures delivery against organisational targets.
• Stakeholder engagement - Represents the organisation professionally and fosters
strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Core Competencies
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Leadership and people management
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Customer and stakeholder focus
• Financial management and budget control
• Project and programme management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Governance, ethics and integrity
• Results orientation and accountability
Interested persons are requested to send their cover letter, detailed CV, recently certified copies
of their qualifications and the Identity documents not longer than three months, quoting the
relevant reference number, to Mxolosi Makhasana at the email address mentioned below:
Email: [email protected]
ENQUIRIES:
Contact Person : Mxolosi Makhasana
Tel.no : 011 791 0905
Publication date : 07 July 2026
CLOSING DATE : 24 JULY 2026
PEASE NOTE:
• JCT offers a market-related salary based on qualifications and experience.
• JCT is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to candidates who will
promote representativity in line with JCT's Employment Equity targets.
• By submitting your application for a position at Joburg City Theatres, you are consenting
that the personal information submitted as part of your application may be used for the
purposes of the recruitment and selection and related process. In terms of the Recruitment
and Selection Policy of Joburg City Theatres, you hereby consent to the following risk
checks should your application be shortlisted:
? Qualification verification
? Criminal background check
? Employment history verification
? Identity Validation
• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and the evaluation results must be
attached to the application.
• If you do not hear from us within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your
application unsuccessful. JCT reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-
advertise the position.