Cinema Manager, Hayy Cinema

About Hayy Jameel

Art Jameel supports artists and creative communities. The organisation’s programmes foster the role of the arts in building open, connected communities. Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, UAE, and Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, are the organization’s main complexes. Hayy Jameel includes Hayy Cinema, which is designed to be a leading picture house for Saudi Arabia, focusing on international independent cinema, Arab (including Saudi) filmmaking, documentaries, and film events. The cinema’s objective is to provide a platform for Saudi filmmakers to research, learn, produce, and show their films, and for audiences to experience high-quality regional and international independent film.

About the role

As the Cinema Manager, you will be responsible for the comprehensive management, strategic execution, and overall performance of Hayy Cinema’s daily operations and programming strategy. This senior role involves taking on advanced responsibilities in film scheduling, and operational oversight, acting as a crucial link between the ground operations and the Head of Cinema. You will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all patrons, managing front-of-house services, concession operations, and film screening schedules.

Furthermore, you will manage the cinema’s film programming, collaborating with distributors and filmmakers to secure screening rights, negotiating terms, and implementing the overall programming strategy. 

A key element of this role is staff management, including training and mentoring other coordinators and staff on customer service and operational procedures. This position requires strategic planning skills, team leadership, deep knowledge and passion for film, and excellent organizational abilities.

Accountability

Reports to Zohra Ait El Jamar, Head of Cinema.

Key responsibilities

Management and operational leadership

• Manage the overall day-to-day operations and activities of the cinema, ensuring operational excellence regarding ticketing, projection, and front-of-house services.
• Manage the operational staff roster and daily deployment for the Projectionist, Usher, and Polyvalent Assistant positions.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, establish clear KPIs, and prioritise the professional growth of all team members (manage their performance review and progress).
• Manage cross-departmental meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes and follow up on action items to ensure timely progress.
• Assume greater oversight of daily operations, potentially leading shifts and managing specific areas like ushering or F&B offers (ensure quality and diversity with Hayy Snack third party).
• Ensure a safe, compliant, and welcoming environment in coordination with the Operations Department.
• Manage public screening programmes and private hire requests in coordination with the Venue Hire team.
• Oversee the generation of daily sales and cash movement reports and ensure all cash handling and securing requirements are met, adhering to the e-invoicing system requirements as per ZATCA regulations.

• Maintain a high standard of professional integrity and confidentiality, serving as a role model through accountability, consistent attendance, and a strong commitment to the workplace culture (office attendance, timeliness). 

Programming strategy and execution

• Contribute and manage the cinema’s film schedule, ensuring a diverse and engaging programme that aligns with the Hayy Cinema programming strategy and appeals to the target audience.
• Take the lead on film curation and selection, researching and identifying films, new and emerging filmmakers, and industry trends.
• Collaborate with distributors and filmmakers to secure the rights to screen films, negotiating terms, and managing licensing agreements in collaboration with the programmes coordinator.
• Oversee the coordination and execution of special events, film festivals, and themed screenings, managing logistics and collaborating with relevant stakeholders.
• Stay updated on industry news, film releases, and audience trends to inform programming and long-term strategic decisions.

Audience development and team leadership

• Work closely with the Audience team to promote upcoming films and events, developing effective strategies to attract and engage diverse audiences, leading to increased tickets sales, followers and positive google reviews.
• Monitor and analyze audience feedback and attendance data to evaluate the success of programming choices and develop alternative creative solutions as necessary (monthly report).
• Collaborate with the cinema management team to develop and implement strategies for audience development and growth.
• Supervise and mentor staff on ticketing, projection, concessions and customer service, including interns where applicable.

Job requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 5-years’ experience in programming/project planning or similar preferred, with demonstrated progression towards management responsibilities.
• Previous experience in film programming or a related field is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge and passion for film, with a strong understanding of different genres, filmmakers, and industry trends.
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with distributors and filmmakers.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines.
• Solution oriented with ability to take decisions under pressure.
• Creative thinking and a keen eye for selecting films and creating events that will resonate with the target audience.
• Familiarity with film distribution processes and licensing agreements (ensure back up with assigned pair).
• Proficiency in using scheduling and Venue Management software and tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and lead staff, adapting to changing priorities.
• Command of Arabic and English.
• Comfortable with numbers, accounting skills, and ease of use of POS software.
• The ability to manage crowds and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Willingness to work on weekends and public holidays.

Conditions of Work & Benefits

• This is a full-time position based in Jeddah, KSA.
• Weekend and evening work according to events and programmes is as required, usually starting in the afternoon and continuing until late-night screenings. The role requires flexibility for evening and weekend shifts based on the cinema’s screening schedule.

• Full health & dental insurance.
• Visa sponsorship.
• 25 days annual leave.