Job vacancy: Ticketing Manager

Le Varia – Théâtre & Studio, the Brussels Performing Arts Centre of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, was founded in 1981. It offers audiences a contemporary theatre programme featuring modern themes and aesthetics, designed to be accessible, inclusive and aimed at a diverse audience. Its main mission is to support the creative work of artists from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and to create the ideal conditions for enriching encounters between these works and the public. The permanent team consists of around twenty people and works in a collaborative and friendly manner.

The General and Artistic Director of Varia, Coline Struyf, took up her post in July 2021 for an initial five-year term, with a project centred on caring for people through the performing arts, paying particular attention to making the creative process established by the artists accessible to audiences.  

Responsibilities

The Head of Ticketing organises, optimises and coordinates ticket sales for shows and events throughout the season, and updates and manages the use of the Utick sales software. Working alongside the Head of Ushering, they supervise the evening box office and reception staff. They promote Varia’s activities and uphold its identity and values in their role.

These responsibilities require a good understanding of the day-to-day activities within the organisation and the ability to anticipate the needs of all visitors. The Head of Ticketing works closely with all teams at the Théâtre and Studio Varia: the finance department, the communications and programming department, the artists, the outreach team, the Head of Ushering, the press and publicity department, and the technical team. They also provide support to the receptionist, whose main role is to warmly welcome everyone arriving at the theatre. They play an active part in the audience reception strategy and the development of pricing policy in line with the spirit of Varia and its programme. Availability and flexibility regarding working hours are also required, so that you can work during the day or in the evening depending on Varia’s activities, and to cover part of the evening box office shifts.  

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Informing, welcoming and advising the public during the day and on performance evenings by telephone, email and in person 
• Develop, configure and offer ticket sales via various booking channels (web, counter, telephone, season tickets, etc.)  
• Set up ticket sales on the ticketing software: enter performances, prices and capacity figures, and process online ticket purchases 
• Plan and organise the work of the ticketing team and ensure that team members are informed about the specifics of the programme 
• Manage bookings: requests by telephone, email or at the box office, guest lists, competition follow-ups and waiting lists on performance nights 
• Optimise the audience database in collaboration with the theatre’s various departments, and update the database in compliance with the GDPR 
• Monitor sales trends in conjunction with the communications department  
• Manage bookings and monitor invoicing for school and community groups in collaboration with the outreach department 
• Manage and supervise the cash desks and various payment methods on a daily basis; prepare daily cash reports and the box office report for performances and the season 
• Generate reports and analyse them 
• Liaise with the software manager to configure sales settings for Varia’s activities

Required profile  

• You have good interpersonal skills  
• You have good foresight  
• You are proactive 
• You are thorough and organised  
• You are able to find effective solutions in emergency situations 
• You work independently and take the initiative 
• You are committed and a team player 
• You work evenings and weekends  

Skills 

• You have the necessary technical skills (Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, Web); knowledge of our Utick ticketing software is an advantage 
• You know how to coordinate and manage a team  
• You are comfortable with numbers and have a logical mind 
• You are fluent in several languages, if possible  
• You have a good understanding of Brussels’ arts and cultural scene  

Experience, skills and motivation are more important than a degree. Varia is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. In the event of equivalent applications, priority will be given to profiles (gender, background, age, etc.) that are under-represented within the institution. 

We offer 

• A permanent contract for 34 hours per week 
• Remuneration in line with the pay scales of the Joint Committee 304 for the performing arts; 
• Meal vouchers; 
• A contribution towards your travel costs between home and the workplace 

Would you like to apply? 

Please send your CV and cover letter, addressed to Coline Struyf, by 30 June 2024 to reservation@varia.be.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place during the week of 1 July, with the role commencing during the week of 19 August 2024.  

For further information, please contact Christine Paquet at reservation@varia.be or on 02/640.35.50, Tuesday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm.