NEws

 

Development Manager: Studios, Shops & Workspaces

Fee: £40,000

Contract Length: 12 months

Location: St Helen’s Square Visitor Hub, YO11 1EU

 

This role is part of CHIP – Creative Highstreet Innovation Programme, an ambitious new initiative led by Scarborough Studios CIO in partnership with This is Scarborough, supported through the Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund from the York and North Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

ABOUT CHIP

CHIP is a place-based regeneration programme that brings artists, businesses and local people together to reimagine Scarborough’s high street as a space for creativity, enterprise, and community connection.

ABOUT SCARBOROUGH STUDIOS CIO

Scarborough Studios CIO (SSCIO) is a registered charity that runs the Old Parcels Office Artspace (OPO) and provides studios and gallery spaces for artists in Scarborough town centre. SSCIO currently manages six creative spaces in previously vacant high street buildings, offering opportunities for artists, creative enterprises, and the public to connect through art and culture.Through CHIP, SSCIO will expand its impact by activating new spaces, piloting creative business models, and building a sustainable social enterprise that supports a vibrant high street and local economy.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Development Manager who is entrepreneurial, hands-on, and motivated by social impact. The successful applicant  will play a key role in delivering the vision of CHIP through the creative reuse of buildings, development of studios and shops, and support for emerging local businesses.

You’ll lead on the development and management of Scarborough Studios’ growing portfolio of shops, studios, and creative workspaces, particularly around the Market Hall and Vaults area, and help transform underused spaces into thriving cultural and commercial assets.

You’ll work closely with artists, creative practitioners, businesses, traders, and partners to test new ideas, build resilience, and generate lasting benefits for the town centre.

The role requires a combination of strategic thinking, practical delivery, and strong financial and stakeholder management.

As this is a physical, place-making initiative, the successful contractor will maintain a strong, regular presence in the town centre.

Accountable to: Chair of Scarborough Studios CIO & CHIP Project Management Group

Responsible for: Project Administrator (contract), Creative Commissions Contracts

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Leadership

•     Develop and deliver an operational plan to maximise income and impact from SSCIO’s studios, shops,            and workspaces.

•     Lead coordination meetings with the CHIP delivery team (Creative Director, Market Coordinator, Project           Administrator).

•     Facilitate strong communication between Scarborough Studios CIO, This is Scarborough, and the Town  Centre Team.

•     Maintain risk registers, issue logs, and contingency plans related to property and workspace management.

2.  FINANCIAL & CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

•     Manage the project budget, ensuring value for money, accuracy, and transparency.

•     Oversee procurement, contracting, and commissioning processes in line with funder requirements.

•     Approve and track invoices, expenses, and payments with the Project Administrator.

3.  PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

•     Manage lettings for studios and gallery spaces, maintaining a high occupancy rate.

•     Conduct regular health and safety checks and coordinate repairs and maintenance.

•     Review and manage service contracts for utilities, internet, and waste.

•     Negotiate lease renewals and submit planning applications (e.g. Change of Use) when required.

4.  PARTNERSHIP & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

•     Act as the main point of contact for partners, funders, and local stakeholders.

•     Engage with independent traders, shop owners, and local businesses to participate in CHIP activities.

•     Build strong relationships with community groups, volunteers, and cultural organisations.

•     Represent the project at public meetings, events, and regional forums.

5.  CREATIVE COMMISSIONS & PROGRAMMING

•     Oversee the commissioning and delivery of creative installations and public realm projects.

•     Support the Brand & Content Designer and Social Media Coordinator to showcase CHIP activity.

•     Ensure all commissions are delivered to brief, budget, and schedule, with meaningful public engagement.

6.  MONITORING, EVALUATION & REPORTING

•     Lead evaluation planning and data collection across all project strands.

•     Produce progress and financial reports for boards and funders.

•     Contribute to case studies, legacy planning, and sustainability development.

7.  TEAM & GOVERNANCE

•     Provide leadership, coordination, and guidance for freelance delivery contractors.

•     Report to both Scarborough Studios CIO and This is Scarborough at regular steering group meetings.

•     Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and accessibility standards.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

•     Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-strand cultural, regeneration, or place-based projects.

•     Strong financial and contract management skills.

•     Demonstrable experience in leadership and team coordination.

•     Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities.

•     Experience producing reports for boards and funders.

•     High-level organisational and project management skills.

•     Excellent written and verbal communication.

•     Ability to work flexibly, problem-solve, and meet deadlines under pressure.

DESIRABLE

•     Knowledge of Scarborough, the Yorkshire Coast, and its creative and business communities.

•     Understanding of high street regeneration and town centre development.

•     Experience designing or delivering monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

•     Knowledge of creative enterprise, independent retail, or cultural placemaking.

•     Experience developing business models, fundraising strategies, or legacy plans.

CONTRACT DETAILS

•     Fee: £40,000 (inclusive of all expenses)

•     Contract Term: 12 months (with potential for extension subject to funding)

•     Start Date: Immediate

•     Base: St Helen’s Square Visitor Hub, YO11 1EU

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit:

•     A CV (maximum 3 sides)

•     A short supporting statement (maximum 2 pages) explaining your relevant experience and motivation for the role

Send applications to info@oldparcelsoffice.org with the subject line:

Development Manager Application – [Your Name]

Closing date:  11th November Interviews: w/c 17th November