Cinema Manager
Hot DocsORGANIZATION
Hot Docs, North America’s leading documentary festival, conference and market, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and to creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers. Hot Docs will present its 32nd annual edition from April 24 to May 4, 2025, in cinemas across Toronto.
Year-round, Hot Docs supports the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs and a multi-million-dollar film fund portfolio, and fosters education through documentaries with its popular free program Docs For Schools.
Hot Docs owns and programs the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a century-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema
For more information about us, please visit www.hotdocs.ca>.
The Cinema Manager advances Hot Docs’ mission by fostering a welcoming, engaging, and thriving environment for guests, staff, volunteers, and clients. This role leads all aspects of operations at the Hot Docs Cinema, ensuring seamless day-to-day management and interdepartmental collaboration while driving sales, service excellence, and community impact. Responsibilities span staff leadership, talent development, payroll, concessions and merchandise operations, event execution, facility, health, and safety oversight, and strategic initiatives as determined by Hot Docs leadership.
At its core, the position combines operational precision with a spirit of hospitality. The Cinema Manager is both a skilled operator and a gracious host who inspires teams, elevates guest experiences, maximizes sales potential, and upholds the vitality of a beloved Toronto institution.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
General & Departmental Management
- Lead cinema related administration and departmental communication, documentation, scheduling, workflows, systems, critical paths, best practices, and departmental communication supporting knowledge sharing and continuity.
- Oversee administration of the front-of-house team, including payroll, gratuities, scheduling, policy compliance, staff meetings, corrective action, integration with volunteers and contractors, performance evaluations, recruitment, onboarding, and recognition programs
- Act as a key member of the Operations Department’s position as a conduit between Hot Docs’ administration, audience, and frontline teams, fostering a culture of continuous learning and ensuring operational alignment, building on shared tools and collaborative processes.
- Monitor allocated budgets, plans, and reports, ensuring accuracy in documentation, timely submissions, and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Maintain oversight of records and data management practices, ensuring accuracy in reporting, accessibility of information, and compliance with organizational standards
- Collaborate closely with the Audience Services Manager to align on box office policies, promotions, and training, ensuring consistency and excellence in the overall guest experience.
- Partner with other departments to design and deliver events that enhance the Cinema’s identity, grow audiences and generate revenue
Leadership & People Management
- Act as the face of the Cinema, fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all audiences and staff.
- Hire, train, supervise, and lead the Cinema front-of-house team, (Box Office, Concessions, and Supervisors) establishing customer service standards, providing expert guidance, and implementing training programs that align with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Hot Docs’ organizational priorities.
- Provide ongoing performance management, corrective action, and recognition programs, while supporting integration of volunteers and contractors.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with Hot Docs’ communities and stakeholders, including volunteers, unionized and contracted staff, filmmakers, media, and funders.
Revenue Generation and Fiscal Oversight
- Drive concessions and merchandise sales by leveraging programming opportunities, optimizing product mix, and identifying new income streams.
- Monitor sales trends and provide metrics to support long-term planning, fiscal management, and audience development strategies.
- Manage the Cinema’s operational budget through accurate forecasting, inventory control, supplier relationships and sponsorship opportunities.
Facility & Safety Management
- Oversee maintenance of critical systems and equipment (food and beverage, security, seating, signage, and hygiene services) through contractor management and preventative planning.
- Support workplace health and safety, including participation in the Joint Health and Safety Committee, policy implementation, and compliance with WSIB standards.
- Ensure accessibility compliance under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) including assisted listening devices, staff training, and service protocols.
- Flexible approach to workplace location and hours (including occasional evenings and weekends) contingent on the operating needs of the organization.
- Model organizational values and policies, supporting a culture of accountability, equity, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Perform other duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in cinema, live events, hospitality, or related operational management roles.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing unionized and/or front-of-house teams, with strong skills in training, performance management, and employee relations.
- Smart Serve certification (required); Food Handlers and Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) certification considered strong assets.
- Experience with Agile Ticketing is required, proficiency in Office Suite and Microsoft Teams and experience with Salesforce and 7shifts or other database systems is an asset.
- Experience with database, point of sale, payment processing, ticketing, and project management software and technologies.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and coordinate diverse stakeholder needs under a cohesive approach.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including de-escalation, conflict resolution, and customer service expertise in support of audience development and community engagement.
- Ability to coordinate the needs of diverse stakeholders, colleagues, and clients under a cohesive approach.
- Strong knowledge of food and beverage trends, suppliers, inventory management, pricing and cost control strategies, alcohol sales and safe consumption regulations, menu and ingredient curation, and specialization.
- Expertise in building/facility/venue management, including experience working with contractors, conducting day-to-day repairs, overseeing safe usage, WSIB compliance, emergency and evacuation procedures, and health and safety training and policies.
- Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., AODA) and commitment to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across staff and audience experiences.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure and lead by example in fast-paced environments.
- Experience with database, point of sale, payment processing, ticketing, and project management software and technologies.
- Strong customer service skills, including de-escalation and conflict resolution
- Flexible approach to working hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
APPLICATION
Please forward a cover letter and resume to: Giulia Mandel
Email: gmandel@hotdocs.ca
Subject Line: Hiring Committee – Cinema Manager
DEADLINE: September 26, 2025
No phone calls please.
EQUITY STATEMENT
Hot Docs is a forum to share stories and perspectives on the people, issues and events that shape our world, and we encourage respectful discussion and debate to foster greater understanding and empathy.
An integral component of this is Hot Docs’ commitment to fostering an organizational culture that brings together people with different races, identities, abilities, experiences and skills. Hot Docs is committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve in the stories we present and also in our workforce. We encourage applications from diverse communities and welcomes applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
Hot Docs encourages applications from qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise the Hiring Manager to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process. Information received relating to the accommodation will be addressed confidentially.