Operations Manager/ Marketing

About XCHC

XCHC (Exchange Christchurch) is a creative space and artist incubator based in a character

warehouse in Waltham. We exist to cultivate a creative ecology — helping creative

practitioners develop their concepts and enterprises through access to space, networks,

platforms, and community. We've been operating for over a decade and are entering a new

phase of growth with improved systems, stronger programming, and a clear plan for

long-term sustainability.

XCHC is not a generic venue. Our events are platforms for artists to showcase their work

and develop their practice. Our bar and space exist to support that mission — not the other

way around.

We are non-political and non-religious. We care about creative development, community

connection, and running a space that works.

Location: 376 Wilsons Road, Waltham, Ōtautahi Christchurch

Hours: ~20 hours/week (flexible schedule, includes evenings and some weekends)

Pay: $35/hour + 8% holiday pay

Type: Part-time, fixed-term with pathway to permanent employment

Reports to: Directors / Board of Exchange Christchurch Ltd

Apply to: info@xchc.co.nz

About us

XCHC is a creative space & artist incubator based in a character warehouse in Christchurch. We exist to cultivate a creative ecology — helping creative practitioners develop their concepts & enterprises through access to space, networks, platforms, & community. We've been operating for over a decade & are entering a new phase of growth with improved systems, stronger programming, & a clear plan for long-term sustainability.

XCHC is not a generic venue. Our events are platforms for artists to showcase their work & develop their practice. 

The Role

We're looking for an Operations & Events Manager who underst&s that running a creative space is about more than logistics — it's about giving artists a platform to develop & showcase their work, & building a nightlife & cultural programme that elevates Ōtautahi's creative identity.

This is a h&s-on role. You'll be the person who makes things happen — from inviting artists & curating a compelling programme, to making sure the bar is stocked & the sound works. The vision & the execution live in the same job.

You won't be building systems from scratch — we already have automated tools, booking workflows, & operational infrastructure in place. Your job is to use them well, keep things moving, & deliver results.

This isn't a 9-to-5. It's a flexible, results-driven role where we care about what gets done, not how many hours you sit at a desk. We expect you to work smart, use technology (including AI tools like Claude), & focus your energy where it counts.

What you'll do

Events (core focus)

Actively seek out & invite artists, performers, & creative practitioners to showcase their work at XCHC — building a pipeline of talent & a reputation as a

platform worth being part of.

Monitor & manage the events inbox, responding to inquiries & managing bookings through our internal system.

Coordinate with promoters, artists, & collaborators to confirm event details & ensure alignment with XCHC's creative direction.

Arrange staffing for events — bar staff, duty managers, & volunteer support where needed.

Create promotional content for events & ensure they are published across all major platforms.

Prepare the space before events — room setup, sound/lighting basics, signage, bar readiness.

Be present during events to oversee smooth delivery — door, bar coordination, safety, & audience experience.

Support pack-down & post-event wrap-up. Capture learnings & close out tasks.

Programme a diverse mix of events that keeps the space interesting & the community engaged — we want variety, artistic quality, & financial sense, not just

volume.

Venue operations

Keep the space clean, tidy, & welcoming at all times.

Ensure operational systems are working properly — POS, booking tools, payment systems — & that people are getting paid on time.

Coordinate minor maintenance issues & flag anything that needs attention.

Support member & resident needs on the floor when present.

Administration

Maintain event & operational records, keeping databases & task lists current.

Contribute to basic reporting — event reconciliation, attendance tracking, & operational updates for the directors.

What we're looking for

Must-haves

Proven experience coordinating events or managing venue operations.

Confident working with digital tools — booking systems, POS, social media scheduling, & content creation.

Comfortable using AI tools (e.g. Claude) to support your work — we value efficiency & smart use of technology.

Strong communication skills — you'll deal with artists, promoters, bar staff, members, & the public.

Self-directed & reliable — you'll often work independently & need to manage your own time.

Thrives in a busy, sometimes unpredictable environment.

Underst&s the importance of rest — this role has peak periods & you need to manage your energy sustainably.

Believes in what XCHC does. We want someone who genuinely cares about

supporting creative communities, not just filling a role.

Preferred

Duty Manager's Certificate (or willingness to obtain one — this significantly

strengthens your application).

LCQ (Licence Controller Qualification).

Experience with bar operations & alcohol service compliance.

Familiarity with creative/arts communities in Ōtautahi or similar environments.

An eye for programming — you can think about what events will work, who they'll attract, & whether they make financial sense.

The kind of person we want

You think in systems, not just tasks. You underst& that a well-run space is built on

good habits & repeatable processes.

You bring ideas, but they're grounded in logic, reason, & financial awareness —

not just enthusiasm.

You take initiative without needing to be managed closely.

You're comfortable in a creative environment but you underst& the business needs

to work financially.

You're honest, direct, & easy to work with.