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- Tasks: Lead the sustainability team and develop strategies for a greener Barbican Centre.
- Company: Join the Barbican, London's Creative Catalyst for arts and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous pension, discounts, and free access to museums.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative role that champions sustainability in the arts.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in sustainability strategy and exceptional project management skills required.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
The predicted salary is between 66190 - 75010 £ per year.
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location_on Location: BARBICAN CENTRE (EC2Y 8DS)
credit_card Salary: £66,190 – £75,010 (Inclusive of London Weighting)
Job details
Role : Head of Sustainability – Barbican Centre
Salary : £66,190 – £75,010 per annum inclusive of all allowances
Job Type : Full-time, Permanent (35 Hours Per Week)
About Us
We are London’s Creative Catalyst for arts, curiosity and enterprise. Our values reflect that we are inclusive, sustainable, daring, connected and joyful. We spark creative possibilities and transformation for artists, audiences, and communities – to inspire, connect and provoke debate.
The Barbican presents artistic experiences across music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and cinema that variously entertain, enable, enrich and educate our many audiences and participants. Our intention is to be a 21st century international Art Centre that champions equity and opportunity and explores new approaches to arts, education and enterprise.
Barbican Renewal is a major capital programme transformation to provide a fit-for-21st century, inclusive, welcoming facility for diverse audiences, visitors and artists. The bold vision of Barbican Renewal is a direct response to the City of London’s agenda of creating a more sustainable, equitable and dynamic environment. Working with colleagues across the City portfolio, our aim is to knit the Barbican back into the fabric of London, and to stand as an exemplar of generative, value-led investment. Barbican Renewal is a significant part of the Centre’s strategic plan and sustainability must be embedded across the way we work and everything we do. The Head of Sustainability is, therefore, a pivotal role in the successful transformation and cultural change at the Centre.
About the Role
Sustainability is one of the Barbican’s five core values hence this new strategically important role has been created. The Head of Sustainability will lead the sustainability team and ensure the Centre achieves its strategic goals and objectives. The post holder will lead the development and delivery of the sustainability strategy and report at a senior level on its progress. They will influence decision making across every team. In partnership with the Directors’ Group and the Management Team, they will also lead behavioural change in the areas of energy, sustainability and environmental management.
Barbican Benefits
We offer a wide range of employee benefits, including flexible working, annual pay progression and an annual pay review, a generous pension scheme, season ticket loan and cycle to work schemes, free access to museums and galleries, discounts on retail, healthcare and on-site cafes and restaurants. You will have access to Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First aiders and City of London employee networks.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced candidate with the following attributes:
- A strong track record in sustainability strategy development and implementation.
- Experience in working in a complex organisation and successfully promoting and enhancing the profile of the sustainability energy, and environmental team.
- Knowledge of funding mechanisms that support sustainability initiatives.
- Exceptional project management skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
- A creative and collaborative mindset, with a passion for arts and culture.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities.
How to Apply
To apply, please click on the apply online button on the bottom of your screen.
If there are any issues with the application process, please contact the Barbican Careers team at
Deadline for applications is Thursday 30th January 2025 at 23.55pm.
Interviews will be held during the week commencing the 10th of February 2025.
Please note that we are unable to accept late applications.
Diversity and Inclusion
The City of London Corporation want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do. The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation – and is committed to regularly benchmarking and reviewing pay against external sectors.
As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of staff within the Barbican we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from groups that are currently underrepresented, including people from the Global Majority and D/deaf and disabled people. We want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. Please contact us if you require reasonable adjustments as part of the application process.
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Head of Sustainability employer: City of London
Contact Detail:
City of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sustainability
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Barbican Centre's current sustainability initiatives and projects. Understanding their existing strategies will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the arts and sustainability sectors. Attend events or forums related to sustainability in the arts to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led sustainability initiatives in complex organizations. Highlight your project management skills and your ability to influence cross-functional teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for arts and culture in your conversations. The Barbican values creativity, so demonstrating how your sustainability vision can enhance their artistic mission will set you apart as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sustainability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Sustainability position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in sustainability strategy development and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for arts and culture, as well as your commitment to sustainability. Address how you can contribute to the Barbican's mission and values, and mention any relevant achievements in previous roles.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to apply through the designated online application process. Double-check that all required documents are included and that you have adhered to the application deadline of January 30th, 2025.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of London
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Make sure to express your genuine passion for sustainability and the arts during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented sustainability strategies in previous roles, and how you envision doing the same at the Barbican Centre.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and working collaboratively with various stakeholders. The role requires influencing decision-making across teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex organizational structures in the past.
✨Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to lead behavioral change in sustainability practices. Prepare examples that showcase your project management skills and how you've driven change in energy and environmental management within an organization.
✨Understand the Barbican's Vision
Familiarize yourself with the Barbican's mission and values, especially their commitment to sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to the Barbican Renewal initiative.
