At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of creative engagement through effective operational planning and project management.
- Company: Join the English National Opera, a leader in community-focused arts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a dynamic environment focused on equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new role that supports ambitious creative programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational systems, project management, and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced Operations & Planning Manager to play a key role in shaping the future of ENO Engage's ambitious programme of creative engagement across London and Greater Manchester.
Working closely with the Director of ENO Engage and departmental leaders, you'll develop the systems, processes and planning frameworks that enable high-quality programmes to be delivered effectively, sustainably and at scale. This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity to establish the operational infrastructure that supports a growing department working across communities, schools, health settings and cultural partnerships. You'll lead on operational planning, governance, project management and financial oversight, helping to ensure teams can focus on delivering meaningful creative experiences and achieving positive outcomes for participants.
Working across a diverse portfolio of programmes, you'll bring structure, consistency and continuous improvement to the department's ways of working, while building strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. You'll play a pivotal role in supporting organisational growth, improving efficiency and embedding sustainable systems that will have a lasting impact on ENO Engage's work.
If you're a highly organised and proactive operational leader with experience of planning, project management and developing effective systems, and you're excited by the opportunity to support ambitious creative and community-focused programmes, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Requirements:
- Experience improving operational systems, processes or organisational ways of working
- Strong analytical skills and confidence working with operational data
- Strong project management experience
- Experience of developing planning frameworks, reporting systems or operational processes
- Experience managing multiple priorities within a complex environment
- Experience managing budgets and financial reporting
- Experience working with CRM databases
- Excellent organisational and analytical skills with strong attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to influence and support colleagues through organisational change
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility
Application deadline: 5pm, Sunday 16 August 2026
1st Interviews: Thursday 27 August 2026
2nd Interviews: Thursday 3 September 2026
Reasonable adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]
Feedback: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who reach the interview stage.
Operations & Planning Manager in London employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and creativity. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements based in Manchester, employees are empowered to manage diverse projects while receiving ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the arts education sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people through the arts.
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We think this is how you could land Operations & Planning Manager in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Operations & Planning Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
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