At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop music organisations, helping them achieve their artistic goals.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, a leader in cultural transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the music industry while promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience in music genres and a passion for equity and community engagement.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 41000 £ per year.
Overview
Contract: Permanent. Salary: £41,211 (pro rata) per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working. Location: London. The role will be based in London; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week.
Introduction / Role Details
Do you believe in the power of culture to transform lives? Arts Council England is seeking a Relationship Manager to join our busy London music team. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with knowledge and experience in touring, new technologies, digital practice, or emerging models of music creation and distribution. We are also interested in applicants who work with diverse grassroots genres and scenes that have historically been underrepresented within public funding. Experience in one or more of these areas is desirable, but not essential.
We know that talent exists in every part of society. Currently, D/deaf and Disabled people, people from Black and ethnically diverse backgrounds, and those under 30 are underārepresented in Arts Council England's workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups. Arts Council England is committed to ensuring that all Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
The role
Based within the London music team, you will be responsible for investing in, supporting and developing a portfolio of musicārelated organisations and individuals, helping them to realise ambitious artistic work and strengthen their sustainability.
You will bring knowledge and experience in one or more music genres, as well as a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. You will be confident supporting others to make positive change and comfortable communicating with colleagues and external partners at all levels.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Giving funding advice and guidance
- Assessing grant applications
- Understanding and monitoring project delivery and performance
- Assessing financial information and identifying risk
- Providing constructive feedback on artistic and organisational plans
Full training and ongoing development will be provided to support you in all aspects of the role.
The team and context
You will join a diverse Londonābased team consisting of ten Relationship Managers, one Assistant, two Senior Relationship Managers and a Director. The team manages funding relationships with around 60 regularly funded organisations, as well as individual musicians and projectāfunded organisations. We also lead and support a range of placeābased initiatives and strategic projects across the capital.
You will contribute to the development and delivery of Arts Council England's national and London strategies, working with colleagues across the organisation, and should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the London and/or national music ecology.
As a Relationship Manager, you will engage with a broad range of activity including touring, placeābased development, digital and technological innovation, and environmental sustainability.
If this sounds like you, we would really like to hear from you.
Online Recruitment Drop-In Session for Applicants
Want to find out more? Before the deadline we are holding an informal drop-in with people currently working at Arts Council in similar roles where we'll share what it's like to work at the organisation and answer any questions people may have about the role. Relationship Managers come from lots of different backgrounds: musicians, music educators, composer/creators, performers, producers, administrators, from the broadcast/recording industry, venue managers, publishers and we are keen to reach out to those who may not have considered a job at Arts Council before.
Date: Wednesday 11th February 5pm (1 hour). Please click here to sign up for the informal drop-in session. Session will be BSL interpreted.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.
If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website.
We participate in the 'Offer an Interview' scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they're applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
About us
Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme.
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
Job details
Job ref: LL30
Closing date: 09:00 18 February 2026
1st Interview: 4 & 5 March 2026 (virtual)
2nd Interview: 12 & 13 March (In person ā London Office)
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
Relationship Manager, Music (LL30) in London employer: Arts Council England
Contact Detail:
Arts Council England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Music (LL30) in London
āØTip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the music industry. Attend events, join online forums, and donāt be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Relationship Manager gig!
āØTip Number 2
Show your passion for music! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about your favourite genres, artists, or projects you've been involved in. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
āØTip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team. Plus, itāll give you some great talking points!
āØTip Number 4
Donāt forget to apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. So, hit that apply button and letās get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Music (LL30) in London
Some tips for your application š«”
Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what a Relationship Manager in Music does and how your experience aligns with those responsibilities. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Authentic: We want to hear your unique voice! Donāt be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for music and culture, and how it drives you to make a difference. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have, especially in areas like touring, digital practice, or working with diverse music genres. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and achievements, so we can see how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you submit your application there. Itās super easy and ensures that your application gets to the right place. Plus, youāll find all the info you need to complete your application successfully!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
āØKnow Your Music Genres
Make sure you brush up on the various music genres, especially those that are underrepresented. Being able to discuss your knowledge and experience in these areas will show your passion and commitment to diversity in the music scene.
āØUnderstand the Role of a Relationship Manager
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Relationship Manager, particularly in terms of funding advice and project delivery. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to assess grant applications and provide constructive feedback.
āØShowcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, as well as how you would handle difficult conversations or provide support to others.
āØPrepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, current projects, or how the organisation supports its staff in professional development. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.