Job Summary
The Creative Freelance Engagement Manager will champion an aspirational approach to how Norwich Theatre works with freelancers, consciously raising the standards of best practice within our organisation and by extension our industry sector.
Job Description
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £36,375 per annum
Main Purpose of the Role
Freelancers are essential to Norwich Theatre's success. From technical casuals and creative practitioners to specialist project collaborators, they enable us to be flexible, responsive and ambitious in the work we deliver. In 2025 alone, we worked with more than 90 freelancers across the organisation. As we continue to grow, so does the need for a coordinated and forward-thinking approach to supporting this vital workforce.
With a new Freelancer Charter due to be launched, alongside a clear plan for strengthening freelance engagement, we are creating the permanent role of Creative Freelance Engagement Manager. The role reflects both our own learning and the wider national focus on fair, sustainable freelance practice within the cultural sector.
Working across the organisation, you will help ensure freelancers are engaged fairly, supported effectively and valued as a key part of our success.
Job Requirements
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong understanding of the arts and cultural sector, ideally combined with lived experience as a freelancer, to shape and champion how Norwich Theatre works with freelancers, ensuring our approach is supportive, consistent, and aligned with best practice.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence key stakeholders to advocate fair, inclusive and supportive approaches to working with freelance practitioners.
Job Responsibilities
This role is responsible for ensuring Norwich Theatre's engagement with freelancers is fair, inclusive and aligned with industry best practice. The postholder will coordinate freelance commissioning, contracting, onboarding and offboarding processes, provide guidance to colleagues, and maintain clear information and communication channels for freelancers. They will build strong relationships with freelance practitioners, networks and sector partners, support skills development and professional learning opportunities, and promote diverse talent.
The role also includes negotiating contracts, managing compliance requirements, monitoring freelance engagement, gathering feedback and insights, and supporting continuous improvement.
Working collaboratively across departments, the postholder will champion organisational values, strengthen freelance experiences and contribute to Norwich Theatre's creative, social and strategic objectives.
- Job Title: Creative Freelance Engagement Manager
Applications to close at 23.59 on 18th October 2026
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Norwich Theatre employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
