Senior Manager, Operations

Senior Manager, Operations

Full-Time 52950 - 52950 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Arts Council England

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations and coordinate business processes for the London Area Team.
  • Company: Join the Arts Council, a diverse and inclusive employer.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while championing inclusivity and collaboration.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in managing teams and processes.

The predicted salary is between 52950 - 52950 £ per year.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 30 June 2027, working 35 hours per week. Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work and welcomes applications from individuals who require flexibility.

Salary: £52,950 (London) per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.

Location: London office. The role will be based at the London office; 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.

We are looking for a highly skilled, collaborative individual to join the London Area Team as Senior Manager, Operations on a fixed term basis until 30 June 2027. In this role, you will coordinate business processes at an Area level, managing the flow of business dealt with by the London Area Management Team, ensuring alignment with our national framework and Arts Council England’s strategy.

You will oversee the systems and processes that our team uses to support the practical day-to-day operation of the London team, including line management of the Operations team to support this. You will champion inclusive practices and work collaboratively and effectively both in the London Area and with colleagues nationally.

Ongoing duties include:

  • Reviewing risk registers relating to the Area funding portfolio;
  • Supporting the team with queries relating to grant processes;
  • Working with the finance team to manage budgets for National Lottery Project Grants, other funding programmes, and administration in Area;
  • Chairing regular operational meetings;
  • Providing advice to Directors in Area.

It is expected that the successful candidate will have considerable knowledge and understanding of systems and processes, with highly developed leadership skills and proven experience of leading, supporting, and mentoring teams.

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.

Disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse backgrounds are underrepresented in our workforce so we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups.

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.

We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent.

Job ref: LL59

Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 14th June 2026

1st Interviews (virtual): Friday 26th June 2026

2nd interviews (in person at the London Office): Thursday 9th July 2026

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.

Senior Manager, Operations employer: Arts Council England

Arts Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a final salary pension scheme, ensuring that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that champions diversity and fosters growth opportunities within the arts sector.

Arts Council England

Contact Details:

Arts Council England Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Operations

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Arts Council's values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team culture and what they really value in a Senior Manager, Operations.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your leadership experiences and how you've championed inclusive practices. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Operations

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Collaboration
Business Process Coordination
Risk Management
Budget Management
Grant Process Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Keep Your CV Fresh:Before diving into the application, make sure your CV is up to date. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Senior Manager, Operations role. We want to see what makes you a great fit!

Read the Job Specs Carefully:Take your time to thoroughly read the job description. Understanding the responsibilities and requirements will help you tailor your application and show us you’re the right person for the job.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing teams and processes, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past – we love to see collaboration in action!

Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England

Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with your experience. This will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to the team's success.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior Manager, Operations, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and mentoring. Highlight any inclusive practices you've championed to show you're a great fit for their values.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think of specific situations where you've managed risks or improved processes, and be ready to discuss the outcomes and what you learned from them.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.