At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, manage people, and drive performance for a mission-driven organisation.
- Company: Join Black Lives in Music, a not-for-profit championing racial equity in the UK music industry.
- Benefits: Be part of a passionate team making real change in the music sector.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape organisational culture and influence systemic change for Black artists and communities.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience and commitment to racial equity required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure it is well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems. The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum. The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.
Why Join Us
Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive. BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.
Person Specification
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.
- Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.
- Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.
- Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.
- Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.
- A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.
- The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.
- The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.
Desirable
- Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.
- Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.
- Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.
- Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.
- Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.
- An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.
Chief Operating Officer in London employer: Association of British Orchestras
At Black Lives in Music (BLiM), we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about driving racial equity in the UK music industry. Our collaborative work environment encourages personal and professional growth, offering opportunities to shape impactful initiatives while working alongside a dedicated team. Join us in this pivotal moment of transformation as we amplify the voices of Black artists and professionals, ensuring that your contributions will lead to meaningful change in the sector.
Contact Details:
Association of British Orchestras Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the music industry and let them know you're on the lookout for COO roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BLiM's mission and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you genuinely care about advancing racial equity in the music industry. Bring your passion to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built operational infrastructure and led teams in previous roles. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference and how you can do the same for us.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission at BLiM.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for racial equity and the music industry shine through. We want to see how your values align with BLiM's mission, so don’t hold back on sharing your commitment to making a difference!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in operational leadership roles. We’re looking for someone who can build effective systems and manage teams, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the COO role.
Be Clear and Concise:Your written communication skills are key! Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex ideas, as we need someone who can translate operational info into accessible reports for our stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead at BLiM!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of British Orchestras
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into BLiM's mission and recent initiatives. Understand their commitment to racial equity in the music industry and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your operational expertise to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Operational Successes
Prepare specific examples of how you've built or improved operational systems in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving team performance. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your financial literacy, especially regarding budget management and grant compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've handled financial oversight in past positions. This is crucial for a COO role, so showing confidence in this area will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
Given the importance of interpersonal skills in this role, prepare to share examples of how you've built trust and navigated complex relationships. Discuss your approach to people management and team culture-building, as these are key aspects of the COO position at BLiM.
