At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation and operational excellence at the iconic Barbican Centre.
- Company: Join the Barbican, a world-leading arts centre in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of arts and culture while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for driving change.
The predicted salary is between 103190 - 118330 £ per year.
- Chief Operating Officer
- Barbican Centre – City of London
Salary: £103,190 - £118,330 Contractual Hours: 35 Basis: Full time, Permanent Workplace category: Hybrid Attachments: Job Information Pack
Job Summary
As we approach our 50th anniversary, the Barbican stands at a pivotal moment.
We are transforming into a 21st‑century organisation celebrating our people, place and programme.
The Barbican is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the newly formed Executive Team.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Experience Officer and Chief of Staff, the COO will shape the future direction of the Barbican, lead organisational transformation, drive operational excellence and ensure the Centre is equipped with the systems, structures, resources and culture needed to thrive for decades to come.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across the organisation as a member of the Executive Team.
- Drive organisational and cultural change, fostering a high‑performing, inclusive and collaborative environment.
- Lead financial planning, reporting and performance to support informed decision‑making and long‑term sustainability.
- Deliver a balanced budget and establish foundations for future growth and revenue generation.
- Build agile and effective operational structures and systems.
- Oversee the development and delivery of artistic programming frameworks aligned with audience and creative strategies.
- Lead major capital transformation projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Act as custodian of the Barbican's heritage, estate and visual identity.
- Build and maintain influential relationships across the City of London Corporation, arts sector and wider stakeholder landscape.
- Support fundraising, communications and advocacy activities, acting as an ambassador for the Barbican nationally and internationally.
About You
We are looking for a strategic, inspiring and commercially minded leader with a track record of delivering transformation within complex organisations.
- You Will Bring
- Significant senior leadership experience in a comparable executive role.
- Experience leading large, multifaceted teams through change and transformation.
- Outstanding financial and commercial acumen, including management of substantial operational and capital budgets.
- Experience building successful strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
- A proven ability to drive organisational performance while nurturing positive culture change.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence representing an organisation at the highest levels.
- Experience shaping and delivering ambitious programmes within a complex organisational environment.
- A degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of best practice, regulation and emerging trends relevant to the role.
Experience within the arts, culture, architecture, finance or business management sectors would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- Barbican Membership
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Access to Barbican Centre discounts including offers at the Barbican Shop and hospitality outlets
- City Corporation staff benefits and discounts throughout the City of London, including at Tower Bridge, Guildhall Art Gallery and others
- Reciprocal entry to a number of galleries and museums across London
- Employee volunteering scheme (up to 2 days per year)
- A vibrant, creative, inclusive workplace at one of the world’s leading arts centres
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and strive to reflect the communities we serve.
We encourage applications from people from groups that are currently underrepresented, including people from the Global Majority* and disabled people.
We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who are eligible for this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.
Please contact us if you require reasonable adjustments as part of the application process.
*Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual‑heritage, indigenous to the global south, or have been racialised as ethnic minorities.
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Chief Operating Officer employer: Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is an outstanding employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and innovation in the heart of London. Employees benefit from unique opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a commitment to operational excellence that ensures a fulfilling and impactful career in the arts and culture sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
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Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Barbican Centre.
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When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Barbican Centre.
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Barbican Centre.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Barbican Centre. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barbican Centre
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Barbican Centre, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Barbican Centre, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Barbican Centre could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Barbican Centre as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
