Chief Producer, BBC Symphony Orchestra

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time

DEPARTMENT: BBC Symphony Orchestra

LOCATION: BBC Maida Vale Studios, London

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £48,633 – £62,000 plus London Weighting of £5,441, depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Our next Chief Producer will be crucial in helping shape the future of the BBCSO as we move into our new state-of-the-art studio at East Bank on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This is an exciting time for us as we mark a new era of world class music making, innovation and audience engagement in East London set against the orchestra’s long history at the heart of the BBC Proms and its legacy of fearless programming at the Barbican Centre. We are an inclusive team who live and work by BBC Values of Trust, Respect, Creativity and Quality, working together and keeping audiences at the heart of everything we do.

As one of the world’s leading performers of new music, we’re looking for someone who brings a deep knowledge of orchestras and repertoire combined with expert recording experience who can also think outside the box as we explore new and innovative ways to engage with audiences. Someone who is open and great with people but also exacting in detail; someone who is ambitious and courageous but takes intelligent risks.

This is a senior role within the BBCSO’s leadership team, with responsibility for recording and delivery of all SO concerts, touring and broadcast activity. The new Chief Producer will maintain and cultivate the broadcast sound of this world class orchestra and shape its presence on Radio 3, other BBC networks and all future platforms. Currently based at Maida Vale Studios, they will work closely with the Director and the Head of Artistic Planning, contribute to the planning of the SO’s groundbreaking programme and realise the orchestra’s artistic vision. They will hold key relationships with BBC commissioners, editors and producers, chiefly at Radio 3 and the BBC Proms but also across other networks as well as key partners such as the Barbican Centre, East Bank and London music colleges. They will hold strong relationships with international artists and conductors as well as foster the growth of emerging talent.

We are looking for an ambitious, motivated and enthusiastic candidate who can not only deliver for the BBC and its audiences but also help us drive the evolution of what a 21st century orchestra can be as we move to a new, purpose-built studio at East Bank. This is an opportunity to innovate and help us build the future of orchestral music.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

The Chief Producer will play a vital role in shaping the BBC Symphony Orchestra’s broadcast sound and presence across Radio 3, other BBC platforms, and future media. Working closely with the Director and Head of Artistic Planning, they’ll help deliver the orchestra’s artistic vision and groundbreaking programming. The role involves building strong relationships with BBC teams, partner institutions, international artists, and emerging talent. We’re seeking an ambitious and enthusiastic individual ready to innovate and help define the future of orchestral music as we move into our new purpose-built studio at East Bank.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

• Lead all BBCSO recordings and broadcasts, including live events and international tours, for Radio 3 and other BBC platforms.
• Produce live events, both broadcast and non-broadcast, with a key role in delivering BBC Proms performances.
• Oversee health & safety for all events, including risk assessments and safeguarding when working with children and young people.
• Manage studio and venue production, coordinating with Studio Managers, Outside Broadcast teams, and preparing technical schedules.
• Build and maintain relationships with Radio 3 teams, commissioners, and producers, contributing to programming and supporting initiatives like the New Generation Artist Scheme.
• Collaborate with conductors and artists, and help shape the orchestra’s artistic vision alongside the Director and Head of Artistic Planning.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Radio production skills: Tonmeister/Producer skills and editing including excellent ears for intonation, phrasing & balance and high level orchestral broadcast and live event production experience including live & deferred, touring and studio concerts and broadcasts.
• Effective communication with conductors, artists and orchestral musicians including Chorus, sensitively, in studio and concert settings in high pressure situations; experience of managing large teams and complex, high pressure situations.
• Ability to resolve problems quickly, often with large and complex groups of people, with sensitivity, adaptability and resilience.
• Experience in artistic planning with deep knowledge of repertoire and experience working with artists and agents.
• Experience in creative thinking and innovation: awareness of global developments in audio and audience experience.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Experience in audio/visual innovation including spatial audio, visualisation, augmented & virtual reality.
• Experience and knowledge of stage work, opera and multimedia collaboration.
• Experience working in non-classical & cross-genre collaboration.

Benefits include fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym. Excellent career and professional development. Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer. A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.