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- Tasks: Lead operations to create unforgettable audience experiences at the iconic Barbican Centre.
- Company: Join the Barbican, London's Creative Catalyst for arts and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous pension, discounts, and free access to cultural venues.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team shaping the future of arts and culture in London.
- Qualifications: Experience in venue management or customer experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 47620 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included. Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance.
Department: Audience Experience & Operations
Grade: D
Salary: £42,750 - £47,620 per annum (inclusive of London Weighting) + Unsocial Hours payment
Job type: Full time (35 hours per week) 12 Month FTC
About Us
The Barbican is an international arts, conference and education centre in the heart of the City of London. We are London's Creative Catalyst for arts, curiosity and enterprise. Across our theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues and public and community spaces, we spark creative possibilities and transformation for artists, audiences, and communities – to inspire, connect and provoke debate. We are the place to be and a place where everyone is welcome. Our impact is felt far outside our walls and ripples beyond the experiences we offer – locally, nationally and internationally.
About the role
The Audience Experience and Operations team manages and oversees all aspects of Audience, Venues, Front of House and Foyers Event Management, Soft Service Contract Management, Security, Box Office, Access, Licensing, Health & Safety and Fire Safety Management. The team exists to provide the highest standards of audience, customer, clients, and staff experience. As an Operations Manager you will strive to promote the Barbican and its activities, maximise revenue generation, ensure a welcoming, friendly and safe environment is provided to all whilst maintaining observance of relevant statutory regulations, including the delivery of the Fire Management plan and Major Incident plan.
We are looking for a proactive team player to drive the vision of the Audience division, fulfilling the Audience Strategy and to be an exemplary role model to other members of staff to provide an excellent experience that is friendly, connected, efficient, and knowledgeable to all our audiences, clients, other staff, and customers. Experience of pastoral care for large teams, especially during culture change will be beneficial. You will work with our other Operations Managers on a rota basis to provide management cover during the opening hours of the Centre. The successful post-holder will also act as representative of the licensee and assume responsibility for all activity taking place. We particularly welcome those with experience of arts and conference management, venue management or customer experience. This role requires regular weekend and evening work.
Barbican Benefits
We offer a wide range of employee benefits, annual pay progression and an annual pay review, a generous pension scheme, season ticket loan and cycle to work schemes, free access to museums and galleries, discounts on retail, healthcare and on-site cafes and restaurants. You will have access to Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First aiders and City of London employee networks.
How to Apply
To apply, please click on the apply online button on the bottom of your screen. If there are any issues with the application process, please contact the Barbican Careers team at careers@barbican.org.uk. Deadline for applications is Monday 31st March 2025 at 23.55pm. Please note that we are unable to accept late applications.
Disclaimer: In line with our policy the successful candidate will be offered the starting salary of £42,750 however, this will be subject to experience. The City of London Corporation want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do. The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation – and is committed to regularly benchmarking and reviewing pay against external sectors.
As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of staff within the Barbican we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from groups that are currently underrepresented, including people from the Global Majority* and D/deaf and disabled people. We want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under 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.
Operations Manager in London employer: City of London
Contact Detail:
City of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the arts and operations sectors. Attend events at places like the Barbican to meet potential colleagues and get a feel for the culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Barbican's recent events and initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about our mission and how you can contribute to enhancing audience experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your past experiences align with the role of Operations Manager. We want to hear how you’ve successfully managed teams and improved customer experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Barbican team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, so highlight those relevant bits in your application!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their applications to reflect our values and the specific role. Show us why you're the perfect fit for the Operations Manager position at the Barbican.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Avoid fluff – we want to know what makes you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website using the 'apply online' button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of London
✨Know the Barbican Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding the Barbican's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their events, audience engagement strategies, and how they promote creativity. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and align your answers with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to lead a diverse team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, especially during times of change. Highlight your experience in fostering a positive environment and ensuring high standards of customer service, as this is crucial for the Barbican's audience experience.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle emergencies. Think of scenarios related to audience management, health and safety, or event coordination. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the future direction of the Audience Experience and Operations team or how they measure success in audience engagement. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the Barbican is the right fit for you.
