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- Tasks: Lead planning and scheduling for events at iconic venues, balancing artistic and commercial needs.
- Company: Join Southbank Centre, Europe's largest arts center, known for innovation and cultural impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, hybrid work, discounts, free events, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community that values creativity, diversity, and collaboration in the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior admin roles within cultural venues; strong project management and tech skills required.
- Other info: Applications close at 23:59 on the deadline date.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for an experienced Head of Planning to lead the planning, scheduling and diary management of all events across our iconic venues and 11 acre site, on a full time permanent basis.
The successful candidate will oversee the administration and management of the diary that includes all activity across the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, and more. Activity includes everything from artistic and commercial events, to maintenance days and site installations. You will work closely with the Director Arts Planning & Producing and be responsible for ensuring the diary reflects both the artistic vision of the Artistic Director and the financial objectives of the Southbank Centre, working collaboratively with key stakeholders from across departments including Finance, Production, Marketing, and Commercial teams.
This role requires a forward-thinking, data-driven leader who can manage a busy and complex planning process with strong attention to detail, while exploring innovative technological solutions to enhance efficiency. You will be instrumental in managing diary allocations, balancing the needs of the artistic programme with commercial and operational requirements, and ensuring all scheduling is aligned with Southbank Centre’s broader strategic objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the scheduling and planning of all events across multiple venues, ensuring balance between artistic, commercial, and operational needs.
- Managing the long-term diary planning (6 months to 5 years in advance) and ensuring the short-term diary is efficiently organised by line managing the Planning Manager.
- Collaborating with the Director of Arts Planning and Producing, Artistic Director, and other senior leaders to ensure the diary supports the artistic vision and financial targets.
- Utilising new technologies and data management tools to streamline planning processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
- Maintaining strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including the Heads of Art Forms, Commercial and Event Management teams, and external partners.
We’re looking for someone with:
- Significant experience in a senior administrative role within a large-scale artistic or cultural venue.
- Strong understanding of a wide range of art forms, from classical and contemporary music to performance, visual arts, and public programming.
- Expertise in project management, scheduling, and data management and analysis, with an eye for accuracy and detail.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders across departments, and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
- Keen understanding and knowledge of new technologies and software to support the planning process, including a desire to constantly develop, explore and evolve that knowledge.
Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is Europe’s largest arts centre and one of the UK’s top five visitor attractions, occupying an 11-acre site that sits in the midst of London’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames.
Its impact and reach are significant and it is respected internationally as a convener of great artists and diverse audiences and for being entrepreneurial and innovative in response to a volatile and changing financial landscape. The Southbank Centre is a charity that is determined to demonstrate its ambition to remain innovative, disruptive and experimental in what it does and to be highly relevant to the artists it wants to work with and to the audiences it wants to attract.
The Southbank Centre believes that a commitment to diversity and inclusion helps it be a more relevant and effective organisation.
Our Artistic Mission
The Southbank Centre exists to provide great artistic experiences for everyone. Through art, we invite our visitors to enjoy shared cultural encounters together. To gaze. To listen. To be moved. To discover a new idea or a new perspective. We are proud that for the last 70 years, the performances and exhibitions here have moved millions. We have provided a home for art and for artists. A community centred on art, where everyone, no matter their job, helps make the experience.
At the Southbank Centre we believe in:
Creating welcoming spaces
- Because upholding respect, safety and belonging is at the heart of vibrant teams and communities.
- This means us all taking responsibility for shaping and protecting a kind, compassionate and inclusive environment for others.
Making wonderful experiences together
- Because we all contribute to amazing artistic moments at the Southbank Centre.
- This means us all understanding and valuing the different parts we play in creating enjoyment and success.
Sparking new thinking
- Because different views and thought-provoking conversations inspire innovation, learning and growth.
- This means everyone having a desire to learn and being open to evaluating how they think and work.
Benefits & Perks:
As well as working at one of London’s most popular and exciting sites the successful candidate will also benefit from the following:
- A min 5% employer’s pension contribution (rising to 9% depending on your employee contribution), from day 1 of employment
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time employees)
- Hybrid working model (3 days office working, 2 days from home subject to operational need)
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced family leave benefits
- Up to 30% discounts at onsite retail, food and beverage vendors
- Staff ticket offers for Southbank Centre events
- Free entry to Hayward Gallery
- Free/discounted entry with other reciprocal organisations
- Free staff yoga
- Free access to emotional support from a confidential specialist Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on the closing date for the job posting.
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Head of Planning employer: Disability Arts Online
Contact Detail:
Disability Arts Online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Southbank Centre's artistic vision and recent events. Understanding their programming will help you align your approach to planning and demonstrate your commitment to their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the arts and cultural sector, especially those who have experience in large-scale venues. Building relationships can provide insights into the role and may lead to valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest technologies and data management tools relevant to event planning. Being able to discuss innovative solutions during your conversations will showcase your forward-thinking approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex schedules and competing priorities. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to balance artistic and commercial needs effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Planning position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your significant experience in senior administrative roles within large-scale artistic or cultural venues. Provide specific examples of how you've managed complex planning processes and collaborated with various stakeholders.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your expertise in project management, scheduling, and data management. Mention any relevant technologies or software you are familiar with that can enhance planning processes, as this aligns with the company's focus on innovation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of the Southbank Centre's mission and values. Explain why you are passionate about the role and how your vision aligns with their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating great artistic experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability Arts Online
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your significant experience in senior administrative roles within large-scale artistic or cultural venues. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex planning processes and scheduling.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this role requires working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with senior leaders across departments. Emphasize your ability to balance competing priorities under pressure.
✨Emphasize Data-Driven Decision Making
Discuss your expertise in project management and data analysis. Provide examples of how you've utilized new technologies and data management tools to enhance efficiency in planning processes.
✨Align with the Artistic Vision
Understand the Southbank Centre's artistic mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how your planning strategies can support their artistic vision while also meeting financial objectives.
