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- Tasks: Lead ENO into a bold new chapter, shaping the future of opera in the UK.
- Company: Join the iconic English National Opera, a cultural institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Be part of a visionary team, influencing the arts on a national scale.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts and champion creativity and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in arts, strong strategic vision, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Full-time role based in London and Greater Manchester, with a focus on growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
English National Opera (ENO) is one of the UK’s most iconic cultural institutions, dedicated to creating extraordinary encounters with opera on stage and beyond. For over 90 years, we have championed opera without limits – work of the highest artistic ambition, made accessible to the widest possible audience. As we look ahead to our Centenary Year in 2031, we are entering a bold new chapter: expanding our presence in Greater Manchester, deepening our national impact, and reimagining what opera can mean for the communities we serve.
We are seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead ENO and the London Coliseum through this defining moment. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a world-class organisation, galvanise our people, and deliver artistic and social impact on a national scale.
As Chief Executive Officer, you will:
- Drive ENO’s strategic growth and evolution into a dual-base national opera company.
- Partner with our Artistic and Music Directors to deliver an inspiring, diverse programme that reaches new audiences.
- Lead the creative and commercial operation of the London Coliseum, maximising its potential while safeguarding its cultural significance.
- Champion ENO’s values of creativity, excellence, togetherness and trust, fostering an inclusive and empowering culture.
- Ensure financial resilience through innovative business models, income diversification and strong governance.
- Act as ENO’s principal ambassador, advocating for opera and the performing arts locally, nationally and internationally.
We welcome applications from individuals with:
- Proven senior leadership experience within opera, theatre, arts or creative industries.
- A track record of delivering organisational strategy that balances artistic ambition with financial sustainability.
- Experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing significant change.
- Experience of building strong relationships with Partners/Funding Bodies and developing strong networks in the arts/creative sectors.
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of fundraising environments.
- A collaborative, values-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
This is a full-time executive role based across London and Greater Manchester. English National Opera is committed to diversity and inclusion and warmly encourages applications from all backgrounds.
Chief Executive Officer employer: ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
Contact Detail:
ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the opera and arts scene, attend events, and connect with industry leaders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for opera! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for the future of the arts and how you can contribute. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ENO family and contributing to its exciting future.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Opera: When writing your application, let your love for opera shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your connection to the art form and how you envision its future. We want to see your enthusiasm and commitment to making opera accessible to everyone.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of ENO. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission of creativity, excellence, and inclusivity. We’re looking for someone who can drive our strategic growth, so show us how you can do that!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at ENO. We can’t wait to read what you have to say!
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
✨Know Your Opera
Dive deep into the world of opera and understand ENO's unique position within it. Familiarise yourself with their recent productions, community initiatives, and strategic goals. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Chief Executive Officer, it's crucial to convey your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, fostered inclusivity, and balanced artistic ambition with financial sustainability. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Connect with Their Values
Understand and embody ENO’s values of creativity, excellence, togetherness, and trust. Think about how you can champion these values in your role. During the interview, share personal anecdotes that reflect your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions. Ask about ENO's plans for expanding into Greater Manchester or how they envision the future of opera in the UK. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your own aspirations.
