At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People & Culture function during a transformative phase for ENO and LCL.
- Company: Join the iconic English National Opera and London Coliseum, shaping cultural experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural transformation in a prestigious arts organisation.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and expertise in EDI and cultural change.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with top leaders in the arts.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
English National Opera (ENO) and the London Coliseum (LCL) are seeking a strategic, values-led Chief People Officer to lead our People & Culture function at a transformative moment in our history. As we expand our footprint across London and Greater Manchester, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most iconic cultural institutions.
Location: London or Greater Manchester (with regular travel between both)
Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits Package
Executive Team | English National Opera & London Coliseum
Flexible working options available
What you’ll lead:
- A comprehensive People & Culture portfolio including HR, EDI, organisational change, safeguarding, and internal communications
- Cultural transformation and organisational design to support our dual-base model
- Strategic workforce planning, leadership development, and succession planning
- Safeguarding as our Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safe and supportive environments for all
What you’ll bring:
- Senior HR leadership experience at Executive or Board level
- Deep expertise in EDI and cultural transformation
- Proven ability to influence and partner with CEOs, Boards, and senior leaders
- A collaborative, human-centred leadership style
- Ideally, experience in an arts, culture, or mission-driven organisations
To receive the full recruitment pack, please email our recruitment partner Hunter Adams at ENO@hunteradams.co.uk
Application is by cover letter and CV, submitted by Sunday 28th September.
For a confidential conversation, contact Eilidh Robertson on 07849 085214.
ENO and Hunter Adams are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know.
Chief People Officer employer: ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
Contact Detail:
ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and culture sector, especially those connected to ENO or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with anyone from ENO, make sure to express why you're excited about shaping their People & Culture function. Your enthusiasm can be contagious!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by understanding their current challenges and how your experience can help. Think about specific examples from your past that demonstrate your strategic leadership and cultural transformation skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your senior HR leadership experience and how it aligns with our values at ENO. We want to see your passion for cultural transformation and how you can influence our team.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your expertise in EDI and organisational change. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of the arts and culture sector, so make that clear!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We love a collaborative, human-centred approach! In your application, give us examples of how you've partnered with CEOs and Boards. This will help us see how you can fit into our team and lead our People & Culture function.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website by the deadline! It’s the best way for us to keep track of all applications and ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity at ENO.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
✨Know Your Values
As a Chief People Officer, you'll be expected to embody the values of the English National Opera and the London Coliseum. Make sure you understand their mission and how your personal values align with theirs. This will help you articulate your vision for cultural transformation during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your senior HR leadership experience, especially in EDI and organisational change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research the current initiatives at ENO and LCL, particularly around their dual-base model and safeguarding practices. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these areas and bring innovative ideas to the table. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in their future.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation's challenges. Inquire about their approach to leadership development or how they envision the cultural transformation process. This not only demonstrates your strategic thinking but also your commitment to collaboration.