At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of creative engagement through effective operational planning and project management.
- Company: Join English National Opera, a leader in community-focused creative programmes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £45,000, with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and providing support for all candidates.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on communities while supporting ambitious creative initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational systems, project management, and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum
Location: Greater Manchester or London, with some travel between both locations
We're looking for an experienced Operations & Planning Manager to play a key role in shaping the future of ENO Engage's ambitious programme of creative engagement across London and Greater Manchester. Working closely with the Director of ENO Engage and departmental leaders, you'll develop the systems, processes and planning frameworks that enable high-quality programmes to be delivered effectively, sustainably and at scale. This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity to establish the operational infrastructure that supports a growing department working across communities, schools, health settings and cultural partnerships.
You'll lead on operational planning, governance, project management and financial oversight, helping to ensure teams can focus on delivering meaningful creative experiences and achieving positive outcomes for participants. Working across a diverse portfolio of programmes, you'll bring structure, consistency and continuous improvement to the department's ways of working, while building strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. You'll play a pivotal role in supporting organisational growth, improving efficiency and embedding sustainable systems that will have a lasting impact on ENO Engage's work.
If you're a highly organised and proactive operational leader with experience of planning, project management and developing effective systems, and you're excited by the opportunity to support ambitious creative and community-focused programmes, we'd love to hear from you.
Requirements:
- Experience improving operational systems, processes or organisational ways of working
- Strong analytical skills and confidence working with operational data
- Strong project management experience
- Experience of developing planning frameworks, reporting systems or operational processes
- Experience managing multiple priorities within a complex environment
- Experience managing budgets and financial reporting
- Experience working with CRM databases
- Excellent organisational and analytical skills with strong attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to influence and support colleagues through organisational change
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility
Application deadline: 5pm, Sunday 16 August 2026
1st Interviews: Thursday 27 August 2026
2nd Interviews: Thursday 3 September 2026
English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we particularly encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.
Operations & Planning Manager employer: ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
English National Opera is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and inclusivity, making it a fantastic place for those passionate about community engagement. With a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, employees have ample opportunities for professional growth while working in vibrant locations like London and Greater Manchester. The organisation not only offers competitive salaries but also fosters meaningful connections with diverse communities, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in enriching the cultural landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations & Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations & Planning Manager at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA or be willing to refer you for that Operations & Planning Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA who’s on the lookout for their next Operations & Planning Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations & Planning Manager role at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations & Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
