Head of Cinema

The Head of Cinema will lead the development and delivery of a dynamic cinema strategy that reflects the Barbican’s strategic framework with core principles to inspire, connect, and provoke debate. They will also be part of realizing a newly implemented Artistic Vision (2025–30) which has a strong focus on creating a holistic curated arts programme across all disciplines. Reporting to the Director for Arts and Participation, the Head of Cinema will lead and oversee the curation of an eclectic, diverse programme of international cinema, both curate and first-run, with a focus on film viewing as a meaningful, transformative, and joyful event, through its commitment to film viewing as a collective, in person experience. The Head of Cinema will be committed to new and emerging talent, the variety of cinema cultures from around the world, past and present, and marginalised creative voices, which the Barbican puts centre stage. The Head of Cinema will provide support and mentorship to the cinema team, stay ahead of trends in audience engagement and presentation, and explore opportunities for commissioning and touring Barbican-curated film programmes. As part of the Management Team, the Head of Cinema will actively contribute to the organization’s strategic goals and maintain a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Role and Responsibilities

Creative Leadership and Programming

1. Lead and oversee the curation of a distinctive and international cinema programme which is aligned with the organisation’s brand values and vision.
2. Develop and implement the Cinema Department’s programming strategy which incorporates talks and events that enhance audience impact, in collaboration with the Director for Arts and Participation.
3. Research and respond to evolving trends in the film industry, including consumption methods, technological innovations, and distribution models.
4. Collaborate with other art form programmers and integrate the Cinema Department into the Barbican’s arts programming while creating room for cross-artform synergies and developing larger projects.
5. Broaden learning and participation opportunities while partnering with the Creative Collaborations team.
6. Cultivate sponsorship and support opportunities with potential corporate sponsors and partner organizations and festivals.
7. Embrace other creative leadership and programming responsibilities, as needed.

Management and Operational Excellence

1. Ensure efficient and effective cinema operations, supporting and mentoring colleagues and partners, and demonstrating knowledge of cinema venue operations and technical requirements.
2. Lead and motivate a high-performing team, ensuring appropriate staffing, management systems, and adherence to City of London Corporation policies, championing the values of the Barbican Cinema and the Barbican.
3. Maximise income from cinema-related programs, related events, commercial uses, and ticket sales.
4. Collaborate with the Cinema Projection to ensure technical services meet the needs of cinema events and ensure appropriate capital and maintenance needs are identified and costs are determined.
5. Prepare and manage department budgets, providing financial reports and scenario planning as needed.
6. Embrace other management and operational excellence responsibilities, as needed.

Relationship Building and Compliance

1. Build and maintain relationships within the cinema sector, including distributors, festivals, and organisations, while representing the Barbican at relevant external key festivals and industry events.
2. Ensure compliance with the City of London Licensing Committee for unclassified films and attend Licensing Committee meetings.
3. Partner with the Development Team to identify and cultivate an array of fundraising and sponsorship opportunities.
4. Collaborate with the Audience Experience & Marketing teams to ensure timely program sales and appropriate marketing strategies.
5. Support the Business Events Team to maximize cinema rental income.
6. Ensure adherence to the Barbican’s risk management systems and work closely with external partners and teams across the Barbican to ensure they are informed and regularly updated about any cinema events that carry risk.
7. Strategize with the Senior Manager of Cinema to continue to build and develop accessible cinema programmes.
8. Embrace other relationship building and compliance responsibilities, as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The successful candidate will be a well-networked individual in the cinema sector with strong negotiating and influencing skills, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent time management. They should demonstrate self-motivation, initiative, and a calm, professional approach to collaborative decision-making.

Other key competencies include:

1. Diplomacy and Appreciating Others – The ability to effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues, while identifying and caring about others.
2. Leadership and Personal Accountability – The capacity to organize and influence people to believe in a vision while creating a sense of purpose, while being answerable for personal and professional actions.
3. Employee Development, Mentoring, and Coaching – The dexterity to facilitate, support, and contribute to the professional growth of others.
4. Change Management and Flexibility – The acumen to understand, address, and resolve conflict constructively, while readily modifying, responding, and adapting to change with minimal resistance.

Qualifications

The Head of Cinema will have significant experience curating cinema programmes, seasons, and new release programming, coupled with an extensive knowledge of the current local and global film landscape cinema history. They will bring a deep understanding of changing trends in film consumption, audience experiences, and distribution models, as well as the ability to balance creative vision with commercial needs. With experience managing change at a senior level, and delivering and managing budgets with strong financial acumen, the Head of Cinema will have the ability to build effective, mutually beneficial relationships across departments within the Barbican and throughout the City of London Corporation. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is critical, as well as experience working on family and accessible programmes. No specific number of years of experience or specific educational credentials are required.

Compensation and Benefits

The Barbican offers a competitive and equitable compensation and benefits package including an annual salary range of £63,910 to £72,390. Benefits include 28 days annual holidays plus Bank Holidays, time off to volunteer, financial support, and time off for professional skills training, and as an employee of the City Corporation, access to a range of exclusive discounts and privileges. All employees will automatically be admitted to the City of London Corporation’s Pension Scheme. A relocation package will be offered if the candidate is not based locally.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit this link .

As a purpose-driven organisation, the Barbican’s values inform its work as well as its everyday decisions. The Barbican wants to ensure that creativity, inclusion, community, and enterprise are an essential part of the Barbican. By underpinning everything it does with its organisational values, by being inclusive, connected, sustainable, and daring, and by approaching its work in a joyful way, the Barbican hopes that being part of the Barbican community will become a positive, life-enhancing experience for everyone.

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