At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation and operational excellence at a world-renowned arts centre.
- Company: The Barbican, a vibrant multidisciplinary international arts centre in London.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, pension scheme, discounts, and employee volunteering opportunities.
- Other info: Join us at a pivotal moment as we celebrate 50 years of artistic excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of culture while driving innovation and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations with strong financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
- Level of DBS required for this role: None required
- Level of vetting required?: No security vetting is required
- Is this a politically restricted post?: No
- Does this post require a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check?: No
The job requirements are detailed below.
Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included.
Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance
The Barbican is a multidisciplinary international arts centre in the City of London.
Across its theatres, concert halls, cinemas, galleries, business venues, public and community spaces, the Barbican showcases the most exciting artists and performers from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways.
Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.
Firmly rooted in its neighbourhood, the Barbican collaborates on projects with local communities, and supports young people and emerging talent to develop their artistic practice and access jobs in the creative industry.
As we approach our 50th anniversary, the Barbican stands at a pivotal moment.
We are transforming into a 21st century organisation celebrating our people, place and programme, throwing open our doors and welcoming the world to join us.
Our physical transformation takes a step forward in 2027 as we commence the first phase of restoration and renewal works.
Through all of this combined, we are building the foundations for the next generation of experiences and cultural leadership.
To help realise this ambition, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our newly formed Executive Team.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Experience Officer and Chief of Staff, you will play a critical role in shaping the future direction of the Barbican.
You will lead organisational transformation, drive operational excellence and ensure the Centre is equipped with the systems, structures, resources and culture needed to thrive in the decades ahead.
As COO, you will take strategic responsibility for the operational and financial success of the organisation, overseeing major capital programmes, organisational development, financial sustainability and the delivery of a resilient and dynamic arts programme.
You will champion an inclusive, audience-informed and commercially astute approach that enables creativity, innovation and long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across the organisation as a member of the Executive Team.
- Drive organisational and cultural change, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative environment.
- Lead financial planning, reporting and performance to support informed decision-making and long-term sustainability.
- Deliver a balanced budget and establish foundations for future growth and revenue generation.
- Build agile and effective operational structures and systems.
- Oversee the development and delivery of artistic programming frameworks aligned with audience and creative strategies.
- Lead major capital transformation projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Act as custodian of the Barbican's heritage, estate and visual identity.
- Build and maintain influential relationships across the City of London Corporation, arts sector and wider stakeholder landscape.
- Support fundraising, communications and advocacy activities, acting as an ambassador for the Barbican nationally and internationally.
About You
We are looking for a strategic, inspiring and commercially minded leader with a track record of delivering transformation within complex organisations.
You will bring
- Significant senior leadership experience in a comparable executive role.
- Experience leading large, multifaceted teams through change and transformation.
- Outstanding financial and commercial acumen, including management of substantial operational and capital budgets.
- Experience building successful strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
- A proven ability to drive organisational performance while nurturing positive culture change.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence representing an organisation at the highest levels.
- Experience shaping and delivering ambitious programmes within a complex organisational environment.
- Knowledge of best practice, regulation and emerging trends relevant to the role.
Experience within the arts, culture, architecture, finance or business management sectors would be advantageous.
For more details, please see the ‘Job Information Pack’.
What We Offer
- Barbican Membership
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Access to Barbican Centre discounts including offers at the Barbican Shop and hospitality outlets
- City Corporation staff benefits and discounts throughout the City of London, including at Tower Bridge, Guildhall Art Gallery and others
- Reciprocal entry to a number of galleries and museums across London
- Employee volunteering scheme (up to 2 days per year)
- A vibrant, creative, inclusive workplace at one of the world’s leading arts centres
This is an exceptional opportunity to help define the next chapter of a globally recognised cultural institution.
You will join at a moment of unprecedented transformation and play a central role in renewing the Barbican's people, programme and place while helping to shape the future cultural landscape of the City of London.
If you are a visionary operational leader who can combine strategic thinking, commercial insight and cultural ambition, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now to help lead the Barbican into its next 50 years.
EEO and Diversity Statement
The City of London Corporation want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.
The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation – and is committed to regularly benchmarking and reviewing pay against external sectors.
As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of staff within the Barbican we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from groups that are currently underrepresented, including people from the Global Majority and D/deaf and disabled people.
We want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve.
We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.
Please contact us if you require reasonable adjustments as part of the application process.
Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or, have been racialised as 'ethnic minorities'.
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Chief Operating Officer employer: The City Of London
The City of London Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits including 24 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Our work culture prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, providing opportunities to contribute to the conservation of beautiful public spaces in the vibrant community of West Ham Park. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and dynamic work environment.
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