Executive Producer in Cardiff

Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fueled by a national passion for human connection through song. In its 80th anniversary year, we are committed to reimagining the company as a contemporary opera company, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales but international in its ambition. We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNOCC as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

In this next chapter, we seek an exceptional Executive Producer to join our executive team, working alongside our fellow Directors to deliver world-class productions, deepen relationships and grow audiences that will power our future. With the right team alongside us, we believe this is possible.

Essential Criteria:

• Proven track record of senior leadership within arts organisations, including setting direction, delivering multi-year outcomes and leading and inspiring diverse and complex teams.
• Significant experience of producing theatre and/or large-scale live performance.
• A track record in successfully designing and delivering against complex budgets, providing financial oversight and accountability.
• Demonstrable experience and advanced skills in leading negotiations and contracting.
• Strong networks across arts and creative industries, and a track record designing creative collaborations and partnerships.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding and knowledge of Theatre Tax Credit and Orchestra Tax Credit.
• Experience of UK touring.
• A passion for youth and community engagement and knowledge of contemporary best practice and safeguarding.
• Existing knowledge of Welsh culture and/or strong commitment to learning.
• Job offer contingent on a successful DBS check, as they will be overseeing work with children and vulnerable adults.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of Opera and Classical music.
• Experience using event planning and scheduling software, e.g., DIESE.
• Ability to communicate in Cymraeg, or an active commitment to learning the language as part of ongoing professional development, recognising its importance to Welsh culture and to WNOCC’s engagement with its communities.
• Knowledge of leading sustainability initiatives in the arts sector, including the Theatre Green Book or comparable frameworks, and their strategic implementation.
• Proven commitment to embedding diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equality within organisational strategy, aligned with the company’s mission to eliminate barriers for marginalised communities within the cultural sector.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.

Reasonable Adjustments:

WNOCC is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email recruitment@wno.org.uk. We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS):

WNOCC operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria and who self-identify as a Person of the Global Majority, a disabled person, or as neurodivergent. Eligible candidates can request consideration under the scheme by emailing recruitment@wno.org.uk. Further details are available in the job description.

International Applications:

Candidates based in the UK or internationally are welcome. WNOCC may support Skilled Worker visa applications for successful candidates, subject to Home Office requirements and financial capability. Applicants requiring sponsorship are encouraged to indicate this within their application.

How to Apply:

For further information, please download the full job description. If you would like an informal conversation about the role, require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, or find the online application form inaccessible, please contact: recruitment@wno.org.uk.