Executive Director

Welsh Language Commitment: This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language.

Building the Opera Company of the future. We are at a defining moment in our history. 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 Director to join our executive team, working alongside our fellow Directors to grow our audiences, deepen relationships and secure the resources that will power our future. With the right team alongside us, we believe this is possible.

Essential Criteria

• Significant senior leadership experience at the Director level within a comparable arts or cultural organisation.
• Proven experience leading strategic planning within a complex organisation.
• Substantial experience overseeing financial management and control of a multi-million pound operation.
• Strong, influential networks across the arts and creative industries.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior internal and external stakeholders, including policy makers.
• Significant experience working with a Board or governing body in a comparable setting.
• High levels of personal integrity and transparency, with a clear commitment to good governance.
• Proven experience ensuring compliance across key legal and regulatory frameworks, including employment law, Health and Safety, HMRC, GDPR, contract management and organisational risk.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive organisational culture, delegate responsibility, build and manage teams and inspire staff to reach their potential.
• Knowledge of theatre production processes and/or large-scale live performance operations.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with unions.
• Knowledge of Theatre, Opera and Classical music.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate in Welsh, or an active commitment to learning the language as part of professional growth and engagement with stakeholders.

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.