Chief Operating Officer

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.

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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.
• A degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• 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.