Chief Executive Officer

Lead the cultural renaissance:

Become the next CEO of the Barbican Centre:

The pay scale for this role, as per the 2025/26 Pay Policy Statement, is £189,960 - £220,050 plus £6,910 London weighting.

The Barbican Centre, a jewel in London's cultural crown, is seeking a transformative leader to guide its evolution. This isn't just a leadership role; it's a chance to sculpt the future of arts and culture in a globally significant institution. If you're a visionary with a passion for creativity and a drive for impact, this is your moment.

We're not just a multi-arts centre; we're a catalyst for creativity, a community cornerstone, and a global destination. You'll champion emerging talent, ignite cultural conversations, and ensure the Barbican remains a beacon of artistic excellence and a catalyst for social and cultural change. In a post-pandemic world, where the arts are vital to societal well-being, you will champion the Barbican, navigating challenges with strategic foresight and leadership and seizing unprecedented opportunities to elevate our global impact.

This role demands a leader who can seamlessly blend commercial acumen with artistic passion. You'll navigate a complex stakeholder environment and foster a positive relationship with City of London Corporation. You will be a driving force in driving innovation, securing funding, cultivating donor relationships and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Your ability to inspire, empower, and lead a high-performing team in a calm and steady manner through change will be paramount. As CEO, you'll be the architect of our future.

We seek a CEO with a proven track record in the creative/culture sector, a deep understanding of public-funded matrix-based organisations, and an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. You'll be a thought leader in cultural debates, advocating for the transformative power of the arts whilst driving commercial services.

The Barbican's ambitious Renewal programme presents a unique opportunity to reshape our iconic space, ensuring it remains a beacon of artistic excellence for future generations. More than just a leader, you'll be an ambassador, a spokesperson, and a visionary, building strategic partnerships, engaging with international stakeholders, and championing London's cultural vibrancy. Your exceptional communication skills will foster transparency, build trust, and inspire action.

If you're a dynamic, resilient, and visionary leader ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a world-class cultural institution, we invite you to join us. Lead the Barbican into a new era of artistic innovation and societal impact. This is your chance to leave a legacy that resonates across the globe.

The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis.

We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share.

Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs. This Salary figure will be reviewed annually from 1st of July in line with the pay award for other salaried staff within the City of London Corporation.

Accommodation: The option of funded accommodation at the Barbican Centre or consideration of an accommodation allowance will be discussed with the successful candidate who will be expected to be on-site for a minimum of four days each week.

Pension The pension scheme provided by the City of London is the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The LGPS is a public sector, statutory, funded, defined benefit pension scheme. Benefits are accrued based upon scheme member’s salary and the length of time for which they are a member of the scheme. You will automatically be admitted to the City of London Corporation’s Pension Scheme. Member contributions are based upon the rate of pensionable pay received by the scheme member

The Barbican Centre, City of London Corporation has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply,

please visit: www.rraresponses.com. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 27 April 2025.