Head of Commercial Programming

Queensland Performing Arts Centre; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Staff tickets

Staff discounts

Job summary

QPAC in Brisbane is seeking an exceptional programming leader to shape and drive QPAC's commercial programming strategy, bringing bold ideas, industry expertise and commercial ambition to one of Australia’s leading performing arts centres.

From blockbuster musical and theatre to circus, cabaret, magic and family entertainment, you’ll play a pivotal role in securing major productions, developing high-value partnerships and delivering exceptional experiences for audiences.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in performing arts programming or presenting.
• Proven track record of delivering commercially successful programs.
• Established networks with producers, promoters and presenting partners.
• Experience negotiating major commercial agreements and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Shape an ambitious, commercially successful live performance program.
• Maximise audience engagement and ticket revenue.
• Develop relationships with producers, promoters and partners nationally and internationally.
• Oversee major productions and co-presentations, including strategic initiatives.
• Lead high-value programming investments to deliver outstanding artistic and commercial outcomes.
• Inspire and develop a producing team.

Skills

Programming leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Job description

Queensland Performing Arts Centre – Melbourne VIC

Location: South Brisbane, Queensland (Brisbane-based role, relocation required)

Salary: $165,000 per annum + superannuation

Employment Type: Full-time | 3-year fixed-term appointment

Relocation Support: Available for interstate and international candidates

Application Closing Date: Sunday 8 November 2026

Your next big career move could take you to Brisbane!

Ready for a career opportunity worth relocating for? Join one of Australia's leading performing arts centres and take the lead in shaping major commercial productions, building influential national and international partnerships and bringing extraordinary performances to life.

A major leadership opportunity. A new city. An exciting next chapter.

About Us

At Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), we bring extraordinary performances and unforgettable experiences to life.

As one of Australia's leading performing arts centres, we welcome more than 1.5 million visitors to over 1,200 performances each year, presenting everything from world-renowned productions to exciting new Australian works.

We're passionate about connecting people through live performance, championing artistic excellence and creating experiences that inspire audiences. And we're looking for an exceptional leader to help shape what's next.

About The Role

Maximise audiences. Drive the vision. Bring extraordinary performance to life.

We're seeking an exceptional programming leader to shape and drive QPAC's commercial programming strategy, bringing bold ideas, industry expertise and commercial ambition to one of Australia's leading performing arts centres.

From blockbuster musical and theatre to circus, cabaret, magic and family entertainment, you'll play a pivotal role in securing major productions, developing high-value partnerships and delivering exceptional experiences for audiences.

Working closely with our Executive Director, Curatorial, you'll influence major programming decisions, lead significant commercial negotiations and build influential relationships with producers, promoters and presenting partners across Australia and internationally.

This is more than a programming role. It's an opportunity to influence the commercial and creative future of a major Australian cultural institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape the program Identify, secure and deliver an ambitious, commercially successful program of live performance.


• Drive commercial success Maximise audience engagement, ticket revenue and venue utilisation through strategic programming decisions.


• Build global connections Develop influential relationships with producers, promoters and presenting partners nationally and internationally.


• Lead major productions Oversee significant commercial projects, co-presentations and strategic initiatives, including QPAC's International Series.


• Turn ambition into results Lead high-value commercial negotiations and manage significant programming investments to deliver outstanding artistic and commercial outcomes.


• Inspire your team Lead and develop a talented producing team, fostering collaboration, innovation and exceptional outcomes.

About You

You're an experienced performing arts leader with sharp commercial instincts, exceptional industry connections and a genuine passion for live performance.

You know what makes a production successful, understand what audiences want and have the confidence to turn exciting opportunities into commercial reality.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience in performing arts programming, presenting or producing, ideally within major presenting venues, large-scale productions or touring environments, with a proven track record of delivering successful commercial outcomes.


• Extensive knowledge of national and international touring markets, particularly musical, theatre, cabaret, circus and family entertainment.


• Established industry networks and a proven ability to build strong relationships with producers, promoters and presenting partners.


• Demonstrated success negotiating commercial agreements, managing significant budgets and delivering financially successful programs.


• Proven ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams, influence strategic direction and navigate complex commercial and operational environments.

Above all, you're someone who can think big, build meaningful partnerships and deliver results.

Why Work at QPAC?

Because extraordinary careers deserve extraordinary stages.

Join one of Australia's leading performing arts centres at a defining moment in its evolution. With the addition of the Glasshouse Theatre expanding our stages and programming possibilities, there's never been a more exciting time to help shape QPAC's next chapter.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• A competitive salary: $165,000 per annum + superannuation.


• Make Brisbane your next move: Ready for a change of scenery? Bring your expertise to one of Australia's most exciting cultural destinations and enjoy everything Brisbane has to offer, with relocation support available to help make your move a reality.


• Make your mark on a national stage: Influence major programming decisions, shape commercial strategy and bring exceptional productions to life at one of Australia's leading performing arts centres.


• Connect with the best in the business: Build influential relationships and collaborate with leading Australian and international producers, promoters and presenting partners.


• Experience the magic of live performance: Enjoy complimentary and discounted tickets to performances, plus exclusive staff offers.


• Enjoy the perks of the precinct: Enjoy discounts across QPAC's dining outlets, merchandise and South Bank cultural precinct, including access to the QPAC Greenroom.


• Find your balance: Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible, alongside a passionate and collaborative team.

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, Disabled and Deaf people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of all ages.

https://www.qpac.com.au/about/careers/current-opportunities