National Programming Manager

Live Nation Worldwide, Inc.; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Concert and event access

Entertainment perks

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Wellness programs and mental health

Job summary

Venue Nation Australia, a dedicated division within Live Nation Australasia, is seeking a National Programming Manager on an 18-month fixed-term contract. This role can be based in Melbourne or Sydney and will oversee live calendar programming across our top venues.

You’ll source touring content, shape annual programming plans, negotiate with promoters and agents, and build lasting relationships with artists to maximise venue utilisation, attendance and revenue.

Qualifications

• Booking experience in venue, talent buying or programming.
• Proven ability to negotiate artist fees and contract terms.
• Strong budgeting, P&L management and financial forecasting skills.
• Ability to spot programming opportunities early and convert them into shows.
• Clear, credible communication that earns trust with promoters and teams.
• Genuine passion for live entertainment and flexibility for nights/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Identify artists and events planning to tour Australia and enter routing conversations early.
• Shape and deliver annual programming plans that fill dark dates and lift utilisation.
• Negotiate with promoters and agents to fill calendar gaps aligned with goals.
• Build lasting partnerships with promoters, agents and artists for future shows.
• Manage programming budgets, P&L and forecasts to meet revenue targets.
• Collaborate with Bookings, Marketing, Venue, Finance and Sponsorship teams.

Skills

Booking experience

Negotiation skills

Commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Relationship builder

Passion for live

Job description

Job Summary:

About Venue Nation:

Venue Nation Australia is a dedicated division within Live Nation Australasia (LNA), established to provide strategic leadership, drive innovation, and foster growth across the venue portfolio. The department focuses on delivering effective and efficient management of LNA’s diverse venues, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in the dynamic live entertainment market.

About the role:

Ready to put your stamp on the live calendar across some of Australia's best venues? Venue Nation Australia is looking for a National Programming Manager on an 18-month fixed-term contract, with this role open to candidates based in Melbourne or Sydney.

In this role, you'll chase the content that wouldn't normally play our rooms, from tours planning their Australian routing to shows no one else has thought to pitch. You'll lift venue utilisation, cut dark dates and drive attendance growth, while building the kind of relationships with promoters, agents and artists that make them want to come back.

What you’ll be doing:

• Content acquisition: Identify artists and events planning to tour Australia and get our venues into routing conversations early.
• Programming strategy: Shape and deliver annual programming plans that fill dark dates and lift utilisation across the portfolio.
• Deal making: Negotiate with promoters and agents to fill calendar gaps in line with strategic goals.
• Relationship building: Build lasting partnerships with promoters, agents and artists who trust our venues with their shows.
• Commercial ownership: Manage programming budgets, event P&Ls and forecasts to deliver revenue and profitability targets.
• Team collaboration: Work with Bookings, Marketing, Venue, Finance and Sponsorship teams to grow attendance, food and beverage spend and premium sales.

What you’ll bring:

• Booking experience: Proven background in venue booking, talent buying or event and festival programming.
• Negotiation skills: Confidence negotiating artist fees and contract terms.
• Commercial acumen: Solid experience managing budgets, P&Ls and financial forecasts.
• Strategic thinking: A knack for spotting programming opportunities early and turning them into confirmed shows.
• Relationship builder: Clear, credible communication that earns trust with promoters, agents, artists and internal teams.
• Passion for live: A genuine love of live entertainment and the flexibility to work nights and weekends when the job calls for it.

The Benefits:

• A vibrant, music-focused workplace fostering creativity and collaboration.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A flexible approach to when and where you work, designed to support balance in all aspects of life.
• Access to concerts, events, and other entertainment perks.
• A diverse, equitable workplace where every voice matters.
• Comprehensive benefits, from volunteer days to wellness programs and mental health support.

Equal Opportunities:

We are passionate and committed to our people and go beyond the rhetoric of diversity and inclusion. You will be working in an inclusive environment and be encouraged to bring your whole self to work. We will do all that we can to help you successfully balance your work and Homelife. As a growing business, we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with. It's talent that matters to us and we encourage applications from people irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status or caring responsibilities.