Executive Operational Director

Studio Wayne McGregor; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned arts organization in Greater London is seeking an Executive Operational Director to lead daily operations and optimize processes. The role involves managing a dynamic team, overseeing compliance, and sustaining operational excellence within the studio environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in cultural organizations, a robust understanding of facilities management, and a strong background in people management. Competitive salary and a supportive work culture are provided.

Benefits

Flexible working

Training budget

Access to events

Staff social events

Stakeholder pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience within a complex art, cultural, or creative organisation.
• Proven experience managing complex organisational structures.
• Experience overseeing compliance and health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational management of the studio.
• Maximise studio hire and manage bookings.
• Lead HR strategy and workforce planning.

Skills

Senior operational leadership experience

People management and HR strategy

Facilities management

Job description

Job Summary

The Executive Operational Director of Studio Wayne McGregor is a high-level leader who oversees the daily operations of Studio Wayne McGregor’s studio-based activities in London.

Job Description

The EOD is responsible for translating strategic vision into action by optimising processes, leading teams, managing budgets, ensuring compliance to achieve organisational goals, and acting as a crucial link between the Founder/Artistic Director and the CEO of Studio Wayne McGregor, and departmental operations and activities centred around the studio premises in London.

This senior role will have regular contact with the CEO and the Founder/Artistic Director of Studio Wayne McGregor, and a close working relationship with the Associate Director of SWM. The core focus of the role will be to (i) deliver effective management of the Studio at Here East (infrastructure, systems, resourcing), and (ii) support the delivery of the Learning and Engagement, and artist development programs (incl. Resident 6 and FreeSpace).

Job Requirements

Essential

• Senior operational leadership experience within a complex art, cultural, or creative organisation, with responsibility for translating strategy into effective day‑to‑day delivery.
• Proven experience managing people and organisational structures, including HR strategy, workforce planning, and working with freelancers and project-based staff.
• Demonstrable experience overseeing buildings or studio/venue operations, including facilities management, health & safety, compliance, and external suppliers or landlords.

Desired

• Experience working in a studio-based, artist-led, or performance organisation, particularly within dance or live performance.
• Experience supporting the delivery of learning, engagement, or artist development programmes alongside core operations.
• Experience maximising earned income or commercial use of creative spaces, such as studio hire or partnerships.

Job Responsibilities

This role oversees the operational, financial and strategic management of Studio Wayne McGregor. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day studio operations at Here East, maximising studio hire, overseeing bookings, residencies, health and safety, and building compliance, and supporting visiting artists and partners.

The role manages landlord and facilities relationships, translates organisational strategy into operational and financial frameworks, and shapes resourcing and structure. It leads financial stewardship across budgeting, audits, cash flow and diverse income streams.

The post also leads HR strategy, workforce planning and inclusive culture, ensuring robust freelance and project staffing practices. The role reports to the Board as part of the executive team, ensures strong governance, compliance and risk management, oversees digital systems, data integrity and IT security, and represents SWM in stakeholder relations, funding agreements and contractual negotiations.

Closing date

Monday 9th February 10am

Interviews

In person at the Studio (via Zoom where necessary)

Hours

4/5 days per week 10am – 6pm across Monday to Friday, but evening and weekend work may occasionally be required. SWM operates a Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) system. We would be open to a discussion and requests for alternative, part‑time hours and work patterns. Please do state in your application if this would be something you would like us to consider for you.

Salary

£50,000 pro‑rated per annum.

Holidays

25 days plus 8 days bank holidays, pro‑rated per annum.

Benefits

• Flexible working and a company culture that promotes good work/life balance.
• Training budget for every member of staff
• Access to stage rehearsals of CWM and Wayne McGregor works.
• Access to events hosted by Here East
• Discretionary additional time off around Christmas
• Staff social events
• SWM offers a designated stakeholder pension scheme.

HOW TO APPLY

Send a CV and Cover Letter (no more than 2 pages) and email to [e-mail].

We want you to complete your application in a way that is comfortable for you. If you would like to complete your application via audio or video, answering the questions in the application form, please email this to [e-mail].

Elements of the post may change and develop, though the general character of the job and level of duties and responsibilities will remain. This information will be periodically reviewed, revised, and updated in consultation with the post holder to reflect appropriate changes.