Lead Programmer

Creative Scotland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural organization in Scotland is seeking a Lead Programmer to oversee and shape an exciting live performance programme. The ideal candidate will collaborate with the Live Performance team to deliver high-quality, diverse shows across various genres. A relocation allowance and flexible working options are among the benefits offered. Salary ranges from £36,000 to £40,000 per annum based on experience.

Benefits

Complimentary tickets to events

Discounted café/bar services

Flexible working options

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in live performance programming or similar roles.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong understanding of audience development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and shape the live performance programme.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure a diverse programme.
• Support the development of artist opportunities.

Skills

Live performance programming

Collaboration

Artist support development

Job description

Overview

We are currently seeking an experienced Lead Programmer to join our Live Performance team.

Eden Court’s mission is to inspire people to discover and love the arts by bringing the world to the Highlands and sharing Highland culture with the world. The Lead Programmer has a central role to play in this by securing an exciting, diverse and genre-spanning live performance programme from across Scotland, the UK and internationally, as well as through producing projects which showcase the best of the Highlands’ creative talent. Each year Eden Court present in the region of 350 performances of 175 different shows, which are seen by around 150,000 people. The programme spans drama, music, comedy, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, talks, touring musicals and orchestral concerts. The Lead Programmer will have oversight of this programme, working with the rest of the Live Performance team to ensure Eden Court continues to deliver a high-quality and diverse programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences.

Eden Court also produces its own shows and projects, including our annual music festival, Under Canvas and co-productions such as a 3-year partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres. Within this strand also sits an artist support scheme, Eden Court Connect. The Senior Producer leads on this area of work with support from the Lead Programmers and the rest of the Live Performance team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and shape the live performance programme to be exciting, diverse and genre-spanning, drawing on audiences in Scotland, the UK and internationally.
• Collaborate with the Live Performance team to ensure Eden Court delivers a high-quality and diverse programme that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
• Work on Eden Court’s own shows and projects, including music festivals and co-productions, in partnership with the Senior Producer and other team members.
• Support the development and execution of Eden Court Connect and related artist opportunities as part of the broader live performance strategy.

Details

JOB TITLE: Lead Programmer

SALARY: £36,000-40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent

LOCATION: Eden Court Highlands, Bishops Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA

DEPARTMENT: Live Performance + Producing

LINE MANAGER(S): Senior Producer

PENSION: Up to 6% Company contribution with The People’s Pension

HOLIDAYS: Full time equivalent allowance of 36 days of paid annual leave, inclusive of 8 public holidays. The annual leave allowance increases to 37 days after completing 1 year’s service up to a maximum of 41 days after 5 years’ service. Holiday entitlement will be pro-rated for those working less than 37.5 hours per week.

RELOCATION: A relocation allowance will be provided where required

OTHER BENEFITS: Complimentary and discounted tickets to events at Eden Court; Free soup and 20% staff discount at Eden Court’s Café/Bar; Enhanced benefits package; Free parking; Flexible working options

Please review the Job Pack on our website for full details of this vacancy and information on how to apply.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by Mon 20 Oct, 9am. The deadline is Monday 20 October 2025 at 09:00.

TAGGED: Audience Development / Dance / Festivals / Gaelic / Music / Theatre