Public Programmes Operations Lead

wellcome; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Office on Euston Road (London)

Job summary

Wellcome Collection in London is seeking a Public Programme Operations Lead to manage the operational and technical aspects of exhibitions and engagement programmes. You will develop systems, processes and capabilities to support planning, delivery and ongoing success.

You will line manage four roles, collaborate with Exhibition Project Management, Design Lead and Head Curator, and drive cross‑team governance, budgeting, risk management and audience‑focused delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience managing ambitious creative programmes in a museum, culture, or heritage setting.
• Programme management with planning, scheduling, risk and budget management.
• Strong written and verbal communication; presenting and facilitating across governance levels.
• Experience leading a team with solid management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the operational and technical aspects of Wellcome Collection's exhibitions and engagement programme.
• Line-manage four roles: Technical Manager, Production Assistant, Engagement Planning Manager and a Public Programmes Officer.
• Develop systems, tools, and processes to support planning, delivery and ongoing success of exhibitions and events.
• Oversee budgeting, monitoring, reporting, compliance, and health and safety standards.

Skills

Programme management

Budget management

Team leadership

Governance & reporting

Job description

Salary : Range from - £46,400 - £58,100

Closing date: 15th September

Contract type: Full time permanent

Interview dates: 1st stage w/c 21st September -remote/online

Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library. We believe everyone's experience of health matters. Through our collections, exhibitions and events, in books and online, we explore the past, present and future of health.

Wellcome Collection opened in 2007 and currently welcomes around 400k visitors per year. We care for many thousands of items relating to health, medicine and human experience, including rare books, artworks, films and videos, personal archives and objects. We're part of Wellcome, a charitable foundation supporting science to help build a healthier future for everyone.

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

You will be leading the Public Programme Operations team within the Curatorial and Public Programmes department, reporting to t he Head of Exhibitions, Design & Planning.

The Public Programme Operations team is a group of technical and operational experts and support staff who help to deliver Wellcome Collection's renowned programme of exhibitions and events. The team helps to ensure administrative and planning processes across the programme are effective, and also ensures the practical and technical aspects of our work are of the highest standard.

What will I be doing?

In this role you will manage the operational and technical aspects of Wellcome Collection's exhibitions and engagement programme, developing effective systems, processes, and team capabilities to support the planning, delivery, and ongoing success of exhibitions, displays, events, and public engagement activities. You will line manage four roles - the Technical Manager, Production Assistant, Engagement Planning Manager and a Public Programmes Officer. You will work closely with the Exhibition Project Management and Design Lead and Head Curator as well as collaborating with colleagues across the organisation.

• As the Public Programmes Operations Lead ,
• Lead the development of effective systems, tools, and processes to support successful delivery of the public programme.
• Oversee programme planning processes, budgeting, monitoring and reporting, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, financial controls, and risk management requirements.
• Provide leadership for technical and operational teams, ensuring the safe, accessible, and high-quality installation of exhibition and programme content.
• Drive cross-team collaboration across programming, content, digital, communications, marketing, and finance teams to support integrated planning and delivery.
• Maintain robust governance, compliance, and health and safety standards, developing and implementing policies and procedures that support best practice.
• Champion audience-focused planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement across the deparment.

Is this job for me ?

We are looking for an experienced cultural sector professional with a strong track record of delivering ambitious creative programmes within the museum, cultural, or heritage sector. You will bring expertise in programme planning, budgeting, risk management, and team leadership, alongside a sound understanding of the operational and technical requirements of exhibitions, events, and public engagement. An excellent communicator and relationship builder, you will be confident influencing and presenting at all levels, while managing complex priorities with resilience and professionalism. You will be committed to access, diversity, and inclusive practice, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams, inspire others, and adopt a practical, hands‑on approach to delivering exceptional audience experience

Minimum Criteria:

• Experience managing ambitious creative programmes in a museum, culture, or heritage setting.
• Programme management expertise with experience in planning, scheduling, risk and budget management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with expertise in presenting, advocating and facilitating across various levels of governance.
• Experience of leading a team, using strong management skills.

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome . We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be thems