Public Programmes Operations Lead

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

Job summary

Wellcome Collection in the United Kingdom is seeking a Public Programme Operations Lead to manage the operational and technical aspects of exhibitions and engagement programmes.

You will line manage four roles, develop systems and processes, oversee budgeting and governance, and work across programming, digital, marketing and finance to deliver high-quality, accessible public programmes.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering ambitious public programmes in culture/museum/heritage settings.
• Proven programme planning, budgeting, and risk management.
• Strong written and verbal communication with governance experience.
• Experience leading a team and managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational and technical aspects of exhibitions and engagement programmes.
• Line manage four roles: Technical Manager, Production Assistant, Engagement Planning Manager, Public Programmes Officer.
• Develop systems, tools and processes to support programme planning and delivery.
• Oversee budgeting, monitoring and reporting to align with finance and risk controls.
• Collaborate across programming, content, digital, communications, marketing and finance teams.
• Maintain governance, health and safety standards and implement policy.

Skills

Programme management

Budget management

People management

Cross-team collaboration

Risk management

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 the 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 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 themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at [e-mail].

We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. Wellcome isn't just a supporter of great ideas, it's a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits and help our employees to develop in an open, respectful culture where differences are valued.