Senior Manager, Schools Programme (COO51)

Arts Council England; Leeds, Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Arts Council England is seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead the operational delivery of its national schools’ programmes, focusing on Artsmark and the Cultural Education Network. The role will drive performance by shaping systems, processes and infrastructure, including CRM and Learning Management Systems.

You will lead a team, manage projects, use data and insights to inform decisions, and build partnerships across the organisation and with external stakeholders, while working in a

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead operational delivery at scale.
• Experience using data to inform decisions and drive improvements.
• Ability to build effective relationships across a complex organisation and with external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of national schools’ programmes (Artsmark and Cultural Education Network).
• Oversee development and implementation of digital systems (CRM, LMS) to support delivery.
• Drive performance through data insights and continuous improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

CRM

Learning Management Systems

Job description

Contract: Permanent, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)

Salary: £52,033 per annum Grade B plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.

Location: Leeds or Manchester ( The role will be based in any of the locations listed; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week)

Arts Council England is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Manager to lead the operational delivery of its national schools’ programmes, with a particular focus on Artsmark and the Cultural Education Network.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team and drive operational excellence across ambitious national programmes, ensuring that the systems, processes and infrastructure are in place to support their continued success and impact. You will lead the development and implementation of key digital systems, including CRM and Learning Management Systems, using data and insight to inform decision-making, improve performance and shape effective delivery.

You will bring strong leadership and project management skills, experience of using data to drive programme development and improvement, and the ability to build effective relationships and partnerships across a complex organisation and with external stakeholders. You will also have a good understanding of the education system in England and the role of the arts within it.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.

If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application.

We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/ or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.

About us

Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme.

Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact [e-mail]

Job ref: COO51

1 st Interview: 30 November and 01 December 2026

2 nd Interview: 07 December and 08 December 2026

Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact [e-mail]