Head of Programming Operations

A Full Time, Ongoing position with a base salary of $159,519 per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions. Applications close on Friday 6 March 2026 at 11:55pm.

The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. A globally recognised icon synonymous with inspiration and imagination, it’s one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and a World Heritage masterpiece that belongs to the people of NSW. Driving this incredible place is a team of passionate and dedicated people. Join us in shaping the Opera House’s future and be provided with opportunities to grow and develop while making a positive contribution to our community.

Step into leadership at the intersection of creativity and impact. As Head of Programming Operations at Sydney Opera House Presents, you’ll power the day‑to‑day engine behind extraordinary artistic experiences. From business systems and workflow to people leadership, reporting and risk management, you’ll ensure bold ideas become brilliantly delivered realities. This is a senior role for a collaborative, strategic thinker who thrives on building inclusive teams, strengthening partnerships and aligning artistic ambition with operational excellence. If you’re passionate about empowering people, optimising performance, and delivering outstanding cultural experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities/skills:

• Extensive senior leadership experience in theatre or live events, ideally as a General Manager or senior leader in a small–medium arts organisation.
• Proven ability to lead teams, allocate work effectively and build a cohesive, high‑performing culture focused on staff development.
• Strong financial management capability, including high‑level budgeting, oversight of overheads, and project‑based financial accountability.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, strategic planning, and delivering commercial‑level outputs across multiple concurrent programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of board‑level reports and confident, diplomatic stakeholder and client management.
• Advanced knowledge of business systems (Microsoft Office, databases, ticketing, financial and event management platforms) and how they integrate operationally.
• Strong operational oversight skills, including process improvement, risk mitigation, workflow management and cross‑department coordination.
• Highly adaptable, detail‑oriented problem‑solver able to manage competing programming demands in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments.

The Perks:

• 10% off onsite food and beverage outlets like Opera Bar and First Nations restaurant Midden.
• 5 weeks’ annual leave for all ongoing and temporary staff.
• Access to salary packaging and discounted health insurance.
• Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement initiatives.
• Staff community groups like SOH Pride, First Nations Staff Network, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (SEALs) and more.
• Fitness Passport and complimentary wellbeing programs including pilates, yoga, circuit classes, physiotherapy sessions as well as other wellbeing initiatives.
• Working for an organisation with a 6 Star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
• Working for an organisation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the world’s first arts organisation to join the UN’s Global Compact, an international sustainability initiative designed to build a better future for us all.
• Complimentary tickets to shows.
• And many more!

Equity and Inclusion:

The Opera House is an inclusive employer that recognises everyone is unique. The organisation welcomes you for who you are – as you are. So if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com to discuss. We welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, recognising the value, unique skills and knowledge that First Nations employees bring to the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders, people who are d/Deaf and/or with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, neurodiverse, refugees and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Need to Work Flexibly?

We know flexibility means different things to different people, so let us know how we can support you to be your best.

Sound Like You? Apply Now:

Please submit your cover letter and CV via our online portal. In addition, you will be prompted to answer the two following targeted questions in the online application platform:

• What interests you about this role, and why do you want to work at the Sydney Opera House?
• Provide an example of when you managed competing demands whilst supporting a team. What was the situation and how did you determine what was a priority?

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Pre‑Employment Health Assessment. A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and will be valid for a period of up to 18 months. Your personal information is being collected to enable the Sydney Opera House to assess your suitability for appointment to the position you have applied for. This personal information will be managed in accordance with the Sydney Opera House Privacy Management Policy and Plan. Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.