Job description

Welsh Language Commitment

This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language. Cymraeg Job descriptions are available above under attachments.

Building the Opera Company of the future

We are at a defining moment in our history. Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fuelled by a national passion for human connection through song. In our 80th anniversary year, we are reimagining the company as a contemporary opera organisation, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales yet ambitious on the international stage.

We want to redefine what opera can be today, positioning WNO as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We aim to champion diversity on stage and in our audiences, proving that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

In this next chapter, we are seeking an exceptional Senior Producer to play a central role in supporting and delivering WNO’s core programme under the new artistic vision. Working closely with the Executive Producer and across the company, the Senior Producer will manage the planning and delivery of ambitious productions and projects that engage audiences across Wales, the UK and beyond. This is a key managerial role, combining creative insight with operational expertise to ensure our work is bold, inclusive and delivered to the highest standard.

You will bring a passion for opera and live performance, alongside the practical and strategic expertise to realise complex productions. You will thrive in a collaborative environment, building strong relationships with artists, partners and colleagues, and contributing to a culture that is inventive, open and forward-looking.

With the right team alongside us, we believe this is possible.

Sincerely,
Eich Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru / Your Welsh National Opera

Person Specifications

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience producing large-scale performing arts productions, ideally within opera, music theatre or complex touring work.
• Proven ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously, delivering to high artistic standards, on time and within budget.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
• Extensive experience negotiating and managing contracts, co-productions and partnerships.
• Excellent communication and relationship-management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across artistic, technical and administrative teams.
• Experience of touring productions and working with multiple venues and partners.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with high attention to detail, demonstrating initiative and a solutions-focussed approach.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and sustainability in professional practice.
• A collaborative and supportive working style, with a commitment to team-based delivery.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by rehearsal and performance schedules.
• Willingness to travel in the UK and internationally as required.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in opera or with orchestral and choral forces.
• Knowledge of UK and international producing contexts and funding landscapes.
• Experience supporting talent development or engagement programmes.
• Familiarity with rights licensing and repertoire management.
• Welsh language skills or a willingness to learn and engage with the Welsh language and culture.
• Experience representing an organisation externally at industry events and networking.
• Knowledge of leading sustainability initiatives in the arts sector, including the Theatre Green Book or comparable frameworks, and their strategic implementation.
• Proven commitment to embedding diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equality within organisational strategy, aligned with the company’s mission to eliminate barriers for marginalised communities within the cultural sector.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.

Reasonable Adjustments

WNO is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email recruitment@wno.org.uk. We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS)

WNO operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria and who self-identify as a Person of the Global Majority, a disabled person, or as neurodivergent. Eligible candidates can request consideration under the scheme by emailing recruitment@wno.org.uk. Further details are available in the job description.

How to Apply

For further information, please download the full job description. If you would like an informal conversation about the role, require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, or find the online application form inaccessible, please contact: recruitment@wno.org.uk.