Concerts & Projects Manager
Position Summary
The Concerts & Projects Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of several key areas of the orchestra’s core performance activity (including but not limited to: concerts in London and around the UK, commercial recording projects, the orchestra’s Garsington Opera residency and others).
Working in a fast-paced environment as part of a friendly, fun and creative team, the role of Concerts & Projects Manager provides a unique opportunity to work with leading musicians and conductors. Excellent organisational and budgeting skills, attention to detail, innovative thinking and a flexible approach to working will help you manage, develop and execute a diverse range of projects to the highest standard.
With oversight from the Senior Concerts Manager and Concerts Director, the post-holder will work closely with the Concerts Coordinators, Concerts Assistant and the Orchestra Operations Team in the delivery of outstanding performances in venues as varied as car parks, concert halls and country houses.
Key Responsibilities
* Planning and coordinating of the London Season at the Royal Festival Hall.
* Planning and co-ordination of the Orchestra’s residencies in the main season: Basingstoke, Bedford, Canterbury & Leicester and in the summer season: Garsington Opera and Three Choirs Festival.
* Planning and co-ordination of the Orchestra’s UK engagements.
* Preparing concert/project budgets, managing and maintaining set budgets and final reconciliations/invoicing.
* Liaising with the Orchestra’s Head of Production and Stage Managers regarding practical arrangements for all concerts and projects, including but not limited to stage plans, arranging stage extensions where required, truck requirements etc.
* Liaising closely with the Orchestra Librarians on orchestrations and editions for repertoire being performed or recorded.
* Supervising the Concerts Coordinators and Assistant in the practical delivery of contracts, PPE letters, tech riders, dressing room and security lists, rehearsal venue bookings, detailed schedule preparation etc.
* Keeping abreast of all relevant agreements and updates from the Association of British Orchestras and Musicians’ Union.
* Liaising with the Orchestra Committee and Artistic Committee regarding player matters as directed by Senior Concerts Manager/Concerts Director
* Attending concerts & projects in London and around the UK. Representing the Philharmonia with utmost professionalism at all times.
* Undertaking such other duties as may reasonably be required by the Company.
* Upholding and demonstrating the Orchestra's values.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
* Minimum three years’ experience in classical music administration;
* Demonstrable experience in performance production and scheduling;
* A strong passion for orchestral music;
* Meticulous attention to detail;
* Self-motivated and a diligent worker;
* Good organisational skills and time management;
* Excellent interpersonal skills, both written and verbal;
* Ability to problem solve independently;
* Ability to find creative solutions independently;
* Ability to work as part of a team;
* Ability to motivate junior colleagues;
* Willingness to have a hands-on and positive attitude during projects;
* Willingness to work unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends;
* Willingness to travel outside London, as required.
Desirable:
* Skills in concert management
* Previous employment with a symphony orchestra
* Knowledge of the working practices of a professional orchestra (including ABO/MU agreements that apply to a professional freelance orchestra)
* Knowledge of orchestral repertoire
Reporting Structure
Reporting to the Senior Concerts Manager.
Employment Type
Full time, based in London with weekend and evening work as required by the orchestra’s schedule.
Salary and Benefits
* £30-£35k, dependent on experience
* Pension contribution of 6% of salary to a qualifying scheme
Location
The role will be based at our administrative office in Southwark, London SE1; however, the role will require frequent travel within the UK (and possibly at times internationally)
Application Process
* Closing Date: Monday 29 September 2025
* First interviews: Thursday 2 October 2025
* Second round interviews: w/c 6 October 2025
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Philharmonia Orchestra is committed to ensuring equitable opportunities and a welcoming environment for all those that engage in our work. We strive for a more representative workforce and encourage applications from under-represented groups in the UK arts workforce, particularly those from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds, from lower socio-economic statuses, d/Deaf and Disabled applicants, and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any adjustments to apply for this position or attend an interview, get in touch with us via email with ‘Reasonable Adjustments – Philharmonia’ in the subject line.