London Craft Week is seeking a new Managing Director to lead the 2026 edition of the festival. This role offers great scope for an entrepreneurial individual to shape London Craft Week and further grow its reputation as the world’s leading festival for outstanding craftsmanship. The right candidate will combine strong commercial instinct with passion for extraordinary creativity across art, design and luxury sectors. The role will require you to work with flexibility, energy and commitment, leading sponsorship sales and managing the team to deliver and promote a diverse and engaging festival programme.
Salary: £75k.
Term: Fixed term until 31 May 2026 (maternity cover)
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record in cultural event management, strategic business development and/or sponsorship.
Desired Experience & Skills:
* Senior Leadership: Significant experience in a senior leadership role within the arts, culture, events, or luxury sectors, demonstrating commercial success
* Income Generation & Commercial Acumen: Strong history of securing high-value sponsorships and developing commercial partnerships
* Financial & Governance Oversight: Experience in financial management with P&L responsibility
* Stakeholder & Team Leadership: Exceptional skills in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders (sponsors, public bodies, VIPs) and inspiring/developing high-performing teams
* Strategic & Communication Excellence: Outstanding strategic planning capabilities, coupled with excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Festival/Event Direction: Ability to lead the strategy, development, and successful delivery of a large-scale cultural event
Key Attributes:
* Passion for Craft & Culture: A genuine enthusiasm for craftsmanship, art, design, and cultural events
* Entrepreneurial & Visionary: A proactive, forward-thinking individual who identifies new opportunities and drives growth
* Collaborative & Resilient: A natural collaborator who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
STRATEGY:
* In conjunction with the Chairman and programme team, lead on creating, developing and implementing LCW’s mission, strategy and festival programme.
* Ensure the timely and effective production of all necessary planning and evaluation material, including appropriate financial plans and accounts.
* Developing and maintaining excellent collaborative relationships with sponsors, commercial partners, public bodies and relevant stakeholders (current and potential)to enable LCW to achieve its strategic goals.
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT:
* Ensure that the organisation has the resources (human, material and financial) to operate as effectively as possible.
* Provide leadership to the LCW team, ensuring quality and timely output across all activities and maximising the potential of staff through training and development.
INCOME GENERATION:
* In conjunction with the Chairman, secure and manage the relationship with the Headline Sponsor.
* In conjunction with the Chairman and programme team, set stretching but realistic revenue targets covering: programme partners, International Pavilions, sponsors, advertising, ticket revenue, e-commerce and public sector.
* Ensure successful development and delivery of new and existing sponsor relationships.
* Develop new strategic partnerships that strengthen LCW’s financial position and offer new income generating opportunities.
* Work with programme team to develop a sales plan and manage relationships with an international network of partners
GOVERNANCE:
* Ensure London Craft Week Limited discharges its legal obligations to include HMRC (VAT and Corporation Tax), Companies House (inc confirmation statements, accounts, registered office address), GDPR, Health & Safety and Employment.
FINANCE:
* Lead the sustainable financial and operational management of the business, including managements of budgets and banking, and oversight of accounting firm.
* Develop new models for income generation, identifying commercial and business development opportunities.
OPERATIONS:
* Manage LCW’s workplace arrangements and associated services as required.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS:
* Develop and engage LCW’s VIP audience.
* Oversee the development of strategic marketing and PR plans to support the festival and enhance LCW’s reputation and profile.
* Recruit all marketing staff as may be necessary, and appoint and manage the relationship with the Public Relations agency.
* Appoint and manage the relationship with key suppliers: graphic designers, web development, media buying, research, delivery/couriers.
* Work with the design agency on identity, print collateral, advertising, posters, web templates, sales packs and on-site signage.
* Manage research and evaluation including designing and promoting visitor and programme partner surveys using Survey Monkey.
* Act as a spokesperson with press and stakeholders as required.
HOW TO APPLY
Click on the 'Apply now' button below. Please share your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in the role. The closing date for applications isThursday 17th July 2025, though we will review applications on a rolling basis.
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