Orchestra Manager, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
BBC £47,000 – £51,450 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. Closing date 16 July 2025
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrated for its dynamic performances and rich history, is looking to hire a new Orchestra Manager. This senior leadership role is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the orchestra and the pastoral care of the 87 salaried musicians that make up the orchestra.
Working closely with the Director and Head of Artistic Planning & Production at MediaCityUK, the Orchestra Manager helps shape a respectful, collaborative culture and ensures smooth delivery of the orchestra’s busy schedule. The role involves close coordination with internal committees, the Musicians’ Union, and BBC teams, as well as overseeing HR systems, recruitment, and leading the Orchestra Management team across rehearsals, concerts, and recordings in the UK and abroad.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated, and enthusiastic candidate to take on this role. Applicants should have significant management, HR, and project management experience. Due to the nature of the role, the Orchestra Manager is required to travel internationally and to work on evenings and weekends as dictated by the orchestra’s performance schedule.
For any further information or to discuss the role further, please contact Adam Szabo, Orchestra Director at adam.szabo@bbc.co.uk.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
Manage the day-to-day operation of the orchestra.
Earn trust, establish close working relationships, and communicate regularly and effectively with the musicians of the orchestra.
Ensure that the Orchestra works within the rules and regulations governing the employment of orchestral musicians as agreed with the Musicians’ Union and the BBC.
Be the immediate line manager of members of the orchestra, resolving all personnel matters.
Work closely with the orchestra’s MU Representatives and Health and Safety Committee on all appropriate matters, including the interpretation of Union agreements.
Oversee the completion of risk assessments for all orchestra activity with particular attention to Noise in the Workplace regulations.
Regularly monitor orchestral and production costs against budget, working alongside the Director and Business Accountant as part of the annual budgeting process.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
Substantial experience working with classical musicians.
Substantial experience managing musical events.
Substantial management experience, especially the ability to resolve difficult interpersonal situations amicably, with tact, sensitivity, and diplomacy.
Personable manner with the ability to build warm relationships with colleagues, partners and creative collaborators.
A clear understanding of budgets, and the ability to monitor and maintain departmental budgets.
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
Excellent planning and project management skills.
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:
A robust knowledge of the standard orchestral repertoire.
Experience resolving complex HR matters.
Experience managing risk and safety, especially as relating to Noise and Work in the live music sector.
0370 024 3477
Working closely with the Director and Head of Artistic Planning & Production at MediaCityUK, the Orchestra Manager helps shape a respectful, collaborative culture and ensures smooth delivery of the orchestra’s busy schedule. The role involves close coordination with internal committees, the Musicians’ Union, and BBC teams, as well as overseeing HR systems, recruitment, and leading the Orchestra Management team across rehearsals, concerts, and recordings in the UK and abroad.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated, and enthusiastic candidate to take on this role. Applicants should have significant management, HR, and project management experience. Due to the nature of the role, the Orchestra Manager is required to travel internationally and to work on evenings and weekends as dictated by the orchestra’s performance schedule.
For any further information or to discuss the role further, please contact Adam Szabo, Orchestra Director at adam.szabo@bbc.co.uk.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:
Manage the day-to-day operation of the orchestra.
Earn trust, establish close working relationships, and communicate regularly and effectively with the musicians of the orchestra.
Ensure that the Orchestra works within the rules and regulations governing the employment of orchestral musicians as agreed with the Musicians’ Union and the BBC.
Be the immediate line manager of members of the orchestra, resolving all personnel matters.
Work closely with the orchestra’s MU Representatives and Health and Safety Committee on all appropriate matters, including the interpretation of Union agreements.
Oversee the completion of risk assessments for all orchestra activity with particular attention to Noise in the Workplace regulations.
Regularly monitor orchestral and production costs against budget, working alongside the Director and Business Accountant as part of the annual budgeting process.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
Substantial experience working with classical musicians.
Substantial experience managing musical events.
Substantial management experience, especially the ability to resolve difficult interpersonal situations amicably, with tact, sensitivity, and diplomacy.
Personable manner with the ability to build warm relationships with colleagues, partners and creative collaborators.
A clear understanding of budgets, and the ability to monitor and maintain departmental budgets.
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
Excellent planning and project management skills.
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:
A robust knowledge of the standard orchestral repertoire.
Experience resolving complex HR matters.
Experience managing risk and safety, especially as relating to Noise and Work in the live music sector.
Contact details
bbccareers@bbc.co.uk0370 024 3477